iIstanbulify

Explore Istanbul

Places worth your time

Istanbul changes character every few kilometres. Start with these eight districts.

Sultanahmet gardens with historic domes and minarets in Istanbul

European side

Sultanahmet

The historic heart, where most first trips begin

Galata Tower seen from a cobbled street in Istanbul

European side

Galata

Steep lanes, design shops and the city's best-known tower

Karaköy waterfront in Istanbul with cafés and ferries

European side

Karaköy

Waterfront warehouses turned cafés, galleries and bakeries

Nostalgic red tram on İstiklal Street in Taksim, Istanbul

European side

Taksim

The modern centre and the city's busiest pedestrian street

Colourful historic houses on a steep street in Balat, Istanbul

European side

Balat

Coloured houses, antique shops and slow afternoons

Busy market street with produce stalls in Kadıköy, Istanbul

Asian side

Kadıköy

The Asian side's market, music and meze district

Ortaköy Mosque on the Bosphorus waterfront at dusk

European side

Ortaköy

A waterfront square beneath the Bosphorus Bridge

Waterfront promenade with boats and café terraces in Bebek, Istanbul

European side

Bebek

Plane trees, yachts and the smartest coffee on the Bosphorus