Istanbul Districts: Your Next Travel to Istanbul
Traveling between the different Istanbul districts is an integral part of the overall tourist experience, as each area offers a unique experience for visitors. On the European side, you find famous historical areas such as Sultanahmet, which is considered the historical heart of the city, or Taksim, which features Istiklal Street. On the Asian side, the areas are quieter and less crowded compared to the European side, such as Üsküdar and Kadıköy, among others.
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Taksim District
Taksim district is a famous tourist destination and one of the most well-known Istanbul districts. Historically, it was an area for dividing and distributing water to the city’s neighborhoods. Today, Taksim offers a unique blend of historical and modern attractions, making it a popular tourist spot for visitors from around the world. At its center is Taksim Square, known for its many tourist, entertainment, and cultural sites, as well as restaurants and hotels. It is also an ideal place for public celebrations.
Sultanahmet District
Sultanahmet district is considered the historical heart of Istanbul. This area is home to many tourist attractions, such as mosques, gardens, museums, restaurants, and markets, making it an ideal destination for tourism in Turkey. It is distinguished by its rich history and historical heritage, evident in its many mosques, museums, and more. It is also one of the most crowded Istanbul districts with tourists from all over the world.
Ortaköy District
Ortaköy district, located on the European side of Istanbul, features many restaurants and hotels. It is an ideal destination for having a great time and enjoying the stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait. The area also includes several historical landmarks, museums, and mosques. Visitors can enjoy walking, cycling, and strolling around the district, as well as dining in restaurants that overlook the beautiful sea.
Fatih District
Fatih district was one of the most important areas in the eastern part of the Roman Empire in ancient times and is now one of the earliest established Istanbul districts on the European side. It is home to many of the oldest palaces, mosques, and markets, making it one of the most famous Istanbul districts. It includes the Fatih Mosque, the Dress Street, the affordable Friday Market, and Fatih Street, which is considered one of the most beautiful streets in Istanbul.
Şişli District
Şişli district is a major center for business and shopping in Istanbul, offering a diverse range of entertainment and historical options. Located on the European side of the city, it is easily accessible via public transportation. Architecturally influenced by 19th-century French culture, Şişli is a fantastic destination for tourists due to its shopping centers, museums, and mosques, including the Atatürk Museum.
Florya District
Florya is a tourist area among the most upscale Istanbul districts, stretching along the shores of the Sea of Marmara. It is known for its stunning natural landscapes and charming beaches that provide an ideal environment for relaxation and recreation. The area features attractions such as the aquatic aquarium and the beautiful Florya Park, as well as malls offering international brands. Historically, Florya was a favorite spot of Atatürk for enjoying swimming and relaxing on its beautiful sandy beaches.
Beşiktaş District
Beşiktaş district is one of the coastal Istanbul districts, overlooking the sea and the Bosphorus Bridge. It ranks second after Taksim, which is about 2.8 kilometers away. Beşiktaş features many attractive sites for visitors, including Sinan Pasha Mosque, the Naval Museum, Beşiktaş Bazaar, Yıldız Park, and Dolmabahçe Palace, along with other historical museums, art galleries, and bustling markets. The district also offers beautiful Bosphorus cruises.
Kadıköy District
Kadıköy district is one of the most important tourist centers in the city and in Turkey as a whole. It is a residential and commercial area, including Kadıköy Port, which serves as a major transport hub, connecting the Asian and European sides of Istanbul across the Bosphorus Strait. Kadıköy is known for its colorful streets, historical sites, and open parks, including Umbrella Street, Sunday Bazaar, and many more.
Üsküdar District
Üsküdar district is located on the Asian side of Istanbul. It boasts a strategic location on the Bosphorus Strait, surrounded by hills and natural landscapes. The district is home to Turkey’s largest mosque and has a population of over half a million people. It enjoys a mild climate and wonderful atmosphere throughout the year. Üsküdar is considered one of the best destinations in Istanbul for strolling along the Bosphorus and enjoying the breathtaking views of the sea and the city.
Eminönü District
Eminönü district is one of the coastal Istanbul districts, and it stands out for its strategic location and unique tourist appeal, with stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait. It features historical landmarks that reflect Istanbul’s rich Ottoman heritage. Eminönü is known for offering a variety of enjoyable recreational and cultural activities and is home to famous attractions such as Eminönü Port, Süleymaniye Mosque, the Egyptian Bazaar, and Galata Bridge, making it an ideal destination for sightseeing tours in Istanbul.
Bebek District
Bebek district on Istanbul’s European side is renowned for its beautiful coastal climate and ideal location along the Bosphorus Strait. The district reflects the significant interest of its wealthy residents. It was once a small village called Halay, inhabited by fishermen and used as a resting place for ships during their journeys. The name later changed to Bebek, and today, Bebek is one of the most important and famous Istanbul districts for tourism.
Karaköy District
Karaköy district is distinguished by its many public facilities, including schools, universities, hospitals, shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it an ideal place for living and entertainment. It serves as an important transportation hub with ferry and railway stations. Karaköy also features tourist attractions such as Karaköy Palace, Galata Bridge, Galata Tower, and Karaköy Port, which offers charming views of the sea.
Aksaray District
Aksaray district is located within the historic Fatih area and attracts a large number of Arab tourists, earning it the nickname “City of Arabs.” It is known for the famous Aksaray Square, which hosts a variety of recreational activities and events. The district also offers a diverse range of restaurants and shops, particularly Syrian restaurants. Public transportation in the area includes Aksaray Metro, trams, and minibuses.
Levent District
Levent district is considered one of the most important areas of the city and a major tourist destination in Turkey. It is located directly on the Bosphorus Strait on the European side of Istanbul. Levent is known for its skyscrapers and diverse economic and tourism projects, including the fourth tallest skyscraper in Turkey, which stands at 261 meters. Levent is a high-end commercial area that features upscale malls and shops.
Riva Village
Riva village is distinguished by its stunning views of the Anatolian side of the city and retains some charming rural features. It is located approximately 40 kilometers from Istanbul. The village includes the historic Riva Ottoman Castle, situated at the mouth of the Kayasi River, which dates back to the 12th century. This historical attraction adds a special appeal to Riva and makes it an intriguing destination for exploration.
Şile Village
Şile village is located on the shores of the Black Sea, about 79 kilometers from the city. Şile Beach stretches for 60 kilometers along the Black Sea coast. The village is home to the famous Kum Baba therapeutic plateau, which attracts many visitors seeking to benefit from its sand for health treatments. Additionally, Şile features the historic Şile Lighthouse, an important landmark that offers a captivating panoramic view of the expansive Bosphorus.
Ağva Village
Ağva village is located on the Asian coast of the Black Sea, about 110 kilometers from the city. The village is distinguished by its surroundings, including the two rivers, Göksu and Yeşilçay, which add warmth and unique charm to the area. Ağva offers numerous attractions, such as the Galin Plateau for adventure and climbing enthusiasts, the Hidden Lake, and other scenic spots that rank among the most beautiful rural villages in Istanbul.
After getting to know the most famous Istanbul districts, let’s discover all the tourist landmarks in Istanbul.
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