In this article, you can find information about the most beautiful and livable neighborhoods of Besiktas, the cultural, artistic, and educational capital located on the European side of Istanbul. It covers life in Besiktas district, social, educational, and healthcare facilities, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of living in Besiktas.
Which Are the Most Livable Neighborhoods of Besiktas?
Among the most beautiful and livable neighborhoods of Besiktas are Bebek, Levazım, Akatlar, Arnavutkoy, Etiler, Gayrettepe, central Besiktas, Levent, Akaretler, Ortakoy, and Kurucesme. These neighborhoods are some of the most prestigious and livable areas of Istanbul, where historical and modern life coexist.
Insights
Advantages of Living in Besiktas
Living in Besiktas has many advantages. First and foremost, the central location of the district provides easy access to other parts of Istanbul. The variety and abundance of public transportation options connect Besiktas to other parts of the city and facilitate daily commutes. Additionally, transportation by sea is quite practical, thanks to Beşiktaş’s coastal location.
Besiktas is rich in social and cultural activities. Various events, festivals, and concerts organized throughout the year add color to the social life of the residents.
Furthermore, the restaurants, cafes, and bars in the district offer a wide range of options to suit every taste.
The high quality of educational and healthcare facilities makes Besiktas an attractive place for families. Prestigious schools and universities ensure that your children receive a quality education.
At the same time, the modern hospitals and healthcare centers in the district provide easy access to healthcare services.
Disadvantages of Living in Besiktas
There are also some disadvantages of living in Besiktas. The popularity and central location of the district can lead to high living costs. Especially rental prices can be higher compared to other parts of Istanbul. This can be a disadvantage for those with limited budgets.
Traffic congestion and crowding are other challenges of living in Besiktas. The dense population and central location of the district can cause traffic jams and crowded streets. Traffic congestion increases, especially during rush hours, which can lengthen commute times.
Finally, the lively and dynamic nature of Besiktas can sometimes lead to noise pollution. The active social life and constantly organized events in the district can sometimes increase noise levels. This can be disturbing for those seeking a quiet and peaceful living environment. However, for many people, the vibrant atmosphere of Besiktas is one of the factors that make living there appealing.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Bebek: Known for its elegant venues and luxurious living spaces.
- Levazim: Notable for its large green areas and modern housing projects.
- Akatlar: Known for its modern housing projects and large parks.
- Arnavutkoy: Known for its historical houses and bohemian atmosphere.
- Etiler: A prestigious neighborhood with luxury restaurants and boutique shops.
- Gayrettepe: Stands out with its business centers and dynamic structure.
- central Merkez: Known for its historical texture and lively social life.
- Levent: Famous for its business centers and large shopping malls.
- Akaretler: Known for its prestigious and historical buildings.
- Ortakoy: Popular for its Bosphorus view and baked potatoes.
- Kurucesme: Known for its peaceful atmosphere and Bosphorus-side restaurants.
The Most Livable Neighborhoods of Besiktas
1. Bebek
Bebek is one of the most prestigious and elegant neighborhoods in Istanbul. It tops the list of Beşiktaş’s most beautiful neighborhoods. With its location along the Bosphorus, luxury villas, and sophisticated venues, Bebek stands out. Bebek Park is an ideal place for walking and relaxing with a view of the Bosphorus. The cafes and restaurants in the park offer enjoyable moments for visitors.
The boutique shops and stores selling designer products in the neighborhood are attractive spots for shopping enthusiasts. These shops, where you can find the latest fashion trends, complement Bebek’s elite and elegant atmosphere. Additionally, fashion events and shows held in the neighborhood bring together fashion enthusiasts.
Bebek is also a central location for social life. Its streets, which come alive at night, offer various options for those seeking entertainment. The restaurants and bars cater to all tastes with examples from both local and international cuisines. These venues keep the pulse of the neighborhood’s nightlife.
Bebek is also highly convenient in terms of transportation, allowing easy access to other parts of the city via public transportation.
2. Levazim
Levazım is one of the developing neighborhoods of Beşiktaş and is among its most beautiful. It stands out with its modern housing projects and extensive green areas. The new housing projects make Levazım an attractive place to live. These projects offer all the amenities of modern life. Additionally, the expansive green areas in the neighborhood provide a lifestyle intertwined with nature.
The shopping centers and stores in the neighborhood offer a wide range of options for shopping enthusiasts. There are also many modern shopping centers. Furthermore, the restaurants and cafes in the neighborhood are ideal places for social events, adding color to the social life of the neighborhood.
Levazım is also rich in educational institutions. The schools and educational centers in the neighborhood offer quality education. Moreover, the calm and peaceful atmosphere of the neighborhood creates an ideal environment for students to study. Therefore, Levazım is a preferred residential area for many families.
Levazım is also highly advantageous in terms of transportation, allowing easy access to other parts of the city via public transportation. Additionally, the expansive green areas in the neighborhood provide a lifestyle intertwined with nature.
