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Best neighborhood to stay in Istanbul as a digital nomad
Discover the best neighbourhoods to stay in Istanbul: safe areas, cultural life and options for students and nomads.
Istanbul is a captivating city where Europe and Asia meet. It offers a vibrant mix of history, modernity, and cultural diversity. With over 15 million inhabitants, the city offers a wide range of neighbourhoods refelcting all tastes and preferences. From modern, cosmopolitan areas to traditional neighbourhoods with local charm, and peaceful spots by the Bosphorus, there’s a place for everyone. If you’re looking for the best neighborhood to stay in Istanbul, you’ll find various options that showcase the city’s unique blend of old and new.
In this article, you’ll explore the best neighbourhoods and areas to stay in Istanbul. We’ll explore their key characteristics, advantages, and the aspects that attract both locals and foreigners. Whether you’re seeking a bohemian vibe, a family-friendly environment, more affordable options, or exclusive areas, you’ll find the information you need to select the ideal location.
Get ready to explore Turkey’s largest city from a new perspective. Find the perfect neighbourhood for your lifestyle.
The 4 Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in Istanbul
When choosing where to stay in Istanbul, several factors come into play. Safety, air quality, access to hospitals and schools and public transport are essnetial. Digital connectivity, cultural offerings, and proximity to shops and green spaces also matter. The cost of living, population density, and urban planning in each area also have an impact. Below, we present the most prominent neighbourhoods to live in Istanbul and the reasons that make them ideal choices.
Beşiktaş
Beşiktaş is one of the most dynamic districts on the European side of Istanbul, known for its strategic location by the Bosphorus and excellent urban infrastructure. The area has an extensive public transport network (metro, buses, ferries), making it easy to move around to other parts of the city.
In terms of services, it has quality hospitals, renowned universities, and a large cultural offering with museums, stadiums, and theatres. Additionally, its vibrant nightlife, cafés, and restaurants make it an area ideal for foreigners looking for leisure and socialising.
Safety, social cohesion, and proximity to commercial areas make Beşiktaş one of the best options for foreigners and young families who value urban connectivity and comfort.
Nişantaşı (Şişli)
Located also on the European side, Nişantaşı is known for its sophisticated and cosmopolitan atmosphere. It is a modern area that stands out for its urban planning, luxury shops, fine dining restaurants, and international boutiques. The healthcare infrastructure is top-notch, with nearby clinics and hospitals, as well as private schools and universities, making it an ideal area for families and professionals with high purchasing power.
Although the cost of living is high, it offers security, quality residential spaces, good digital connectivity, and easy access to central Istanbul. It’s one of the preferred areas if you’re looking for an urban, comfortable, and safe lifestyle.
Kadıköy and Moda
On the Asian side, Kadıköy and its coastal neighbourhood Moda offer a more relaxed and bohemian experience. This area is highly appreciated for its social cohesion, local markets, cafés, bookshops, and cultural spaces. The connectivity with the European side is excellent thanks to ferries, the metro, and buses. Additionally, Moda stands out for its parks, proximity to the sea and green spaces, which improve air quality and provide a healthier environment.
Access to basic services, hospitals, universities, and cultural centres is abundant, while it maintains a more residential and quieter atmosphere compared to the centre. It’s an ideal place for students, young professionals, and foreigners who value a safe environment, an active community life, and a more affordable cost of living than in exclusive areas.
Sarıyer
Sarıyer, located to the north of the European side, is one of the calmest and greenest areas in Istanbul. With neighbourhoods such as Emirgan and Tarabya, it offers a residential atmosphere surrounded by forests and with privileged views of the Bosphorus. It is highly valued by families and people seeking safety, low population density, and better air quality compared to central areas.
The area has good international schools, access to hospitals, and basic services, although the distance to the city centre can be a disadvantage for those working in other parts of the city. However, it offers peace, more orderly urban planning, less noise and light pollution, as well as open spaces for leisure and sports.
Best Neighbourhoods to Stay as a Digital Nomad in Istanbul
Discover the areas in Istanbul that attract digital nomads the most, with coworking spaces, coliving options, and active communities that make it easier to work and enjoy the city at the same time.
Kadıköy and Moda
Kadıköy, especially its coastal area called Moda, is one of the most attractive places for digital nomads in Istanbul. Here, you’ll experience a bohemian, youthful, and relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of cafés, bookshops, and coworking spaces perfect for remote work. The area also offers good digital connectivity, green spaces by the sea, an active cultural life, and efficient transport (ferries, metro, buses) connecting it to the rest of the city.
