5 Best Neighborhoods to Live in Istanbul

Knowing the best neighborhoods to live in Istanbul can require insider knowledge. In recent years, moving to Turkey’s most attractive city has become more appealing to many people from all around the world. Because of this increasing migration, the Turkish government has set a 25% limit on the number of foreigners living in any given neighborhood. With this new regulation, many neighborhoods and even entire districts have already reached this limit, which makes finding a location to settle in Istanbul all the more challenging. In this article, we highlight the five the best neighborhoods to live in Istanbul, that are still largely available for foreigners to settle in.

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European Side Neighborhoods to Live in Istanbul

Cihangir

Up until the late 90s, Cihangir had been a quiet Turkish neighborhood. But since then its charm has started attracting ever more artists, journalists, and foreigners. With its increasingly Bohemian population, the neighborhood hosts many international and multicultural facilities. Beside its colorful culinary scene and nightlife, being closer to the main tourist attractions like Taksim Square and Galata Tower also makes it a highly desired place for foreigners to live. The neighborhood derives its name from the Cihangir Mosque built in 1559 by Turkey’s most celebrated architect, Mimar Sinan, in honor of Suleiman the Magnificent’s beloved son Cihangir, who died unexpectedly at the age of 22.

To rent: 12,000 to 60,000 TL per month

To buy: 1.3 to 20 million TL

Arnavutköy

Do you love the feel of fishing villages, picturesque colorful houses, Bosphorus views, and neatly paved stone streets? Then you must live in Arnavutköy!

In the mid-19th century, 31st Ottoman sultan Abdulmecid hired Albanians to pave the streets of Istanbul and those workers settled in this small waterfront village, which was later named Arnavutköy, which means “Albanian village”. Once full of Armenian, Jewish, and Greek families, today this neighborhood is still home for a large number of foreigners, as well as several hip bars and restaurants. It’s also a wonderful destination for simply taking a walk by the Bosphorus.

To rent: 12,000 to 35,000 TL

To buy: 3.5 to 96 million TL

Asian Side Neighborhoods to Live in Istanbul

Moda (Caferağa)

Moda is one one of Istanbul’s coolest neighborhoods! But don’t take our word for it: Time Out also placed Moda in their list of Coolest Neighborhoods In the World, and we agree with them. This lovely neighborhood is suitable for all ages and interests, featuring serenity, fun activities, good food, great views, and friendly locals. What else could you ask for?

To rent: 8500 to 65,000 TL

To buy: 1.7 to 38 million TL

Kuzguncuk

Another coastal neighborhood of Istanbul, full of trees and people from different religions living side by side, Kuzguncuk is a favorite of tourists and locals alike. The Church of St. Gregory, the New Mosque, and Bet Yaakov Synagogue have been welcoming their believers since the 19th century. The beautiful architecture of the colorful, old mansions seem lifted right out of a fairytale.

To rent: 7000 to 830,000 TL

To buy: 1.6 to 385 million TL

Anadolu Kavağı

Even though its name pops up on every tourist guide as a top Istanbul day trip, this neighborhood has a surprisingly lush and quiet village vibe. This largely green neighborhood is famous for its fish restaurants and a towering, 13th-century Genoese castle that once guarded the entrance to the Bosporus from the Black Sea. And one of Istanbul’s few swimmable beaches is located nearby at Poyrazköy.

To rent: 9000 to 200,000 TL

To buy: 1.4 to 750 million TL

Feeling inspired by this list of the best neighborhoods to live in Istanbul? Whether needing assistance with finding rental accommodation, purchasing property, or anything else you may encounter in trying to get settled in Turkey, we have a number of services that can help you.