The monthly rents in the neighborhood vary from 3.000-8.000 TRY ($380-1000 USD). Paving what was formerly the ceremonial entrance to the Great Palace, Divanyolu begins (or ends, if you were the emperor) at Sultanahmet Park, running westward through the neighborhoods of emberlitas, former site of the Forum of Constantine and close to the Nuruosmaniye entrance to the Grand Bazaar; Beyazit, built on the ruins of the Forum of Theodosius and named for the Beyazit Mosque Complex; and Laleli. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. When one mentions Turkey, oft-times most people start listing coastal areas and the three biggest metropolises. Fatih has 57 neighborhoods, but most are generally home to conservative Muslims. Topkapi Palace. Here are the best neighborhoods to explore on your trip to Istanbul. You can find an apartment for every lifestyle and budget in this large district. Eminn refers to the neighborhood and transportation hub at the base of the Galata Bridge. ili is a central area full of plazas, offices, banks, shops, and shopping malls. There are various public transportation options connecting Beyolu to the city.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'turkeynomad_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_6',104,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-turkeynomad_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Its a multicultural neighborhood, popular among young people and expatriates. Sivas, the second-largest province by area after Konya and one of the oldest settlement areas in central Anatolia is also a famously conservative city with the Divrii Great Mosque, its Kangal dogs, and Hobbit houses its main attractions. Down the hills, by the sea, theres a lovely tea garden that has drawn families for 30 years. Whats the Best Way to Get Around in Istanbul? The region is also located at a junction of roads between Ataturk Airport and Istanbul new airport, with a lot of investment opportunities where it is witnessing a huge number of population, commercial and urban recently, for this reason, Do you like difference and excellence and living in a green metropolis? To the east of the Golden Horn (and still Eyp) are the industrialized sections of Stlce and Hasky (to name only two). Not to mention its proximity to the new Istanbul Canal project, which will play a leading role in changing the future of Istanbul. cihangir has an abundance of epic street cafes blasting house music, overflowing with abstract and surreal street art, colorful european influenced architecture, award winning cocktail bars, narrow cobblestone streets, and cutting-edge fashion Or you can go to Bakrky to use the ferryboats. Ikeda_kouji 3 yr. ago. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Best Places to Live in Istanbul- European & Asian Side. Almost no one goes to this neighborhood or museum, which is why you should go. The monthly rents vary between 3.000-30.000 TRY ($390-3900 USD), depending on the number of bedrooms, proximity to Badat Avenue, the coast, and the view. The second is located east of the Bosphorus and holds great geographical importance, this part is considered one of Istanbul's best residential areas in, Top Neighbourhoods to Live in Istanbul European Side, The area is classified by real estate experts in the city as one of, Luxurious hotels add luxury to the Atakoy area of. Most people working or living around can speak English. But the Beyolu district is generally better suited for singles. The general public sees Ataturk (founder of modern Turkey) as their hero and try to live by his world views. And if this new city is an eclectic world metropolis like Istanbul, one can easily feel overwhelmed by all the choices you have.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'turkeynomad_com-box-3','ezslot_24',103,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-turkeynomad_com-box-3-0'); This guide will give you the information you need before settling into an area in Istanbul. That creative and globally minded energy is a draw, but right now the most interesting neighborhood in Istanbul is Kuzguncuk. Antique collectors, bargain hunters and nostalgia buffs descend on the neighborhoods many antique stores, especially when they hold lively auctions, while the cafe culture here thrives. Are you ready to take a little journey to the We are a team that shares a love for Travel, Food, and Culture in Turkey. Saryer is on the northern tip of Istanbul, meeting the Black Sea on the European side. Lining the slopes southeast of Istiklal Caddesi is the steep-stepped quarter of Cihangir. Its real estate projects are modern, built on innovative technologies and have become one of the best residential areas in Istanbul, where new capital flows are flowing. This combined quarter is thick with the crumbling remains of monumental Byzantine