14-11-2022 -
Places
Best districts in Istanbul only Istanbulites know
Istanbul is a vast city, with so much to offer. Although there are so many spectacular places that almost all tourists have on their lists, you can get the most out of the city only by experiencing how life for a true Istanbulite is. Below destinations are the places only ones who have good taste hang out.
Cihangir
Cihangir is just attached to Taksim, the side facing Bosphorus. It has its name after Cihangir, the beloved son of Suleiman the Magnificent and Hurrem Sultan who died so young. Cihangir definitely has a style and a soul. Cihangir definitely has a style and a soul. Today, Cihangir is called an “artists’ and intellectuals’ distinct” with its residents of writers, actors, painters, and musicians. Also, it is a popular spot amongst the queer community. Although there are not many tourists, this place is one of the most preferred districts to live by expats. It is an extremely popular and lively neighborhood with magnificent sea views from the streets, cats on every corner, record shops, jazz sound rising from the corners, new generation cafes, minibars, hipsters, daily DJ performances in small shops, and famous bakeries. It is such an attractive place that even a single chair you can grab on the sidewalks is precious.
Nişantaşı
You may choose to remember Nişantaşı, one of the faces of modern Istanbul, with its old apartments or its architecture. However, when Nişantaşı is mentioned, only one thing comes to mind: shopping. This district, which has been identified with the middle-upper class and elites of Istanbul for more than 50 years, is known for its stores of world-famous brands, luxury and stylish cafes, entertainment venues and art galleries. It is one of the few streets with the highest rental prices in Turkey. In this district there is life the moment you step on the street, everything you want is at your fingertips. You can do many different activities on the same day here, and spending quality time is guaranteed. Nisantasi, which is illuminated from all sides in the New Year, is definitely worth seeing.
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Bagdat Caddesi
Baghdad Street and the coastline stretching along the sea parallel to it offer us a different kind of beauty than the European side. This is definitely a more peaceful place where life flows in a different rhythm than on the European Side. You can walk around and enjoy this district day and night, regardless of young, old or child. You can shop to the fullest, sit on benches, ride a bike on the beach or on the street, and skate. You can take your wine and have a picnic on the grass on the beach and look at the Prince Islands and this widest part of the Bosphorus. You can also enjoy many bars, clubs or restaurants with their unique style in the evenings. You can reach Baghdad Street by public transport, or you can choose to rent a car to wander along the coastline.
Ortaköy-Bebek-Sarıyer
This coastline starting from Kuruçeşme to Sarıyer is one of the districts where the wealthiest people of Istanbul live. It is also the place where you can feel the spirit of Istanbul and the Bosphorus most clearly. Along this entire coastline are restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy the deep blue waters of the Bosphorus. Neighborhoods such as Bebek, Emirgan, and Arnavutköy in this line are among the places where celebrities hang out most often. You can start from one end of this coastline and walk as far as you can. There are also boat tours that run along this lane. Renting a car may not be a good option for the heavy traffic in this lane. Look across the Bosphorus and enjoy the true spirit of Istanbul.
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