Beyoğlu

About Beyoğlu

Beyoğlu is the Istanbul of the nineteenth century still in daily use. The district covers the ground between the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus, taking in Galata and its tower, the steep lanes of Karaköy, İstiklal Avenue, and Cihangir, the sloping residential quarter that has drawn writers, film people and long-staying foreigners for thirty years. Buildings are old, often listed, and frequently beautiful — tall windows, mouldings, floors that are not entirely level. Renovation is the normal state of affairs here, and it is worth budgeting for properly. Getting about is easy on foot and easier still by rail: the M2 metro stops at Şişhane and Taksim, the F1 funicular drops to Kabataş in ninety seconds, the historic Tünel funicular connects Karaköy to the top of the hill, and the T1 tram runs along the shore towards the old city. For international buyers the draw is character and short-let potential, since this is where most visitors want to stay. The counterweight is noise, limited parking, and heritage rules that restrict what you may change. Prices sit mid-table for the districts we cover, which surprises people — the premium here is paid for a specific street or a specific view, not for the district as a whole.

• Known for
• historic
• walkable
• nightlife
• creative
• golden horn