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Accommodation in Istanbul for long-term stays as a digital nomad
Finding accommodation in Istanbul for long term stays can be tricky in such a huge city — this guide helps you choose the best area.
Deciding where to stay in Istanbul isn’t simple. The former Constantinople is vast, with many diverse districts, each with its own style and identity. If you plan to spend a few weeks or months in this fascinating Turkish metropolis, you’ll need to pick a good accommodation in Istanbul for long term stays. Doing so properly will make the difference between a good experience and an unforgettable one. To make things easier, we’ve created this practical guide on where to stay in Istanbul for long stays. Keep reading; there’s plenty you should know.
Istanbul, located on the Bosphorus Strait, is half European and half Asian — a perfect blend of East and West that earned it World Heritage status. It’s also one of Europe’s most visited cities and Turkey’s cultural, historical, and economic hub. That means travellers come not only to admire the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia but also for business, studies, or remote work. Digital nomads, remote professionals, artists, and entrepreneurs all find their way here, creating a wide range of accommodation options for every budget.
In short, a four- or five-day trip to Istanbul (the minimum recommended stay) differs greatly from a longer visit. For short trips, Sultanahmet and Eminönü are ideal. For longer stays, Beşiktaş, Cihangir, and Kadıköy suit better. Don’t worry — we’ll gradually answer the question of where to stay in Istanbul for extended periods.
Where to stay in Istanbul: Long-term accommodation options
Before we explore Istanbul’s best districts, let’s review the main accommodation types available. Whether for remote work, study, business, or a few months of local life, you’ll be pleased to know this city offers far more affordable housing than many world capitals.
Below, we outline the best options for digital nomads, international students, and long-term travellers, including estimated prices and key benefits.
Coliving in Istanbul
Coliving spaces bring together digital nomads, remote workers, and international students. They combine coworking zones with shared and private living areas, allowing people to live communally while keeping privacy. Staying in a coliving can be rewarding — perfect for networking, forming friendships, and saving money.
In recent years, Istanbul’s coliving scene has grown, especially in Beyoğlu, Kadıköy, and Şişli. These areas offer practical, affordable solutions for digital nomads seeking accommodation in Istanbul. Therefore, they should be among your first choices if you enjoy community living. You can work efficiently while meeting like-minded people.
Some Istanbul colivings include Outsite (with locations worldwide), Colony, and Colife Istanbul.
- The cost of coliving depends on location, stay length, and optional services such as laundry.
- A private room usually costs around $385–660 (€350–600) per month.
- For a shared room, the price is considerably lower: $270 (€250).
- Most include high-speed Wi-Fi, communal kitchens, and group activities.
Furnished apartments
Furnished flats are another solid choice for travellers who value privacy. Let’s say communal living isn’t for everyone. That’s why, if you value silence and complete peace, an apartment is the best option for this need. Istanbul offers a wide range of ready-to-move-in studios and flats without long-term contracts.
Rent prices depend on apartment type, included services, and location.
- A studio or one-bedroom flat costs roughly $550–880 (€500–800) per month.
- Two-bedroom apartments in central areas range from $880–1,320 (€800–1,200) monthly.
Airbnb for seasonal stays
Airbnb is one of the world’s most popular accommodation platforms. In a tourist city like Istanbul, many hosts rent flats and houses to travellers, offering discounts for longer stays. Airbnb provides flexibility, privacy, and comfort during your time in Istanbul. Plus, you won’t need to worry about contracts, deposits, or extra paperwork.
Accommodation prices also depend on the area, property type, and included amenities.
- The estimated monthly price for studios or small flats ranges from $650–1,100 (€600–1,000).For larger apartments or those with Bosphorus views, prices start at $1,230 (€1,200).
Hotels: Are they a good long-term option in Istanbul?
Istanbul’s hotel scene is vast. But are hotels ideal for long stays? It depends. For travellers who value all-inclusive services — daily cleaning, laundry, breakfast, and 24/7 assistance — hotels can be a convenient choice. Some even offer discounts for stays longer than 30 days. They’re also practical for your first days while searching for more permanent accommodation.
However, long hotel stays are more expensive, even with discounts. Paying nightly for a month often exceeds $1,320–1,650 (€1,200–1,500) in mid-range hotels. Rooms are also smaller, and many lack proper workspaces. Therefore, they’re not the most practical solution for digital nomads.
Student and young professional residences
The most affordable long-term accommodation in Istanbul is student or professional residences. These options mainly target students or residents with study visas, but they can also suit digital nomads. They’re usually near universities and well-connected to the city centre.
- Private rooms in student residences cost roughly $330–550 (€300–500) per month.
- Shared rooms start from $220 (€200) monthly.
How to get internet in Istanbul
If you’ll live in Istanbul for a while, reliable internet is essential. Whether you’re working remotely, studying online, or using maps and translators, staying connected from day one is vital. So, besides finding where to stay, you’ll need internet access without relying on public Wi-Fi.
For shorter trips, the Istanbul eSIM is ideal, as you can buy unlimited data for specific days. However, for longer stays, Holafly’s monthly plans are a more practical and affordable choice. They provide from 25GB up to unlimited data through an eSIM, without replacing your physical SIM card. It activates instantly upon arrival, requires only a few steps, and has no hidden costs. Plus, it works in over 160 countries — perfect for weekend trips abroad.
