Districts of Istanbul
Collectively, 39 districts of Istanbul, spread over the European and Asian sides, make up this large city that is glorious in name and real life. Originally from before Byzantine times, the city, home to iconic landmarks and shopping streets like Istiklal Caddesi, influences the world. Istanbul attracts people worldwide, from the well-known Fatih district to cool cafes and vintage shops.
Whether you are looking for major tourist attractions or bohemian neighbourhoods to explore your creative side, the city delivers and promises much more. Before 2009, there were 32 districts, but now there are 39. Twenty-five districts are on the European side, and 14 are on the Asian side. Each is an administrative centre.
Some have notoriety thanks to famous sites or for their modern-day contribution to an urban lifestyle, while others keep low-key, off-the-grid reputations, attracting house buyers looking to get away from crowds. Each area is further divided into neighbourhoods known as Mahallesi. Although these are not administrative divisions, they have a Muhtar, otherwise known as a head man.
Guide to the 39 Districts of Istanbul
Areas and Neighbourhoods in European Istanbul
Arnavutkoy: Not to be confused with the more miniature village of the same name, Northern Arnavutkoy, in recent years, has attracted much attention because of mega projects like the new airport and the planned Canal route.
Avcilar: Once a small village and then a wealthy summer retreat, Avcilar had turned into an industrial factory town by the 1960s. These days, the rapid urban transformation has led to large residential complexes with extensive facilities and properties for sale.
Bagcilar: With excellent transport links, Bagcilar has shed past reputations for representing excellent urban planning through community and housing projects. Covering 23 kilometres, it sits between the TEM and D100 highways.
Bahcelievler: The name translates as “houses with gardens,” reflecting the middle-class status. Although tourists have little to explore, residents love the ideal location and frequent transport services. The area is also home to the Unverdi shopping centre.
Bakirkoy: This residential, coastal region earns admiration for commerce and shopping, with landmarks like the 76,000 square meters Carousel Shopping Centre hosting over 1 million visitors yearly with food, shops, and entertainment centres under one roof.
Basaksehir: Becoming an official region in 2009, Basaksehir's low-key reputation is away from tourism and property grids. Turkey's biggest artificial lake and Sular Vadesi Park, with walking tracks, playgrounds, and themed events, are local landmarks. However, the Mall of Istanbul shopping centre attracts many people.
Bayrampasa: Covering 8 square kilometres, Bayrampasa's historical claim to fame was producing artichokes. Although this is non-existent, the town still displays an artichoke statue for nostalgia. Breaking from the Eyup district in 1990, the name is after an Ottoman grand Vizier. Bayrampasa is also home to the main bus terminal for Istanbul, with services to the rest of Turkey.
Besiktas: Home to one of Turkey's most successful football teams, tourists visit Dolmabahce palace, the last ruling centre for the Ottoman sultans, and Ortakoy mosque famously appears in travel magazines, while Panayia Greek Orthodox Church maintains esteemed status. The ferry port serves Kadikoy, Üsküdar, and Eminent, while daily life on the pier promotes hip neighbourhoods.
Beylikduzu: For green landscapes, head to Beylikduzu, which has the highest ratio. Also known for delightful seaside towns like Gurpinar and Adnan Kahveci neighbourhood, the area's popularity on property markets is thanks to excellent prices per square meter. The area has grown commercially thanks to various social amenities and real estate projects.
Beyoglu District: Sometimes called the new part, Beyoglu enjoys an international reputation for hotels, coffee shops, food, culture, and nighttime party vibes. Istiklal Street, Turkey's busiest street, includes landmarks from the 20th century, like the Taksim Independence Monument. This area features Taksim Square and the Galata area, while the Cukurcuma area excels in antique shops. Life is always busy here, so expect constant crowds.
Buyukcekmece: Sancaklar mosque, an international award-winning architectural design, stunning 26 kilometres of coastline, and a historical bridge designed by Mimar Sinan, a famous Ottoman architect, make Buyukcekmece popular on domestic tourism scenes.
Catalca: Sitting on the outskirts of the European city centre, Catalca is a favourite weekend destination for locals and enjoys a reputation as a retirement and summer home destination. Two notable landmarks are Yalikoy, a holiday coastal resort with cute cafes, and Cilingoz National Park.
