Choosing the right neighbourhood is one of the most important decisions when planning a temporary or long-term stay in Istanbul.
Istanbul is a very large city, and the best location depends on where you work, your lifestyle, whether you are travelling with family, and which side of the city you need to access regularly.
For corporate travellers, expats and long-stay guests, staying close to the office, hospital, school or project location can save a significant amount of commuting time.
Here are some of the most popular areas to consider.
1. Sisli & Bomonti – Central and Excellent for Long-Term Living
Sisli and Bomonti are among the most popular areas for serviced apartments and long-term residences on Istanbul’s European side.
Bomonti is particularly attractive because it combines a central location with modern residential towers and serviced residence concepts.
The area provides convenient access to Nisantasi, Mecidiyekoy, Taksim, Besiktas and Levent, while Sisli itself is one of Istanbul’s major commercial and business districts.
Residents also have easy access to shopping centres, restaurants, supermarkets, hospitals and everyday services.
Best for:
Expats, corporate executives, professional athletes, medical travellers, couples and families who want to live centrally without staying directly in the busiest tourist districts.
Accommodation options:
Serviced apartments, modern high-rise residences, furnished 1-bedroom to 4-bedroom apartments and premium long-stay residences.
TURKBEDS Tip: Bomonti is one of the first areas we recommend for guests who need central Istanbul but also want the facilities and security of a modern residence.
2. Cihangir – Lifestyle, Culture and Central Istanbul
Cihangir offers a completely different long-stay experience.
Located between Taksim and the Bosphorus, Cihangir is known for its neighbourhood atmosphere, cafes, restaurants, historic buildings and international community.
It is particularly popular among creative professionals, international visitors and people who prefer to experience everyday Istanbul rather than live inside a large residence complex.
Cihangir also provides convenient access to Taksim, Galataport, Karakoy, Galata and the Bosphorus.
Best for:
Digital nomads, remote workers, creatives, couples, international professionals and guests who prefer a lively neighbourhood lifestyle.
Accommodation options:
Furnished apartments, renovated historical apartments, boutique serviced apartments and premium city apartments.
TURKBEDS Tip: Choose Cihangir for atmosphere and location rather than large residence facilities. If swimming pools, large fitness centres and extensive on-site facilities are priorities, Bomonti or Maslak may be more suitable.
3. Nisantasi – Premium Central Living
Nisantasi is one of Istanbul’s most prestigious residential and lifestyle districts.
The neighbourhood is known for luxury shopping, restaurants, cafes, international brands and high-quality residential properties.
Its central location also provides convenient access to Sisli, Macka, Harbiye, Taksim and Besiktas.
Nisantasi is particularly attractive to guests who want to be in the heart of Istanbul and prefer a premium urban lifestyle.
Best for:
Senior executives, VIP travellers, couples, medical travellers, diplomats and guests looking for an upscale central location.
Accommodation options:
Premium furnished apartments, boutique serviced apartments, luxury residences and high-end family apartments.
TURKBEDS Tip: Nisantasi is an excellent choice when location and lifestyle are more important than having the facilities of a large residential complex.
4. Etiler – Luxury Residential Living
Etiler is one of the most desirable residential neighbourhoods on Istanbul’s European side.
It combines a premium residential atmosphere with convenient access to Levent, Bebek, the Bosphorus, Besiktas and Maslak.
The area offers high-end restaurants, shopping, private schools, universities and premium residential developments.
Compared with Istanbul’s busiest central neighbourhoods, Etiler can also provide a more residential environment for longer stays.
Best for:
CEOs, senior executives, diplomats, professional athletes, VIP guests and families.
Accommodation options:
Luxury furnished apartments, premium residences, large family apartments and high-end serviced accommodation.
TURKBEDS Tip: Etiler is particularly suitable for guests looking for larger premium apartments and easy access to both the Bosphorus and Istanbul’s main business districts.
5. Maslak – One of the Best Locations for Corporate Stays
For corporate accommodation, Maslak is one of Istanbul’s most important locations.
It is home to numerous international companies, banks, holding companies and major office developments.
Maslak is also conveniently located for Levent, Istinye, Sariyer and Vadistanbul.
Modern residential developments in and around Maslak provide many of the features long-stay guests expect, including security, parking, fitness facilities and larger apartments.
Best for:
Corporate executives, expats, consultants, project managers, professional athletes, international employees and families.