- Recommended coworkings: IDEA Kadıköy Located in Moda (Caferağa). Great sea views, a garden to work outside, shared indoor spaces. eOfis Bahariye Plaza In Bahariye (Kadıköy). A flexible coworking/office space, well-located, near transport and services.
- Recommended cafés with wifi: Moda Teras Buselik In Moda, has a terrace, relaxed atmosphere, ideal for working for a few hours from the café. Free Wi-Fi. Cherrybean Café (Moda) Mentioned in nomad forums as a place with decent wifi, tables, and a “chill” atmosphere for work. Coffee Manifesto (Moda or Yeldeğirmeni) is also recommended as one of the best cafés for working. It has a good atmosphere, wifi, and decent plugs, according to users.
- Coliving: Nest Digital Nomad House, Kadıköy A coliving space with a shared kitchen, coworking areas, and pleasant common spaces.
This area is quite safe, ideal for living as a digital nomad, but always choose well-lit areas with movement, main streets.
Cihangir (Beyoğlu)
Cihangir, in the Beyoğlu district, is known for its artistic and multicultural atmosphere. For years, it has been home to intellectuals, artists, and foreigners, making it a welcoming place for digital nomads seeking community and inspiration.
The neighbourhood offers a large number of cafés with good internet, creative studios, coliving spaces, and an active cultural life. Additionally, it is very close to Taksim and historic areas, providing easy access to transport and a wide variety of leisure activities. It’s perfect for people who value a creative, diverse environment with lots of community life.
- Recommended coworkings: Kolektif House (Beyoğlu) It has spaces in Beyoğlu, a well-known brand in Istanbul with good services. COWO Located near Taksim Beyoğlu. Great facilities, comfortable spaces for remote work.
- Recommended cafés with wifi: In Cihangir, you’ll find many charming small cafés: Tables in alleys, views of the Bosphorus or the Golden Horn, wifi, power outlets. Users report that places like Türk-Alman Kitabevi, EspressoLab in Karaköy, or cafés in Akarsu Yokuşu work well.
- There are hostels and furnished residences in Beyoğlu that offer semi-community environments which could work as coliving spaces.
Cihangir is quite good in terms of safety for many digital nomads, especially if you choose areas close to the centre, well-connected; but you should avoid darker peripheral areas or those with little night-time activity.
Kartal
On the Asian side, Kartal has become an emerging area with modern residential complexes, views of the Sea of Marmara, and good infrastructure. It also has access to the metro and new transport lines that facilitate mobility. Its new residential spaces often include gyms, integrated coworking spaces, and high digital connectivity, making it attractive to digital nomads looking for a balance of modernity, comfort, and more affordable prices compared to central areas.
Atasehir
Atasehir, also on the Asian side, is considered the modern financial district of Istanbul. Its skyscrapers, offices, and shopping malls make it a practical option for digital nomads who value modern infrastructure, fast digital connectivity, and access to premium services.
In Ataşehir, you’ll find several options for working comfortably: Coworkings from chains like Workinton have locations throughout Istanbul and likely have a spot near you; you can also rely on cafés with wifi inside shopping centres or main streets, which usually offer power outlets and a relaxed atmosphere.
The Importance of Being Connected to the Internet as a Digital Nomad in Istanbul
For a digital nomad, internet connection is not a luxury, but a daily necessity. In Istanbul, working remotely means being always connected to reply to emails, coordinate virtual meetings, manage cloud projects, or simply stay in touch with clients and teams in other countries. While the city offers good internet infrastructure, relying solely on cafés or accommodation Wi-Fi can be risky: speeds can vary, there’s not always stability, and in some cases, network security is not guaranteed.
That’s why having your own reliable mobile connection is essential to maintain productivity at all times, whether you’re working from a coworking in Kadıköy, a café in Cihangir, or while travelling by public transport.
One of the most practical solutions to ensure connectivity in Istanbul is opting for Holafly’s monthly plans. This option removes the need for physical SIM cards, making it ideal for travellers and digital nomads who need to set up the plan in minutes upon arrival in Turkey.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Which are the Best Neighbourhoods in Istanbul for Students?