palaces, synagogues, schools, and mosques and is even the home of the Eastern Orthodox Patriarchate. In this context, the Anadolu Agency published a recent statistic issued by the Turkish Statistics Agency, on January 16, 2019, stating that Real estate sales for the last year 2018 increased by 78.4%.". One might visit Istanbul a dozen times over a lifetime, and at each visit be greeted both by a familiar scene and by an altogether unexpected paradigm. The monthly rents are around 1.800-18.000 TRY ($230-2300 USD). With old timber houses lining up the narrow streets and a view of the Golden Horn, two neighborhoods have recently gone into a revival phase with the attention of the photographers and hipsters. km (100 sq. This hectic shopping street bisects the district north from Tnel to the modern, pulsating, chaotic nucleus of the city known as Taksim Square, Istanbul's equivalent to New York's Times Square. Theres something for everyone in our top ten lists for the best ten districts and neighborhoods in Istanbul. Welcome back! The most expensive and highest-priced Istanbul real estates are located in the most prestigious neighborhoods of the city and the districts of Istanbul that have thousands Following the southern Marmara Sea shoreline is the Sahil Yolu (or the coastal road); this main thoroughfare connects the Old City with the airport and suburbs. Yenikapi is the site of the construction of one of the metro stations for the in-progress Marmaray project, made famous by the extraordinary archaeological discoveries being made there. Theres cosmopolitan diversity and tolerance here, not just of ages and wealth, but in houses of worship, with mosques, churches and synagogues in close proximity. For people who want the expertise of an immigration lawyer, not the price tag. Karaky is the modern-day designation for Galata, which today more colloquially refers to the charming cobbled hill extending up from the shoreline from the fortified area between the Atatrk and Galata bridges to the Galata Tower. Kayseri, the city of merchants and Turkish dumplings (mant) offers visitors many attractions such as old Turkish baths, mosques, and tombs. Further east along the water, theres a seaside promenade with a bike-share program and a beach where bikinis are allowed. Cihangir is a colorful, multicultural neighborhood of Beyolu and the most central area you can find. In the 17th century, Beylerbeyi was the location of choice for summer palaces for the elite. |, Installment Apartments for sale in Istanbul, Investment & Real Estate Ownership in Turkey. The last neighborhood of interest as the road heads out of Fatih is Yedikule (literally, seven towers), the fortress constructed by Fatih Mehmet the Conqueror incorporating the earlier Theodosian land and sea walls. 9- Tarlaba (stanbul) Tarlaba is the drugs center of Istanbul. A studio apartment or a small, two-bedroom furnished, ready-to-live apartment might cost you around $600-1000 monthly.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'turkeynomad_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_18',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-turkeynomad_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Most livable neighborhoods: Taksim, Cihangir, Gmsuyu, Galatasaray, Firuzaa, ukurcuma, Galata, Fndkl, Kabata. Badat Avenue is a 9-mile glamourous main street. I know the difference between expensive travel and the truly luxurious. Its full of ordinary life. Were hoping that our guide to the most livable places in Istanbul will help you decide which neighborhood is best for you. The New Centurion Lounge At The San Francisco International Airport Is A Travelers Dream, Southwest Pilots Union Calls For Vote To Authorize Strike, Valentines Day Gift Guide: The Finest Milk Chocolate Truffles From Around The World, Southwest Budgets $1 Billion To Overhaul Its Aging IT System, How Sextantio Hotels Are Keeping History Alive In Italy, Scuba Gear Thats Good For Divers And Also The Planet. One of the main attractions is the Hagia Sophia (not to be confused with its namesake in Istanbul), a former Greek orthodox church-turned-mosque, the Trabzon Castle, and the Smela Monastery. The (seriously) historic center of Istanbul and the former seat of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, Sultanahmetcontains the majority of the citys most-visited sights within walking distance of each other, making it a convenient base. Demi Perera, a London-based travel journalist, shares a snapshot of her recent trip to Istanbul, Turkey. Mardin, Sitting across the Syrian border, Mardin is famous for its ancient cities, sandy cityscape, and stone houses. Baheehir has many luxurious residential complexes with the highest amenities, social and health facilities, and many shops and malls. advantages and disadvantages of evolution. Fatih is entirely comprised of the Historic Peninsula (aka Old Stamboul, Old Istanbul, and Rome of the East). The prominence of the district in both the Byzantine and Ottoman eras can be credited with the great number of monuments that dot this now bustling working-class conglomeration of diverse and authentic (and yes, some fundamentalist) neighborhoods. Copyright 2023 Turkey Nomad, a 260 Media LLC website. Or call 0850-390-2621. Istanbul meets all the requirements of its residents. Its perfect for living in the heart of history. Sandy beaches still exist in this neighborhood, and various beach cafes and restaurants serve both traditional older crowds and younger ones. And thats one worth visiting. To the west of Kadirga Limani is Kumkapi, destination of the daily catch by local fishermen, location of the city's fish market, and home to a dense cluster of touristy fish restaurants. Like all of Istanbul, the sheer size of it can be dazzling and daunting. Not sure where to live? Just a few final tips on renting a place in Istanbul: Not all apartments come furnished in Turkey. Along with all the luxuries one would expect from Raffles (stylish rooms, lavish breakfast buffet), it has an impressive art collection with dozens of works inspired by Istanbuls past and present, starting with the massive Dolmabahce by Jean-Francois Rauzier, which creates a fantasia across an entire wall in the lobby. Characterized by a charming green nature, a better service, a relative calm compared to the European part, not to mention the multitude of tourist places in the Asian part of Istanbul. Below is a liberal selection of areas ranging from the "must see" to "off the beaten track," but this list is by no means exhaustive. The Great Mosque (Ulu Camii) or the Green Mosque (Yeil Camii) is the most iconic place. Read also: Best things to do in Istanbul 4. Bordering the south of the Golden Horn is the district of Fatih, neatly cinctured by what remains of the Byzantine-era defensive walls. Theres more than enough in Istanbuls historic center to dazzle a first-time visitor. Tevikiye and Nianta lure the elites and celebrities of Istanbul, whereas Esentepe, Gayrettepe, and Levent neighborhoods are home to plazas, business people, and white-collared workers. most liberal neighborhoods in istanbul. These islands are perfect havens in nature, providing a day trip away from the hectic city life. Karako y, the coolest neighborhood in Istanbul. For example, Kocaeli will be more conservative and reflect a more traditional lifestyle than Istanbul. The area is yet another commuter hub, city commons, business center, and open-air food court. If you love train travel, youll love these new train services connecting European destinations in 2023. Its also great for living with a pet, but dont forget to talk about keeping a pet in the house with your landlord. Now the Asian side is a destination unto itself. Bursa, Bursa in northwestern Turkey is perhaps the second city that comes to mind when one speaks of more conservative-friendly towns in Turkey. This area has good restaurants and some luxurious hotels, too. To the west of Adnan Menderes Bulvari is a neighborhood that has been in the news quite a bit of late. Next to private vehicles, municipal buses are the primary mode of transportation, making a casual and spontaneous jaunt over to the Asian side a less than efficient prospect. It took another 56 years for his son, Mehmet (the Conqueror), to breach the Byzantine defenses. In many ways, time seems to have stood still in Istanbul, especially in the neighborhoods of the Old City. Moda is a quiet and artsy neighborhood on the Asian side near Kadky. Here you can mostly find small rental apartments in old buildings. What Should You Do If Your Landlord Raises Your Rent? From north to south beginning at the Golden Horn are the twin quarters of Balat and Fener, Ottoman-era enclaves where Armenian, Greek, and Jewish immigrants first settled. The monthly rents vary between 7.000-15.000 TRY ($900-1900 USD). They are accessible by ferry from Beikta, Eminn, and Kabata from the European side, and Kadky and Bostanc from the Asian side. On Tuesdays, the neighborhood pulls out all the stops with the very well attended Sali Pazari ("Tuesday Bazaar"). Here you can enjoy the Bosporus view and the nice, small cafes and bakeries, and lead a peaceful life whether youre single or with your family. Boutiques along Tesvikiye Caddesi and the smaller side streets are stocked with high-quality merchandise in elegant settings, with major names like Mudo, Emporio Armani, Vakko, and Beyman. This is a BETA experience. You can use public buses here, but heavy traffic is always a problem. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The air is fresh and the atmosphere is relaxed here. The neighborhoods of Beikta and Ortaky along the Bosphorus are home to some of Istanbuls most luxurious international hotels, boasting broad views across the famous strait. It started trending about a decade ago, when cheap rents and easy transit drew young creatives to live here and restaurants, bars and galleries sprung up soon after. Ortaky offers larger apartments for families, some with communal gardens. There are thirty-nine districts and hundreds of neighborhoods in this busy city. Pera recalls a bygone era of wealth, entitlement, and gaiety. Thats changed in a big way. Beylikduzu- Luxury and Modern Lifestyle Concept, Best Areas to Live in Istanbul Asain Side- Elite Housing Istanbul, An authentic part of the city, enjoying the tranquility, comfort, and appreciation of the people of the country and its expatriates. There are secluded luxury villas and mansions on the shores and in the forest. The monthly rents are around 7000-25.000 TRY ($900-3250 USD). The luxury shopping street runs parallel to the coastline of the Sea of Marmara. By just a ten-minute ride from the hectic skdar, you arrive in a much more tranquil, green, and artsy neighborhood by the Bosphorus strait. Offering only skyscrapers, multi-story apartment buildings, and luxury residences as living and working spaces, Ataehir hosts headquarters and offices of companies and businesses. Its enjoyable to walk down its narrow streets lined with lovely old apartments, but parking is a constant problem in the area. The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art is sure to satisfy history or art buffs. The monthly rents are around 1.500-6.000 TRY ($194-750 USD). The waterfront northward becomes a picturesque chain of fishing coves transformed into bourgeois residential neighborhoods teeming with cafes and fish restaurants as far north as the Black Sea mouth of the Bosphorus. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_neighbourhoods_of_Istanbul&oldid=1075856451, Lists of neighbourhoods in Turkey by province, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 8 March 2022, at 02:09. Sultanbeyli and Eyp are also good options if you are on the hunt for a more conservative spot. And one of the most prominent pieces of the neighborhoods street art depicts a famous mathematician. Tradition holds that Eyp Sultan was slain in battle on this hill, and the site, marked by a mosque complex and tomb, is now a point of pilgrimage for Muslims. West of the estuary and north of Fatih (above Fener and Balat) is the quarter of Eyp Sultan, named for the Prophet Mohammad's warrior companion and standard-bearer, and one of the holiest figures in Islam. Both areas have ferry docks, though Beikta has more connections. Trabzon, Among all Black Sea provinces, Trabzon is perhaps the most conservative. Most livable neighborhoods: Tevikiye, Nianta, Esentepe, Gayrettepe, Levent. Manage Settings Etiler is a quiet neighborhood suitable for both singles and families. It all depends on what you are looking for when you say conservative. If you want to observe Turkish Muslim lives or connect with a religious community, you should be following the minarets. To make matters worse, both the upper and lower entrances of the funicular are called Tnel; thus, to avoid confusion, I refer to the area around the upper entrance as Upper Tnel and the lower as Lower Tnel or Karaky. This high-end neighborhood is home to many Turkish celebrities and expats. Still, neighborhoods and districts such as Keiren, Gaziosmanpaa, and Sincan will be good Konya, Konya is, by popular vote, Turkeys most conservative and religious city. Top Neighbourhoods to Live in Istanbul European Side 1. Beikta is also a popular expat location. If you dont have to work in the city or commute frequently, Adalar is a great place to live in. Besiktas-the-district refers to the Bosphorus-front real estate above Beyoglu, made popular by a long string of sultans, pasas, and empresses who constructed European-style palaces all along the historic Straits, including the Dolmabahe, Yildiz, and iragan palaces. Istanbuls Fatih district on the European side and its mraniye district on the Anatolian side are known for being home to more religious and conservative communities, as evident from the number of worship places in these locations. Standing at the center is a statue of Atatrk and the founding fathers of Turkey, representing on one side the War of Independence and on the other the Republic. The neighborhood had run down until 2012 when it began to evolve into a nightlife hot spot. The landmark iron church and Patriarchal Church of St George attest to the areas more cosmopolitan past, while colorful old homes and cobbled streets have become a favorite backdrop for film crews and Instagram influencers alike. Neighboring Beyolu, Beikta is another central district. Just to the south is Anadolu Hisari, the fortress built by Beyazit I as a springboard for his siege on Istanbul. Weve listed the best neighborhoods for all walks of life; for families, singles, pet owners, urban dwellers, and those who are looking for some peace and quiet. , It is the best areas of Istanbul for accommodation, so the prices of real estate are rising, and luxury projects within the boundaries of the region are increasing. From there, its a short walk to the posh, leafy district of Moda, at the southern tip of the Asian side overlooking the Sea of Marmara. Bakrky offers various public transportation options, including maritime transport and larger houses. Florya Atatrk Forest is another recreational space offering fresh air to the area, and Florya Sports Complex is right by this forest. 