Best Areas To Stay In Istanbul - Recommended By A Local

The centerpiece of the vibrant Galata district is its 14th-century Galata Tower, revealing all-embracing views of the Bosphorus from the balcony. Beneath, pinched streets are home to chic bars, family-run restaurants and small shops. A social and cultural hub with some of the best activities in Istanbul, Galata possesses an array of monuments, ancient synagogues, churches and mosques. The Galata Mevlevi House Museum and cultural center is home to performances by Whirling Dervishes. The experience is not to be missed for anyone seeking the true essence of Istanbul. The poignant and captivating ceremony sees skilled Turkish Dervishes hypnotically spinning in deep prayer to the sound of reverberating, sonorous, Islamic hymns. For an authentic glimpse into Turkey’s cultural and spiritual past, Galata is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul and not to be missed if you have limited time in the city.

Taksim square is a popular local meeting point, full of restaurants, shops and hotels with a modern Istanbul edge. Meaning “division” or “distribution”, Taksim was once the point in which the main water lines from the north were collected, ready to be branched off to other parts of the city. Other than the impressive Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarşi) which boasts 5000 shops and is a vibrant hub of international and local trade, Taksim is one of the best places in Istanbul to wander labyrinths of goods and enjoy the ultimate Turkish shopping experience. Istanbul has a rich and diverse history that has influenced many civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans. Its historical importance is reflected in the city’s markets, food, architecture, and sites. Home to shops of every kind, and the best places for exquisite textiles, clothing, hand crafted ceramics, an afternoon spent exploring the maze of Taksim shops followed by a coffee with a Turkish delight is a great way to enjoy your time in Istanbul. Taksim offers colorful spices, sparkling jewelry, pretty lanterns, books, crafts and souvenirs, as well as sweets, including the well-loved dondurma; an ice cream that is thick and almost chewy. Perhaps party your way into the Istanbul evening, as the area has every kind of night entertainment on offer.

Fenerbahçe, a small, quiet neighborhood in the Kadikoy district on the Asian side, is serenely situated by the seaside and home to some of the best sunset views in the city. Cafes and restaurants by the marina are brimming with great beer, raki (the strong, national drink also known as Lion’s Milk) and iconic Turkish dishes. Make your way to Fenerbahçe Park for a peaceful break from the busy Istanbul streets. The district is easily accessible by public transport. From the European side, simply take the ferry from Eminonu or Karakoy and it takes around 20 minutes. Then, take a 'dolmus' or taxi and you'll be there in about 15 minutes. Take a walk, enjoy the views and explore a more peaceful area of Istanbul.

Istanbul is not particularly known for its abundance of parks and green spaces, given that it’s a thoroughly architecturally-focused metropolis. However, a few leafy areas have managed to survive the through the city’s urbanization and development, and people can escape to the more natural, rural space of Belgrad Forest. Belgrad Forest is a relaxing area to wander through deciduous trees and natural beauty. Around 15 kilometres outside the city, buses take off from Taksim to Belgrad regularly. Home to verdant running trails, picnic areas, and an arboretum, the forest was named after the thousands of Serbs who were deported from Belgrade in 1521 when it fell to the Ottomans. The giant park is now home to more than 2,000 exotic and native plant varieties. The Forest provides an off the beaten path activity in Istanbul, for those looking beyond the main tourist spots.