Istanbul is also one of the most attractive academic destinations for international students. With renowned universities, a diverse environment, and neighbourhoods combining tradition and modernity, this metropolis offers options for all student lifestyles. Choosing the right area to live can make a huge difference in your experience: Safety, community, specialised accommodation, study cafés, and nearby libraries are key factors.
Kadıköy (and Moda / Caferağa)
Located on the Asian side, close to many universities, with good connections (ferries, metro, buses) to other parts of the city. It has a young, cultural, bohemian vibe. There’s a great offering of cafés, study spaces, social life, and a student community. Good balance between cost and services: Accommodation, transport, and food tend to be more affordable than in the more exclusive European side neighbourhoods.
It has modern residences with strong internet, study rooms, and a good location close to transport. There are also official dorms from universities such as Piri Reis, with several residences in Maltepe and Kadıköy.
In Moda and Caferağa, you’ll find many quiet cafés with decent wifi, large tables, and a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for studying. There are also cafés near the Kadıköy pier that are popular among students.
If you’re looking for a quiet place to study in Istanbul, there are several gems: The IPA Istanbul Library, perfect for topics like architecture or urbanism, with a modern and specialised atmosphere; and the İBB Atatürk Library, as well as the BİLGİ Libraries within Istanbul Bilgi University, where you’ll find comprehensive collections, rooms for solo or group work, and access to digital databases that make everything much easier.
Üsküdar / Maltepe
This area is quieter than central districts, but with good connections to the rest of Istanbul. Housing prices are often more affordable, with more space and newer homes in some developments. There are universities and large educational complexes nearby, which helps foster a student community.
In areas like Maltepe and Üsküdar you can find university dorms and private residences, as well as dorms listed by Piri Reis or KYK, which are worth checking depending on the university you attend. For studying, there are plenty of quiet cafés near main avenues, the coast, or shopping centres, where it’s common to see students reading or working. If you prefer something more formal, the Istanbul Medeniyet University Library in Üsküdar offers spacious modern rooms, group study spaces, and conference rooms, while municipal libraries are another option, though with more limited hours.
Beyoğlu (Cihangir, Taksim, Şişhane)
Living in Beyoğlu has a special charm: It’s a central area that saves you time on commuting if your university is on the European side, and it also concentrates a huge cultural offering, nightlife, bookshops, cafés, and study spaces. Its vibrant, multicultural atmosphere attracts many international students looking for an urban cosmopolitan experience, where there’s always something to do or discover.
In terms of accommodation, you’ll find university dorms, shared apartments, and private residences, many of which are well-connected by metro and have services designed for students. For studying outside the house, the cafés in Cihangir are perfect for their peaceful atmosphere, while in İstiklal, there are several options (it’s better to choose the less touristy ones). And if you prefer a more academic setting, the Atatürk Library in Taksim and facilities at universities like Bilgi offer modern, well-equipped spaces for focusing.
Which is the best neighbourhood to stay in Istanbul?
Kadıköy, especially the Moda area, is considered one of the best for its safe environment, multicultural vibe, good transport connections, and wide cultural offering. Here, students, artists, and foreigners live together, giving it a cosmopolitan and welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, its connectivity is one of its greatest advantages: ferries, metro, trams, and buses make it easy to move quickly to both the European side and other parts of the Asian side.
The quality of life also works in its favour: quiet streets, parks by the sea, modern cafés, bookstores, and cultural spaces that allow you to enjoy the urban rhythm without losing your peace. This is complemented by hospitals, universities, coworking spaces, residences, and well-distributed services, all at a more reasonable cost compared to exclusive areas like Nişantaşı or Levent. With its mix of culture, leisure, services, and accessibility, Kadıköy–Moda becomes one of the best choices for living, whether for studies, work, or a season as a digital nomad.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in Istanbul
Kadıköy, especially the Moda area, is considered one of the best for its safe, multicultural atmosphere, good transport connections, and wide cultural offerings.
Areas such as Kadıköy, Moda, Ataşehir, and Üsküdar are known for their safety and calm atmosphere, making them ideal for families and digital nomads alike.
Cihangir (Beyoğlu), Kadıköy, and Ataşehir are popular options due to their coworking spaces, wifi cafés, coliving options, and nomad communities.
Districts like Kartal or Maltepe, on the Asian side, offer more affordable rents and good infrastructure, though they are a little further from the city centre.
Yes, areas like Nişantaşı, Levent, or Bebek tend to have high rent and service prices, but they offer a luxurious lifestyle, exclusive shops, and good security.
