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Istanbul neighborhood recommendations?

Posted by on

My husband and I are planning to stay in a hotel or rent an apartment in Istanbul for 4 days, but we have no idea where to stay! Being walking-distance from the major tourist sites isn't the highest priority to us... We really enjoy staying in young, hip areas with great restaurants, bars, boutiques, etc. We love staying in the Marais in Paris, and in Trastevere in Rome, if that is any help!

Can anyone offer any neighborhood recommendations?

From what I've read online, I don't think we would stay in Sultanahmet, it sounds like it's pretty dead in the evenings. Should we focus on Beyoglu, or somewhere else? Any specific part of Beyoglu that we might love? Thanks in advance!

Posted by
14 posts

Beyoglu or Galata are the best neighborhoods in the European side. You can live like a local in your 4 days and visit the city as a tourist.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beyo%C4%9Flu

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galata

Or you can be around in Kuzguncuk : https://www.google.com.tr/search?q=kuzguncuk&client=firefox-a&hs=Klj&rls=org.mozilla:tr:official&channel=fflb&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=ikGSU8D7LMSg7AbnjYC4Dw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih=623

Posted by
30 posts

Thanks so much! I will check out all of those recommendations.

How is Beyoglu different from Galata, as far as the feel of the neighborhood?

Posted by
14 posts

Actually Galata is a part of Beyoglu but it's a small area with its tower and very artistic&famous zone that's why I typed it like an other neighborhood.

Beyoglu is a huge neighborhood and you need to know where is safe and unsafe. For example, Cihangir and Galata are very elite but the streets in the northwest of Tarlabasi Avenue is quite dangerous, especially at nights.

I can name where you should look for in Beyoglu:
Istiklal Caddesi, Galata, Cihangir, Asmalimescit, Galatasaray

Or you can try Karaköy, Kabatas, Harbiye which are close to Beyoglu, 5-10 mins by walking.

Good luck!

Posted by
30 posts

Thank you!!! I will search for those neighborhoods, much appreciated!

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