Esenler District: Previously called Litros, the Esenler neighbourhood stays off the mainstream grid despite its prominent inland position. With no tourist attractions, this lesser-talked-about region doesn’t host many tourists.
Esenyurt: Over the last ten years, Esenyurt has undergone rapid transformation as large property investments have prompted the construction of new cultural centres and parks. With three shopping centres and a large university, this bustling hub attracts foreign property buyers.
Eyup: The 19th-century Eyup Sultan Mosque and Pierre Loti café, with amazing Golden Horn views, make Eyup popular with the average visitor, who is not expecting so much. Conservative locals and families love the Islamic historical importance, and mass housing projects attract people from further afield. This isn't where to find party spots but tranquil atmospheres.
Fatih: Most first-time visitors have been to this historical peninsula and old walled city part, where the Sultanahmet neighbourhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes historical sites like the Hagia Sophia, the Basilica cistern, Blue Mosque and Topkapi palace, and souvenir shops. Other prominent places include Fener, Balat, the old Jewish and Greek quarters, and Eminonu, which sits on the Golden Horn. The Beyazit area includes Istanbul University, alongside the economic activities of tourism. In the Çukurbostan neighbourhood, Yavuz Selim's 16th-century mosque earns admiration and visits Kariye mosque.
Gaziosmanpasa: After rapid population growth, Gaziosmanpasa was divided into three areas in 2009. However, because of poor facilities, it remains low-key. Recent urban planning developments hope to put the area on the map.
Gungoren: This small district, comprising just 11 conservative family neighbourhoods, is unable to keep up with other areas regarding shopping, eating, and entertainment facilities. Yet, for some locals, that is the charm and lifestyle they want.
Kagithane: Middle-class workers who often buy property in Kagithane and commute into the main city centres love this region, which has much future potential, good transport services, and a well-established reputation. Its addition to the new M11 metro route has also boosted the profile.
Kucukcekmece: Including the larger lake with the same name, investors flocked to Kucukcekmece because of the planned Istanbul Canal route and masses of new housing estates. The TEM and E5 highways sit close by, making this area ideal for commuters.
Sariyer: Home of significant attractions like Emirgan Park, Rumelihisari Castle, and Ataturk Arboretum and sitting next to Belgrade Forest, this populous neighbourhood has characteristics of nostalgic eras. Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge also sits in the Garipçe neighbourhood, and its location opens the Bosphorus up to the Black Sea. Housing prices are more than average but expect incredible vibes.
Silivri: 18 small villages and eight neighbourhoods form budget-friendly Silivri, which borders the Tekirdag province. Receiving little international attention, most locals like summer when the 45-kilometre coastline promotes fun.
Sultangazi: Founded in 2009, Sultangazi is a multicultural hub of 14 small neighbourhoods and one village. It earned fame because of its Ottoman stone aqueduct systems, some still in use. One border sits next to the prominent TEM highway.
Sisli: Home to popular places like Esentepe and Nisanti, high-profile Sisli includes landmarks like the Istanbul Military Museum, Turk Telekom stadium, four shopping malls, and two tall skyscrapers. Home prices are not budget-friendly, but exclusive living.
Zeytinburnu: Translating into “olive cape,” Zeytinburnu's historical landmarks include Constantinople's old city walls. Dividing into 13 neighbourhoods, the area did not capitalise on the success of nearby Fatih and remains low-key on the international travel and property-for-sale scenes.
Asian Istanbul - The Anatolia Side
Adalar District: Despite an off-shore location, Adalar, often called Princes Islands, hosts thousands of weekly tourists. Reached by ferry from major European and Asian ports, the classical Ottoman architecture and traffic-free lifestyles are key themes.
Atasehir: In 1993, urban plans turned this bustling region into a satellite town, and tall skyscrapers appeal to families and students attending nearby universities. The finance hub, matching America's Wall Street, is here, and one place is named after Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic.
Beykoz: If you want to live in green areas with unforgettable views and quiet streets, Beykoz fits perfectly. Sitting at the Bosphorus entrance, famous and rich locals own old wooden Yali mansions, hence the exclusive aura. The Kavacık area earns fame for its connection to the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge.
Cekmekoy: The family-friendly residential area comprises 17 separate neighbourhoods and four small villages. Students flock there because of the nearby university, and hardcore shoppers will be surprised with what's for sale.