Accommodation options:
International serviced residences, furnished apartments, premium residential towers and corporate housing.
TURKBEDS Tip: If your office is in Maslak, staying locally can be far more practical than choosing central tourist districts and commuting every day.
6. Besiktas – Central, Connected and Close to the Bosphorus
Besiktas is one of Istanbul’s most central and dynamic districts.
It provides excellent access to the Bosphorus and important neighbourhoods including Levent, Etiler, Ortakoy, Nisantasi, Balmumcu and Taksim.
The district combines business, residential life, universities, restaurants and entertainment.
Accommodation varies significantly depending on the neighbourhood, from city apartments to premium properties closer to the Bosphorus.
Best for:
Business travellers, young professionals, couples, executives, students and guests who want central access to both business and lifestyle districts.
Accommodation options:
Furnished apartments, premium city apartments, boutique serviced accommodation and selected luxury residences.
TURKBEDS Tip: Besiktas is a strong choice for guests who value central location and connectivity more than living in a large residence complex.
Best Long-Term Areas on Istanbul’s Asian Side
The Asian side can be an excellent choice, particularly if your office or main activities are located there.
For guests working in Atasehir, Umraniye, Kadikoy or Kartal, choosing accommodation on the Asian side can avoid unnecessary daily cross-city commuting.
7. Atasehir – Corporate Living & Istanbul Financial Center
Atasehir is one of the leading corporate and residential districts on Istanbul’s Asian side.
The Istanbul Financial Center has made the area particularly important for banking, finance and international business.
Atasehir also offers modern residential towers, shopping centres, restaurants, supermarkets and everyday services.
Best for:
Banking professionals, finance executives, international employees, consultants, corporate project teams and expats working on the Asian side.
Accommodation options:
Modern high-rise residences, serviced apartments, furnished corporate apartments and larger family residences.
TURKBEDS Tip: For professionals working at or around the Istanbul Financial Center, Atasehir should usually be one of the first locations considered.
8. Umraniye – Practical for Business and Financial Districts
Umraniye has developed into an important commercial and residential district on Istanbul’s Asian side.
Its proximity to Atasehir and the Istanbul Financial Center makes it particularly useful for corporate travellers.
Compared with some of Istanbul’s premium central districts, Umraniye can also provide a broader selection of modern residential properties.
Best for:
Corporate employees, project teams, banking professionals, consultants and families working or studying on the Asian side.
Accommodation options:
Modern residences, furnished apartments, family apartments and corporate housing.
TURKBEDS Tip: Umraniye can be a practical alternative for guests who work around Atasehir or the Financial Center but do not necessarily need to stay directly in Atasehir.
9. Kadikoy – Best for Lifestyle on the Asian Side
Kadikoy is one of Istanbul’s most popular lifestyle districts and an excellent option for guests who prefer the Asian side.
The area offers restaurants, cafes, shopping, cultural venues, waterfront areas and excellent transportation connections.
Ferry, metro and other public transportation options provide connections to many parts of Istanbul.
Neighbourhoods such as Moda, Caddebostan, Fenerbahce, Goztepe and Suadiye may also be attractive depending on the guest’s lifestyle and budget.
Best for:
Digital nomads, international professionals, couples, families, remote workers and guests who prefer a neighbourhood lifestyle.
Accommodation options:
Furnished city apartments, premium apartments, boutique serviced accommodation and residential properties.
TURKBEDS Tip: Kadikoy is one of the best choices on the Asian side for guests who want restaurants, social life, walkability and transportation rather than a purely corporate environment.
10. Kartal – Modern Residences and Longer-Term Value
Kartal is located further east on Istanbul’s Asian side and has developed significantly with modern residential and commercial projects.
The area can be particularly useful for guests whose work, project, hospital or family connections are located around Kartal, Maltepe, Pendik or the eastern Asian side of Istanbul.
Modern residential towers can offer facilities such as security, parking, fitness centres and larger apartment layouts.
Best for:
Long-term corporate guests, families, project teams and professionals working on the eastern Asian side.
Accommodation options:
Modern high-rise residences, furnished apartments, family residences and long-term corporate housing.
TURKBEDS Tip: Kartal can offer more space and attractive long-stay options, but it is generally not the first choice for someone who needs to commute to Maslak, Levent or central European Istanbul every day.