3. Akatlar
Akatlar is one of the modern and green neighborhoods of Beşiktaş, ranking among its most beautiful. The neighborhood stands out with its extensive parks and sports areas, offering a lifestyle intertwined with nature. Akatlar Artists’ Park is particularly popular with families and sports enthusiasts on weekends. The walking and cycling paths in the park are ideal for those who enjoy sports.
The modern housing projects in the neighborhood make Akatlar an attractive place to live. The new and luxurious homes offer all the amenities of modern life. Additionally, the shopping centers and stores in the neighborhood provide a wide range of options for shopping enthusiasts, adding color to the social life of the neighborhood.
Akatlar is also attractive for many students due to its rich educational institutions. The schools and educational centers in the neighborhood offer quality education.
Akatlar is highly advantageous in terms of transportation, allowing easy access to other parts of the city via public transportation. Additionally, the expansive green areas in the neighborhood provide a lifestyle intertwined with nature.
4. Arnavutkoy
Arnavutköy is a nostalgic neighborhood famous for its historic houses and Bosphorus views. The wooden houses and narrow streets from the Ottoman era take visitors back in time. These historic structures help preserve the characteristic features of the neighborhood. Arnavutköy’s unique atmosphere is particularly attractive for photography enthusiasts.
The fish restaurants in the neighborhood offer some of Istanbul’s best seafood. These restaurants, lined along the coast, attract both local and foreign tourists. Dining with a Bosphorus view in the evenings offers an unforgettable experience. Additionally, the cafes and patisseries in the neighborhood are ideal spots for a peaceful coffee break.
Arnavutköy is also rich in cultural events. Art exhibitions, concerts, and festivals held in the neighborhood bring together locals and visitors. Open-air events held especially in the summer increase the vibrancy of the neighborhood, adding color to its social life.
Arnavutköy is highly advantageous in terms of transportation, allowing easy access to other parts of the city via public transportation.
5. Etiler
Etiler is one of the most prestigious and luxurious neighborhoods in Istanbul. Luxury restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops complete the elite atmosphere of the neighborhood. Especially Nispetiye Street is the center of shopping and entertainment life. The shops on this street offer the latest fashion trends.
Etiler is also rich in educational institutions. The private schools and educational centers in the neighborhood offer quality education, making Etiler a preferred residential area for many families.
The luxury housing projects in the neighborhood offer all the amenities of modern life. The new and luxurious homes make Etiler an attractive place to live. Additionally, the expansive green areas in the neighborhood provide a lifestyle intertwined with nature, complementing the calm and peaceful atmosphere of the neighborhood.
Etiler is highly advantageous in terms of transportation, allowing easy access to other parts of the city via public transportation. Additionally, the expansive green areas in the neighborhood provide a lifestyle intertwined with nature.
6. Gayrettepe
Gayrettepe is known as a business and residential center in Beşiktaş. The business centers, plazas, and office buildings create the modern and dynamic structure of the neighborhood. This neighborhood, especially busy with business life, offers a wide range of career opportunities. Therefore, Gayrettepe is a preferred residential area for many professionals.
The shopping centers and stores in the neighborhood offer a wide range of options for shopping enthusiasts. Additionally, the restaurants and cafes in the neighborhood are ideal places for relaxation and social events after work.
Gayrettepe is also rich in educational institutions. The schools and educational centers in the neighborhood and nearby areas offer quality education.
Gayrettepe is highly advantageous in terms of transportation, allowing easy access to other parts of the city via public transportation.
7. central Besiktas
Central Besiktas is a place in the heart of Istanbul, known for its historical and cultural texture. Especially Beşiktaş Square is known as a meeting point for people. The cafes, restaurants, and shops around it cater to people of all ages. Beşiktaş Market is an indispensable stop for shopping enthusiasts.
Central Besiktas also hosts art and cultural events. Cinema, theater, and concert halls offer various events throughout the year, with Beşiktaş Cultural Center being a focal point. These events maintain the lively and dynamic structure of the neighborhood.
Central Besiktas is rich in educational institutions and is a preferred place for many university and high school students. The libraries and study areas in the neighborhood provide an ideal environment for students.
Central Besiktas is highly advantageous in terms of transportation, being a hub for many public transportation vehicles. You can easily reach other parts of the city with IETT buses, sea buses, and ferries.
8. Levent
Levent is one of the most prestigious and busy neighborhoods in Istanbul. The business centers, plazas, and office buildings create the modern and dynamic structure of the neighborhood. This neighborhood, especially busy with business life, offers a wide range of career opportunities. Therefore, Levent is a preferred residential area for many professionals.
The shopping centers and stores in the neighborhood offer a wide range of options for shopping enthusiasts. The modern shopping centers house both local and international brands. Especially large shopping centers like Kanyon and MetroCity are indispensable stops for shopping enthusiasts.
Levent is also a central location for social life. Its streets, which come alive at night, offer various options for those seeking entertainment. The restaurants and bars cater to all tastes with examples from both local and international cuisines, keeping the pulse of the neighborhood’s nightlife.
