Top 10 Local Neighborhoods in Istanbul
If you want to spend your day in the city like a local, here are the top ten local neighborhoods in Istanbul. Each of these districts is unique in terms of environment, eateries, and regulars. After reading our article, it should be clear which one is the best fit for you. Let’s discover.
Topağacı
Topağacı, which is located on the European side, has grown in popularity in recent years. It’s a neighborhood where you can effortlessly hang out, interact, and meet new people, and it is particularly popular among those aged 25-40 who work in the business, creative, or fashion sectors. On weekdays, it is often favored by people who reside or work here. During weekends, the neighborhood is packed with regulars from all around Istanbul. The locations that are popular after work, especially on weekdays, are generally in the style pub/cocktail bar or tavern (meyhane). There are also numerous coffee shops in the neighborhood. There are also small boutique shops that sell accessories, clothing and houseware, if you are in the mood for shopping.
In the mood for a coffee? Try Spada or MOC
In the mood for a cocktail or night out? Try Grotesk or Efendi
In the mood for a Turkish style tavern? Try Topağacı Meyhanesi or Ahali
In the mood for wine & dine? Try Divine or Federal
Teşvikiye
Teşvikiye is a neighborhood close to Topağacı where more posh places and high-fashion people assemble. Usually it’s a place to see and to be seen. You can shop all high segment brands here such as, Prada, Chanel, Montblanc, and Louis Vuitton. There are also many designer stores and Turkish brands. Teşvikiye is a good place to go for lunch or coffee during the day, or for a happy hour with luxury cocktails and an elegant dinner.
In the mood for a coffee or lunch? Try Beymen Brasserie or House Cafe
In the mood for cocktails or wine & dine? Try Delicatessen or Must
In the mood for a traditional Turkish cuisine? Try Hünkar or Tatbak
In the mood for a fancy dinner? Try Spago
Cihangir
Cihangir, located on Istanbul’s European side, is one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city, with many actors, actresses, and writers as regulars. From breakfast to after dinner, it’s a bustling place. It’s a very casual and welcoming environment where you can feel at ease and relax while hanging out.
In the mood for a breakfast? Try Süt Yumurta Reçel or Van Kahvaltı Evi
In the mood for lunch or coffee? Try Smyrna or Rose Marine
In the mood for a rakı-meze or rakı-balık? Try Demeti or Hayat Meyhanesi
In the mood for a cocktail or beer? Try Geyik or Kaktüs
Yeldeğirmeni
Yeldeğirmeni district in Kadıköy has recently grown in popularity. As the more modest part of Kadıköy, across the ferry piers, there are various options for young people to spend their time. There are sacred, one-of-a-kind eateries. It is densely packed with historic homes. On the other hand, every street goes to the sea, so it’s pleasant to stroll to the neighborhood with a view of the sea and spend some time in one of the lovely cafes.
In the mood for a breakfast or coffee? Try Mill Bakery
In the mood for a lunch? Try Sale Pepe
In the mood for a drink and snacks? Try Mucha
Moda
Moda, located in Kadıköy, is a seaside neighborhood with a green area nearby. You can stroll through or get a beer and a cup of coffee and relax here in peace. In addition, the region is home to a variety of local eateries open all day. If you want to try something new, there is a theatre hall where you can see good dramas with advance tickets and a concert hall where you can see many popular Turkish singers and bands.
In the mood for a breakfast? Try Brekkie or Naan Bakeshop
In the mood for a beer/cocktail/wine and appetizers? Try Muaf or Yer Moda
In the mood for a rakı-meze or rakı-balık? Try Koço or Cibalikapı Balıkçısı
In the mood for a good screenplay or concert? Try Moda Sahnesi or Kayıkhane
Akaretler
Akaretler, which connects Beşiktaş with Nişantaşı, is a lengthy boulevard packed with restaurants. The buildings on the street each have their own distinct style, contributing to the distinctive character of the neighborhood. When Akaretler conducts art fairs, the streets become quite packed and vibrant. The area is very popular with the younger generation.
In the mood for a coffee or desert? Try Minoa or Mendel’s
In the mood for a beer or cocktail? Try BeerHall, White Mill or Pepe Rosso GastroPub
In the mood for a fancy dinner? Try Vogue
In the mood for a casual lunch or dinner? Try Happy Moon’s
Bomonti
Bomonti is a prominent area with several good restaurants. The most distinctive feature of Bomonti is Bomontiada, a large building with a garden and numerous restaurants and cafes in the concept of the place. Bomontiada, a large building with a garden and various restaurants and cafes in the concept of the location, is the most unique part of Bomonti. Bomontiada also accommodates many musicians and ensembles and is a famous nightlife destination. Apart from Bomontiada, there are several fancy and known restaurants where you may enjoy a good supper or cocktails.
In the mood for a coffee? Try Montag
In the mood for a beer and appetizers? Try The Populist
In the mood a dinner and cocktails? Try Batard or İsola
In the mood for rakı-meze? Try Kiva or Afil
In the mood for a Michelen Stared dinner? Try Turk Fatih Tukak
In the mood for sushi and drinkd? Try Wu
Bebek
Bebek, one of the oldest and most famous neighborhoods on the Bosphorus, is a very stylish area. If you go to Bebek, it will not be a casual experience, regardless of whether it is day or night. If you go during the day, it’s a fantastic area to relax with a view of the sea and have some coffee. Don’t forget to dress in your best fashionable sportswear! Bebek is also highly popular in the evenings for an upscale dinner or a night out on the town.
In the mood for a breakfast or coffee? Try Bebek Kahvesi, Petra or Mangerie
In the mood for an elegant dinner? Try Bebek Balıkçı
In the mood for a fancy night out? Try Lucca
Emirgan
Emirgan is one of the most welcoming and peaceful neighborhoods to visit. It’s on the Bosphorus and has a lot of interesting places. If you visit this place, start your day with breakfast, then relax by the seashore or in Emirgan Korusu, and then wine and dine in the afternoon. If you are looking for art, there is also a well-known museum called Sabancı Museum.
In the mood for breakfast? Try Emirgan Sütiş or Padoca
In the mood for a coffee? Try Espresso Lab
In the mood for a good lunch? Try Havandan
In the mood for exquisite cuisine? Try MSA’nın restoranı
In the mood for great bakeries? Try Breathtaking or Beam Bakes
In the mood for a boutique experience? Try Zeyta or Misk Flower Cafe
Suadiye
Suadiye, on Istanbul’s Anatolian side, is one of the most popular areas to hang out on this side of the city. Suadiye is located in the Bağdat Caddesi area, which is well-known for its stores and long walking paths. Badat Caddesi is bustling throughout day and night with people walking, shopping, and stopping by cafes to eat and drink.
In the mood for breakfast or coffee? Try Kokoa or Beyaz Fırın
In the mood for lunch? Try Strada
In the mood for dinner and cocktails? Try Townhouse or Ysabel