Which Istanbul Neighbourhood Is Best for You?
There is no single “best area” for everyone.
For a long-term stay, we generally recommend choosing your location according to your daily destination and lifestyle.
| Your Priority | Areas to Consider |
| Central Istanbul | Sisli, Bomonti, Nisantasi, Besiktas |
| Corporate & Business | Maslak, Levent, Atasehir, Umraniye |
| Premium / Luxury Living | Etiler, Nisantasi |
| Digital Nomad & Lifestyle | Cihangir, Kadikoy |
| Istanbul Financial Center | Atasehir, Umraniye |
| Asian Side Lifestyle | Kadikoy |
| Eastern Asian Side | Kartal |
| Professional Athletes | Maslak, Bomonti, Etiler, Atasehir |
| Families | Maslak, Etiler, Atasehir, Kartal, Bomonti |
| Medical Travellers | Choose according to the hospital location |
For long stays in Istanbul, distance from your main daily destination is often more important than distance from tourist attractions.
What Types of Accommodation Can TURKBEDS Arrange?
Depending on your location, budget and length of stay, TURKBEDS Corporate Housing can assist with:
- Serviced apartments
- Furnished residences
- Premium apartments
- 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom apartments
- Family accommodation
- Executive residences
- Professional athlete accommodation
- Corporate housing
- Temporary relocation housing
- 1–12 month accommodation
Services vary by property, but may include housekeeping, Wi-Fi, utilities, reception, 24/7 security, parking, fitness centre, swimming pool, sauna and other residence facilities.
Our team can explain exactly what is included before you confirm your accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which area is best for expats in Istanbul?
It depends on where you work and your preferred lifestyle. Bomonti and Maslak are popular for modern residence living, Nisantasi and Etiler for premium living, Cihangir for a central neighbourhood atmosphere, and Kadikoy for guests who prefer the Asian side.
Where should I stay if I work in Maslak?
Maslak itself is usually the most practical option. Nearby areas such as Etiler and other northern Istanbul residential districts may also be considered depending on your budget and lifestyle.
Where should I stay if I work at Istanbul Financial Center?
Atasehir is generally the most convenient choice. Umraniye can also provide practical accommodation alternatives close to the financial district.
Which area is best for digital nomads?
Cihangir and Kadikoy are particularly attractive for digital nomads and remote workers because of their cafes, restaurants, neighbourhood atmosphere and central transportation connections.
Which areas are best for families?
Maslak, Etiler, Atasehir, Bomonti and selected parts of Kartal can offer good options for families. The right choice will also depend on school, workplace and daily transportation requirements.
Which areas are best for professional athletes?
Maslak, Bomonti, Etiler and Atasehir can be suitable depending on the athlete’s club and training facility. Apartment size, parking, security, fitness facilities and commuting time should all be considered.
Can I rent a furnished apartment for only one month?
Yes. Depending on availability, TURKBEDS can provide options for one month, three months, six months, nine months, one year or other temporary periods.
Are housekeeping and utilities included?
This depends on the property and rate plan. Some serviced residences include housekeeping and utilities, while others have usage limits or additional charges. We confirm these details before booking.
Can you find accommodation close to my office, hospital or school?
Yes. Send us the address or name of your office, hospital, school or other main destination and we can search for suitable residences and furnished apartments nearby.
Can you arrange the rest of my travel to Istanbul?
Yes. Through Denkmal Travel, we can also assist with flight tickets, hotel reservations, airport transfers, VIP transportation, corporate travel and Turkey e-Visa consultancy.
Looking for Long-Term or Temporary Accommodation in Istanbul?
Whether you are staying for one month or one year, choosing the right location and residence can make a major difference to your experience in Istanbul.
Instead of contacting multiple properties individually, send us your requirements and we can help compare suitable options.
Please send us:
Check-in & check-out dates
Number of guests
Preferred area or office location
Apartment size – 1BR, 2BR, 3BR or larger
Monthly budget
Parking requirement
Pet information
Any special requests
TURKBEDS Corporate Housing & Denkmal Travel
Corporate Housing | Serviced Apartments | Furnished Residences | Long-Stay Accommodation | Temporary Housing in Istanbul
Phone & WhatsApp: +90 533 280 02 12
E-mail: info@denkmaltravel.com
Your Temporary Home in Istanbul Starts with the Right Location.