Levent is highly advantageous in terms of transportation, allowing easy access to other parts of the city via public transportation.
9. Akaretler
Akaretler is one of the most prestigious and historic neighborhoods in Beşiktaş. The historic Akaretler Row Houses from the Ottoman period have become a symbol of this neighborhood. These structures, built by Sultan Abdülaziz in the 19th century, are now filled with luxury restaurants, cafes, and boutique hotels. Akaretler offers all the amenities of modern life while preserving its historical texture.
The luxury boutique shops in the neighborhood are ideal destinations for shopping enthusiasts. Additionally, the galleries and art studios in Akaretler are inspiring places for art lovers.
Akaretler is also a central location for social life. Its streets, which come alive at night, offer various options for those seeking entertainment. The restaurants and bars cater to all tastes with examples from both local and international cuisines, keeping the pulse of the neighborhood’s nightlife.
Akaretler is highly convenient in terms of transportation, being within walking distance of central Besiktas. You can easily reach other parts of Istanbul by public transportation.
10. Ortaköy
Ortakoy is one of the neighborhoods in Istanbul famous for its Bosphorus view. Ortaköy Square, with its historic Ortaköy Mosque and Bosphorus Bridge view, fascinates visitors. The cafes and restaurants in the square are especially popular on weekends. The kumpir sellers, which have become a symbol of Ortaköy, offer flavors that everyone visiting this neighborhood should try.
Ortaköy is also known as a center for art and culture. The street artists, stalls selling handmade products, and galleries reflect the bohemian atmosphere of the neighborhood. Open-air events held especially in the summer increase the vibrancy of the neighborhood.
Ortaköy is in a good location for proximity to educational institutions, making it attractive for many students. The schools and educational centers in and near the neighborhood offer quality education.
Living in Besiktas District
Besiktas is one of the liveliest and most dynamic districts of Istanbul. The district, which combines historical texture with a modern lifestyle, attracts people of all ages. Beşiktaş Square is located in the heart of the district and is bustling and lively at all hours of the day. The cafes, restaurants, and shops here are popular spots for both locals and tourists.
The historical buildings in the district showcase Beşiktaş’s rich past. Places like Dolmabahçe Palace, Yıldız Palace, and Beşiktaş Market take visitors on a journey through history. Additionally, Beşiktaş, with its unique Bosphorus views, is an ideal place for walking along the coast and spending time by the sea.
Beşiktaş’s social and cultural life is also very rich. Numerous festivals, concerts, and events are organized throughout the year in the district. Venues such as Zorlu PSM, Beşiktaş Cultural Center, and Akatlar Cultural Center host various art events.
Social and Cultural Amenities
Beşiktaş stands out with its wide range of social amenities. The parks and green areas in the district are ideal spots for those looking to escape the stress of city life. Yıldız Park, with its expansive area and natural beauty, is a preferred place for picnicking and nature walks. Additionally, the walking paths along Beşiktaş Coast are perfect for enjoying pleasant moments by the sea.
There are many cafes, restaurants, and shopping centers in Beşiktaş. Beşiktaş Market is one of the busiest shopping spots in the district. Here, you can find stores of both local and international brands. Moreover, modern shopping centers like Metrocity, Kanyon, and Akmerkez in areas like Etiler, Levent, Akaretler, and Nişantaşı, as well as luxury boutique shops, offer a wide range of options for shopping enthusiasts.
Beşiktaş is also very rich in terms of social life and hosts many cultural events. Concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions organized in the district meet the cultural needs of both locals and visitors. Beşiktaş Cultural Center and Akatlar Cultural Center are at the heart of these events and offer a variety of different activities throughout the year.
Additionally, Vodafone Park, where Beşiktaş J.K.’s matches are played, is an important attraction for football fans.
Educational Opportunities
Beşiktaş is quite rich in educational opportunities and hosts some of Istanbul’s most prestigious schools. Boğaziçi University, Yıldız University, and Istanbul Technical University, located in the district, are among Turkey’s best universities. These universities are known for their wide range of academic programs and strong academic staff, making them preferred by many students.
The high schools and primary schools in the district also offer quality education. Schools like Beşiktaş Anatolian High School and Kabataş Boys’ High School are known for their successful academic history and wide range of student clubs. These schools provide opportunities for students to develop not only academically but also socially and culturally.
There are also many private schools and language courses in Beşiktaş. These schools offer education in various languages and help students develop their language skills at an international level. Additionally, the libraries and study areas in the neighborhood provide a quiet and productive environment for students.
Healthcare Facilities
Beşiktaş is also highly developed in terms of healthcare services and hosts many hospitals, clinics, and health centers. Acıbadem Fulya Hospital and Liv Hospital Ulus, located in the district, stand out with their modern medical equipment and specialist doctors. These hospitals offer a wide range of healthcare services.
There are also many family health centers and polyclinics in the district. These centers provide basic healthcare services quickly and effectively.
Alternative medicine and wellness centers are also common in Beşiktaş. Yoga studios, spa centers, and clinics offering natural treatment methods provide various services to support healthy living.