Kadikoy: This populous area hosts day-trippers eager to sample the lively nightlife scene, trendy cafes, and Turkish cuisine in the famous fish market. This cosmopolitan coastal town boasts famous landmarks like Bahariye Street, Bagdat Avenue shopping haven, and the nostalgic Haydar Pasa train station. The ferry terminal operates services to other places, and exploring the narrow streets reveals many hidden surprises.
Kartal District: Meaning eagle in Turkish, Kartal's urban projects attract much attention. Other urban regeneration projects include better transport, shopping, housing, education, and health facilities. This place has potential and much to offer.
Maltepe: The distance from the central city hub has not deterred families and first-time budget buyers from tapping into affordable housing markets. Residents respect the long coastline, frequent transport, and social, shopping, and family entertainment centres.
Pendik: Also far from the main centres, in 1970, rural Pendik evolved to become a small town offering everything and anything for comfortable lifestyles. Sabiha Gokcen Airport, Istanbul Park, and the Formula 1 racetrack are significant landmarks.
Sancaktepe District: Residents of this popular spot love neighbouring forested areas and natural landscapes that belong to Turkey's most populated and largest city. Its inland status doesn't deter buyers since the coastline is just a 40-minute drive.
Sultanbeyli: This landlocked region was a farming area until 1945 and grew from a small village to a working-class suburb. It now comprises 15 modest neighbourhoods, and the conservative, family atmosphere maintains a low-key reputation.
Sile: Turks from large cities throughout the country have summer and retirement homes in Sile. Beaches, the quaint harbour, and seaside restaurants make for idyllic daytime trips with beautiful views, so the population boosts during summer.
Tuzla: In the 1980s, leading Turkish shipbuilders overtook Tuzla's fishing industry. Turks from the bustling city centre own summer and retirement homes in Tuzla. Altogether, there are 17 neighbourhoods, all with good locations in town. Sit in coffee shops with locals, or enjoy the restaurants with Marmara Sea views.
Umraniye: Voted as a clean area, conservative Umraniye underwent urban development through better transport and roads and increased shopping and eating facilities. This boosted the housing market, but don't expect substantial party scenes.
Uskudar: Despite being highly populated, Uskudar hosts day-trippers and outdoor cafes, and many residents choose to stay away from the more popular European side. There are incredible views from the shore across to Maidens Tower. Evening is an excellent time to visit for beautiful sunset views, while Beylerbeyi Palace attracts fame and admiration.
People Also Ask
What is the Most Beautiful Istanbul District?
This depends on your definition of beauty. Some say Sultanahmet is beautiful because of boutique hotels with rooftop views of iconic landmarks. However, we like places on the Bosphorus shorelines because you can't beat those views. Home to Yali mansions and palaces, the Bosphorus is simply delightful!
What is the Biggest District of Istanbul?
The biggest in terms of size is Catalca on the European side, which often amazes first-time visitors, given its profile away from the mainstream tourism scenes. With beautiful views, both inland and out to sea, residential neighbourhoods boast of quiet streets. But in terms of population, this falls to Esenyurt, which earns fame in property markets thanks to affordable prices.
What is the Smallest District of Istanbul?
Güngören is Istanbul’s smallest district, covering just 7 square kilometres. With roughly 280,000 residents, the inland district is mainly industrial and working class. There aren't famous sites or tourist spots.
Famous Streets in Istanbul
Istiklal Avenue, in the populous district of Beyoglu, is the most famous street surrounded by photogenic neighbourhoods. Winding streets make their way to other popular sites like French Street, which earns fame for the hip cafes and live music. Meanwhile, Bagdat Avenue (Bağdat Caddesi) and Abdi İpekçi Caddesi in Nisantasi have several high-rated hotels for luxury, as well as boutique shops that can easily wipe out your wages. Both run through valuable neighbourhoods with much real estate value. Look to Galip Dede Caddesi in Galata for arts and music, or visit Beyazit Square and sit with the locals.
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So, call us today to find out more about the vibrant neighbourhoods and districts of Istanbul. Our Istanbul area guide continues with a wealth of articles talking about what to see, where to go, and highlights. We also highlight prominent districts and local news that will interest anyone visiting the city for the first time. Read them all in our Istanbul blog archives.