7 Best Ways to Explore Istanbul Like a Local. A nice 40-minute walk or a 20-minute ride from Beikta will take you to Ortaky, one of the most scenic neighborhoods in Istanbul. It is home to the Champs lyses of the Asian side, the long Baghdad Avenue, which lined the whole way with expensive office space, luxury boutiques and restaurants that are full most of the day. Walking to the Osmanbey metro station or downhill to the buses and ferries of Beikta are the best ways to connect to the rest of the city. Getting There: Turkish Airlines connects 12 North American gateways with Istanbul, with new airplanes, award-winning cuisine and in-flight wellness programs. 7. With its modern buildings and huge towers, its elegant design has attracted investors from all over the world and has become one of Istanbul's most vibrant areas with stunning sea views. With its huge size and centuries of history, it would be impossible to see all of Istanbul in one trip or perhaps even in one lifetime. This neighborhood is calmer than the famous Istiklal street, but still lively with tea houses and artisan coffee shops.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'turkeynomad_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_10',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-turkeynomad_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0'); This neighborhood is better suited for singles. The flip side is that little local life remains in Sultanahmet, and the generally tourist-focused restaurants hardly show off Turkish cuisine at its best. Bebek is preferred by expats, as well as Turkish celebrities and the elite. It was constructed on the site of the Havariyun, the second-most revered Byzantine church after the Ayasofya, which was the victim of earthquakes and fire. The best museums in Istanbul are a journey through time Its been a tough few years for travelers, which is why were taking inspiration from these 10 travel ideas for our 2023 trips. All Rights Reserved. So always ask about these details while renting a place in Istanbul.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'turkeynomad_com-leader-4','ezslot_8',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-turkeynomad_com-leader-4-0'); Istanbul is a great city to live in, but its massive. More so than many neighborhoods in the world, Kuzguncuk began as a village and held onto that identity. The monthly rents are around 2.500-6.000 TRY ($320-770 USD). Most Turkish people would agree that Black Sea cities are more conservative, and their people lead more traditional, old-fashioned lives than, say, the south or west. Check your email for magic link to sign-in. Still, in the contradictory spirit of this city bridging continents and cultures, many feel a reverse tug in the political and religious swing of the pendulum. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. is it okay to take melatonin after covid vaccine. Learn in detail about the most important infrastructure projects in Istanbul and their advantages, as well as the stages We use cookies to offer you the best possible user experience, learn more about how to use them, #1 Property experts in Turkey, and discover the best opportunities that fit your budget, All you need to know about obtaining citizenship through buying a property, Detailed information about the Gungoren district in Istanbul, Comprehensive information about the Sultangazi district in Istanbul, The most important infrastructure projects in Istanbul and their advantages, Find more about the latest real estate offers, All Rights Reserved for Imtilak Group - Imtilak Real Estate 2023 mozzart jackpot winners yesterday; new mandela effects 2021; how to delete a payee on barclays app In Moda, you can enjoy the Marmara Sea view from the open-air tea houses or walking or riding your bike on the coastline. Our aim is to share the beauty of traveling in Turkey and all the best it has to offer. Nispetiye Street is the center of Etiler, and it leads the way to Boazii University. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Sometimes the more noted ones sip beneath their own portraits on the walls. During spring and summer, the Princes Islands are popular destinations for day trips from Istanbul. Do you like difference and excellence and living in a green metropolis? You can rent three-story houses as well as apartments here. She loves coffee and traveling, but her two dogs and three jobs usually allow her to enjoy only the first, and usually when its cold. The city has been deemed a right center of tolerance for centuries, evident from the church bells ringing in the background while calls to prayer ring from mosques across the city. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. skdar is another coastal transportation hub on the Asian side. The Beyolu neighborhood is alive 24/7 with countless cafs, restaurants, bars, bookshops, shops and stores, movie theatres, cinemas, and concert halls. The tramway, which follows Divanyolu, continues along the southernmost avenue (Millet Caddesi, aka Trgt zal Caddesi), while the northern fork becomes the major thoroughfare of Vatan Caddesi (aka Adnan Menderes Bulvari). Frommer's EasyGuide to Amsterdam, Brussels and Bruges, Frommer's EasyGuide to Florence and Tuscany. The Istanbul Japanese School and campuses of the British International School Istanbul and Tarabya British Schools are also located in Etiler. Cihangir quarter of Beyolu is very popular among the Turkish acting scene as well as well-frequented by expats. Having lived in five different cities in Turkey and traveled to many others, Canan is a native Turkish citizen and a local nomad. Retirees, students, white-collared professionals, and expats live in this area in harmony.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'turkeynomad_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_22',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-turkeynomad_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'turkeynomad_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_23',108,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-turkeynomad_com-large-leaderboard-2-0_1'); .large-leaderboard-2-multi-108{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. There is almost no motor traffic on the Islands, so you must enjoy walking, or bicycle rides to live there.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'turkeynomad_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_1',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-turkeynomad_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'turkeynomad_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_2',117,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-turkeynomad_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1'); .large-mobile-banner-1-multi-117{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. He pointed out the Baylan bakery, the first Western-style cake shop in the area, where his parents used to go on dates; the fish vegetable markets where they shopped; the pickle shop where he would drink mugs of pickle juice as a kid; and the new yoga studios, hipster fabric-printing classes and gluten-free vegan cafs that his family frequents now. Find out about the properties that meet Turkish citizenship requirements in terms of real estate valuation, also learn more about the conditions, procedures, and stages of Turkish nationality, in addition to the necessary legal documents. The Blue Mosque. The European and Asian sides of the city are bisected by the churning north-south artery that is the Bosphorus Straits. From the Etiler subway station, the metro line can take you to Boazii University/Hisarst or Levent direction and connect to M2 Yenikap Hacosman Metro Line. Indeed, the further east you go, the more religious the cities will get in this region. For historic atmosphere, its certainly hard to beat: the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque face off across Sultanahmet Square, with the storied Hippodrome alongside and the grandeur of Topkap Palace just a stones throw away. Business class is worth the splurge, as it has modern full-flat seats, luxe new bedding sets, free WiFi, a first-rate entertainment system, noise-canceling headphones, amenity kits from Versace and Mandarina Duck, and gourmet meals served by Flying Chefs. Theres also a small theatre stage in Ortaky. The recently restored overnight service between Istanbul and Sofia whirls two adventures into one. The eastern shores of the Bosphorus are now home to many of Istanbuls globally minded intellectuals, having been priced out of or disillusioned with conservative Cihangir on the European side. The best residential areas in Istanbul vary for many reasons, some of them due to natural beauty, others due to the urban and economic renaissance, and success in various projects and excellence. Alternating antiques and artistic shops can be found on and around ukurcuma. Fatih's southeastern-most point is the busy port of Yenikapi, departure point for sea buses to Bursa, the Marmara Islands, and the southern shores of the Marmara Sea.