Where to stay in Istanbul - best AIRBNB areas

Are you planning a trip to Istanbul and prefer Airbnbs instead of a hotel. Let me guide you to the best areas, where you can enjoy the city like a local.

I will present two great neighbourhoods. First, Cihangir on the European side, and, second Kadıköy Moda on the Asian side. Both neighbourhoods are especially popular among European and American visitors.

Cihangir
Let's start with Cihangir. Cihangir is the most popular place for Airbnb bookings in Istanbul. It is a residential area with a relaxed and artsy vibe. There are plenty of great cafés to enjoy the local atmosphere.

Cihangir is as central as it gets. Taksim square and Istiklal street are to the north and Galataport to the south.

In terms of public transportation, Cihangir is very well-connected. To reach the touristic sights on the historical peninsula, you can take the T1 tram line.

Right next to Taksim square is the M2 metro station, which connects to the Istanbul Airport metro. There is also a funicular line, which connects the Bosphorus level with Taksim square. So you don’t have to walk uphill. From the Kabataş ferry port, you can take ferries to Üsküdar and Kadıköy on the Asian side.

When you are searching for apartments, avoid the area close to Istiklal street, since it is loud and busy day and night. Also note, Cihangir itself is partly hilly, but the surrounding areas are very steep. However, this also means many apartments offer stunning Bosphorus views. These factors are important to consider when searching for an Airbnb in Cihangir.

Kadıköy Moda
Next ist Kadıköy Moda. This neighborhood is flat, artsy and has a hipster vibe. It is the most popular area for locals to hang out in Istanbul. There are many great casual restaurants and cafés. Also note, there are many bars and pubs. It is the place with the highest alcohol consumption in Istanbul.

In terms of public transportation, this area is very well connected. Ferries frequently depart to Eminönü, Karaköy and Beşiktaş. The ferry ride to the historical peninsula takes around 20 minutes. The M4 metro line connects directly to Sabiha Gökçen airport. So, if you are staying in Kadıköy, I would recommend flying into this airport on the Asian side. At Ayrılık Çeşmesi station, you can catch the Marmaray, which connects to Sirkeci and Yenikapı on the historical peninsula.

Note, this orange highlighted area is very busy and mostly loud at night. So, I suggest an Airbnb in this green highlighted residential area.

Kadıköy Moda is great, if you are staying in Istanbul longer than 5 days or even a couple of months. It is also a great choice for your second or third stay in the city.

#istanbul #istanbultravelguide #wheretostayinistanbul

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:10 Overview best airbnb areas
00:21 Cihangir neighborhood
02:04 Kadiköy Moda neighborhood