Districts · Istanbul
Istanbul by district
Istanbul is huge, but a first visit stays on the European side. The old peninsula (Sultanahmet, Topkapı, Eminönü) is on the south bank of the Golden Horn; Karaköy, Galata and Beyoğlu are across the Galata Bridge on the north bank; Kadıköy and Üsküdar are on the Asian shore, reached by ferry.
About these names
Addresses are written by neighbourhood (mahalle) and street; give your driver the neighbourhood and a landmark, and show the pin on a map.
- SultanahmetseesleepSuits: First-timers, short stays, early sightsHagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern and the Hippodrome in one flat walk; quiet after 22:00, with carpet-shop touts in the main streets.Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern and the Hippodrome in one flat walk; quiet after 10:00 PM, with carpet-shop touts in the main streets.3 sights · 1 eats · 1 sleep areaDistrict guide →
- Topkapı and GülhaneseeSuits: The palace, the archaeology museums and a shaded parkThe palace sits on the point at the tip of the peninsula; Gülhane Park below it is the shade and the tram link.1 sights · 1 eatsDistrict guide →
- Eminönü and the bazaarsseeeatSuits: Spice Bazaar, ferry quays, fish sandwiches, dusk on the waterCrowded, loud and central; the tram, the ferries and the Galata Bridge all meet here.1 sights · 1 eatsDistrict guide →
- Karaköy and GalatasleepeatseeSuits: Cafés, galleries, the tower, evenings on the hillThe north-bank waterfront and the hill above it; steep cobbled lanes, good coffee and restaurants.1 sights · 2 eats · 1 sleep areaDistrict guide →
- Beyoğlu, Taksim and İstiklaleatsleepSuits: Nightlife, shopping, a late dinnerThe long pedestrian avenue and the bars behind it; busy and noisy until late.District guide →
- Fatih, Balat and FenerseeSuits: Old houses on the Golden Horn, a second dayQuiet residential lanes with small churches and cafés; steep and uneven.Short entry only: too little in this guide for a full page yet.
- Kadıköy and ÜsküdareatseeSuits: A ferry ride, markets, a local eveningThe Asian side: cheaper food, a big market and views back over the old city.District guide →
- Bosphorus villages (Ortaköy, Bebek, Arnavutköy)skip as a baseSuits: A slow afternoon by the waterWaterfront cafés and mosques on the strait; a car or bus ride from the old city.Short entry only: too little in this guide for a full page yet.
Hover, tap or tab to an area to see what it is like. Pins are sleep areas; arrows at the edge point to the airport.
Off the map: Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) (75–120 min by the usual route).
Not drawn yet (no coordinates in this guide): Beyoğlu, Taksim and İstiklal, Fatih, Balat and Fener, Kadıköy and Üsküdar, Bosphorus villages (Ortaköy, Bebek, Arnavutköy). See the table above.
Where’s what, as a list:
- Sultanahmet: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern and the Hippodrome in one flat walk; quiet after 22:00, with carpet-shop touts in the main streets.Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern and the Hippodrome in one flat walk; quiet after 10:00 PM, with carpet-shop touts in the main streets. Suits: First-timers, short stays, early sights. Price band $$.
- Topkapı and Gülhane: The palace sits on the point at the tip of the peninsula; Gülhane Park below it is the shade and the tram link. Suits: The palace, the archaeology museums and a shaded park.
- Eminönü and the bazaars: Crowded, loud and central; the tram, the ferries and the Galata Bridge all meet here. Suits: Spice Bazaar, ferry quays, fish sandwiches, dusk on the water.
- Karaköy and Galata: The north-bank waterfront and the hill above it; steep cobbled lanes, good coffee and restaurants. Suits: Cafés, galleries, the tower, evenings on the hill. Price band $$$.
- Beyoğlu, Taksim and İstiklal: The long pedestrian avenue and the bars behind it; busy and noisy until late. Suits: Nightlife, shopping, a late dinner.
- Fatih, Balat and Fener: Quiet residential lanes with small churches and cafés; steep and uneven. Suits: Old houses on the Golden Horn, a second day.
- Kadıköy and Üsküdar: The Asian side: cheaper food, a big market and views back over the old city. Suits: A ferry ride, markets, a local evening.
- Bosphorus villages (Ortaköy, Bebek, Arnavutköy): Waterfront cafés and mosques on the strait; a car or bus ride from the old city. Suits: A slow afternoon by the water.
- Sleep area Karaköy and Galata: suits Cafés, galleries, the tower, evenings on the hill, price band $$$.
- Sleep area Sultanahmet (old city): suits First-timers, short stays, early sights, price band $$.
- Istanbul Airport (IST), about 34 km21 mi from the centre, 60–100 min by the usual route.
- Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), 75–120 min by the usual route.