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! 🚀🌍
Where to stay in Istanbul: Best districts and areas for a long stay
As mentioned earlier, Istanbul is enormous, spanning two continents and blending cultures, flavours, and histories. Each district has a unique character. Therefore, choosing where to stay for a long-term visit depends on your lifestyle, budget, and needs.
For instance, Sultanahmet is ideal if you’re staying only a few days. It’s the heart of Istanbul and the most historic area, therefore the most touristic district. There you’ll find attractions such as the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar. The Eminönü and Sirkeci districts are also great for short-term stays, offering lively, tourist-friendly environments with every traveller’s comfort.
However, if you prefer an authentic, local atmosphere away from crowds, there are better areas for longer stays. After all, if you plan to live here for a few months, you’ll have plenty of time to explore landmarks slowly. That’s the main advantage of living in Istanbul for a while — you’ll discover the city deeply, beyond what most visitors experience in four days.
So, let’s see the best Istanbul areas for digital nomads and long-term travellers.
Kadıköy
Looking for local life, art, and youth on Istanbul’s Asian side? Then Kadıköy is perfect for your temporary home. This district is vibrant, creative, and welcoming, packed with cafés, galleries, bookshops, and alternative bars. It’s ideal for those seeking a relaxed yet lively lifestyle surrounded by locals, away from mass tourism.
Kadıköy is also far more affordable than the European side. You’ll easily blend in with locals, especially students, and rarely see tourists. You’ll also find clothes and local products at great prices. However, nightlife here is quieter than in Taksim.
One inconvenience is that ferries stop running at midnight. After that, you’ll need a taxi or night bus to cross the Bosphorus. During the day, transport options include metro, buses, metrobus, and tram lines.
Accommodation-wise, you’ll find modern apart-hotels with fair monthly prices. Coliving spaces like Yerdeniz and Domus Co-Living also operate here, alongside many furnished apartments. For instance, a modern studio with sea views costs $550–880 (€500–800) per month.
Cihangir
For lovers of bohemian atmospheres, Cihangir is the best choice. Located in Beyoğlu, it has become one of the city’s most attractive districts for digital nomads. Its steep streets, terraces, and artistic vibe make it a peaceful yet central area with great connectivity. Once Istanbul’s French quarter, Cihangir retains a Parisian charm that makes it one of the city’s prettiest spots.
It’s quieter than tourist zones yet full of amenities. Nearby attractions include Taksim Square and Cihangir Park, while the Bosphorus and the Old City are easily reachable.
Regarding public transport connectivity, Taksim metro station (line M2) is just a 5-minute walk away. Several bus and tram lines also pass through the neighbourhood, making it an excellent base for getting around Istanbul.
Where to stay in Cihangir? The selection is varied. You’ll find boutique apart-hotels allowing monthly stays from $770 (€700), colivings, and stylish flats. Spaces like The Urban Loft mix design, peace, and coworking areas. As for the apartments, they have plenty of character, as some are located in renovated old buildings with balconies and lovely views. Monthly rents range from $650–1,100 (€600–1,000).
Beşiktaş
If you want local energy and strategic connectivity, you’ll love staying in Beşiktaş. It’s one of Istanbul’s most authentic areas, with strong local identity, student life, and a growing food scene. It’s perfect for living like a local while staying near the centre.
There’s plenty to do here. Barbaros Bulvarı leads to Bosphorus ports, where ferries connect both sides of the city. You’ll also find the magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace, blending Ottoman and European styles across more than 300 rooms.
You can also visit the fishing neighbourhood of Ortaköy and its stunning mosque by the Bosphorus — one of Istanbul’s prettiest landmarks. For nightlife, Beşiktaş hosts some of the city’s top clubs.
Public transport connectivity is excellent. Public transport is excellent, with ferries, metrobus lines, and nearby metro stations (M2 and M7) linking every part of Istanbul.
Accommodation options are diverse. In Levent and Etiler, apart-hotels provide rooms with kitchens and laundry, ideal for long stays. You’ll also find coliving spaces and one- or two-bedroom flats from $660–1,210 (€600–1,100), depending on the area.
Frequently asked questions about where to stay in Istanbul
Most rentals require at least 30 days. Airbnb, coliving, or furnished flats may offer flexible or weekly options.
If you’re a digital nomad, you’ll spend much of your day working in front of a computer. Therefore, finding accommodation in a quiet, less noisy area is essential. In this sense, the neighbourhoods of Cihangir and Kadıköy are ideal for remote work. Both offer peaceful cafés, good transport connections, a relaxed atmosphere, and excellent internet. Beşiktaş can also be a great option if you’re looking for a more local vibe, though it’s slightly livelier.
Absolutely! You’ll find plenty in Kadıköy, Şişli, and Levent. Many colivings include coworking areas like Kolektif House or Impact Hub.
Many can stay 90 days visa-free. Longer stays need a temporary residence permit (ikamet).
It depends on your lifestyle. Airbnb or coliving bookings only need your passport. For private contracts, some landlords may ask for a passport copy, proof of income, and in some cases, a Turkish tax number (Vergi Numarası).
