Digital Nomad Information to Dwelling in Istanbul

Istanbul is a busy, vibrant, and cultural metropolis that gives a beautiful mix of outdated and new. It’s additionally a thriving spot for individuals selecting to work remotely. Selecting to be a digital nomad in Istanbul provides numerous alternatives to journey additional, see extra, and take a look at essentially the most scrumptious meals you’ll be able to think about. Put merely, dwelling on this unbelievable metropolis is an expertise like no different, in all the perfect methods.
That is the one metropolis on the planet that straddles two continents; you’ll be able to actually depart Europe and be in Asia in lower than ten minutes. It’s a melting pot of traditions and customs, and you’ll reside very cheaply if you understand the shortcuts to take. And I ought to know; I lived in Istanbul for a number of months, and I nonetheless go to frequently now.
It’s considered one of my favourite cities on the planet, and I do know that it is going to be considered one of yours too. Life in Istanbul is rarely boring, all the time busy, and also you’ll meet numerous individuals just by going to the grocery store.
About Istanbul
Opposite to standard opinion, Istanbul isn’t the capital of Turkey; that’s Ankara. Nevertheless, again within the Ottoman days, it did was the capital, and it nonetheless stands as the largest and busiest metropolis within the nation. In the event you suppose you’ve seen crowds and site visitors earlier than, you’ll reevaluate your opinion when you’ve skilled Istanbul!
Town is positioned within the northwest of Turkey and may be very effectively related by street, practice, and air to all main Turkish and European cities. It was based within the seventh century BCE and was initially known as Byzantium; in truth, Istanbul has had a number of names over time, with essentially the most well-known being Constantinople. Numerous empires have tried, failed, and succeeded in conquering this supercity, which is obvious via the countless historic websites dotted throughout.
Whether or not you’re into historical past, buying, tradition, meals, nature, or one thing else solely, that is town to seek out it. In fact, you additionally must know navigate life in such an enormous metropolis, and that’s the place this digital nomad information to Istanbul will assist you to out. I’ll share loads of secrets and techniques so you’ll be able to work and sightsee with ease.
Digital Nomad in Istanbul: Private Expertise

Over the previous couple of years, the digital nomad scene in Istanbul has exploded, and now you’ll discover many co-working areas, notably in Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu, Üskudar, and Kadiköy. There are additionally numerous quantities of espresso outlets the place you’ll be able to fortunately work and meet different digital nomads. But for me, the factor that stands out about Istanbul is the general vibe.
It’s new but outdated, it’s stylish but snug, and it’s someplace I’ve by no means as soon as felt uncomfortable, regardless of the notably quick tempo of life. And even then, you’ll be able to simply escape to someplace quieter for a couple of hours if you should unwind, equivalent to Bebek or Sariyer. There’s a lot to see and do which you could get your work achieved within the morning and head out to see one thing historic and exquisite within the afternoon. With the ability to say you’re a digital nomad dwelling in Istanbul is a reasonably particular feeling.
I met so many new individuals throughout my time in Istanbul, and it’s an awesome spot for networking. The nightlife scene is extraordinarily diverse, and there are lots of occasions happening all year long. For me, life in Istanbul gave me every part I needed, and I by no means felt lonely or wished I used to be elsewhere; in truth, I by no means had the time to get bored for a second.
The price of dwelling in Istanbul has risen over the past couple of years, nevertheless it’s nonetheless inexpensive should you’re cautious along with your cash. By spending extra time within the metropolis, you usually received’t head to vacationer areas for meals or nightlife; merely going the place the locals go and selecting to prepare dinner at residence will prevent lots of money.
Is Istanbul Secure?
You’ve little question heard tales about Istanbul and its security, and I’m not going to lie; issues do occur often. Nevertheless, I’ve by no means felt unsafe, and I imagine that so long as you utilize your widespread sense and keep away from sure areas at night time, it’s a secure metropolis.
As an illustration, Taksim Sq. is understood for protests, so should you see a gathering of any form, keep away from it. Equally, Beyoğlu at night time, notably on the weekends, is usually a little shady, so I’d simply keep away from it. Whenever you’re dwelling in Istanbul, you get to know the areas that simply don’t really feel all that great – all the time take heed to your intestine.
Over the past decade or so there have been a couple of terrorist assaults in Istanbul, and that is one thing that understandably causes concern. Nevertheless, these incidences aren’t any greater than in different main cities. Personally, I feel should you’re as wise as you’d be in another very giant metropolis, Istanbul is as secure as wherever else.
Finest Areas to Reside in Istanbul
Istanbul is huge. Many various neighborhoods make up its complete, and every has a definite really feel and persona. As a digital nomad dwelling in Istanbul, you’ll want entry to high-quality web, a variety of cafes and co-working areas, and simple transport to areas of curiosity.
So, the place are the greatest areas to remain in Istanbul should you’re working remotely? Listed here are my suggestions.
1. Beşiktaş

Beşiktaş is considered one of my favourite elements of Istanbul, and it’s someplace I typically keep at any time when I am going again and go to. I like the colourful really feel of the realm, nevertheless it additionally appears like a ‘native’ spot, with a far much less touristic vibe. Regardless of that, there’s loads to see and do round this neighborhood, and it spans over a big space.
This neighborhood is full of espresso outlets, and also you’ll see many college students and digital nomads working away. There are additionally a number of co-working areas and inexpensive food and drinks choices right here, (it’s an awesome space for avenue meals). The nightlife round this a part of town can be ‘student-ish,’ which suggests it’s cheaper and extra native, one thing I actually loved.
There are many Airbnbs and hostels round Beşiktaş, in addition to room shares with different digital nomads and college students specifically. It’s additionally very straightforward to get out and see extra of town from this district, with trams, buses, ferries, and simple strolling routes.
2. Fatih

Fatih is the realm simply behind the Golden Horn, i.e. essentially the most historic a part of town. Sultanahmet, Eminönü, Sirkeci, and Eyüp are all inside strolling or tram distance, and it’s near main sights, equivalent to Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Grand Bazaar, Suleymaniye Mosque, and Basilica Cistern. You’re additionally prone to see that iconic view over the Galata Bridge each single day, which is a bonus value mentioning, in my view.
The Fatih space might be touristy, nevertheless it has a ‘regular life’ vibe, and there are many common individuals who reside right here and go to work day-after-day. You’ll discover many hostels right here, and the worth per night time is so much cheaper in comparison with wherever else. There are additionally loads of Airbnbs, and you might also discover a room share with one other digital nomad.
The wonderful thing about staying in Fatih is that you simply’ll really feel such as you’re within the coronary heart of outdated Istanbul, and it’s straightforward to get round because of Metro hyperlinks, trams, ferries, and buses. This can be a very busy space, nevertheless it’s straightforward to seek out slightly peace and quiet too. There are additionally many cafes the place you’ll be able to head to do some work, in addition to a few co-working areas.
3. Beyoğlu

Beyoğlu is a sprawling space that features Taksim, Tophane, Karaköy, and Galata, and it’s a vibrant space that by no means appears to sleep. Nevertheless, that is additionally an awesome neighborhood if you wish to meet new individuals, get pleasure from a fast-paced life, and have quick access to nightlife, gastronomy, buying, and historical past. The one factor to say is that sure elements of Beyoğlu aren’t supreme to be strolling round alone at night time, however widespread sense will see you proper.
As a digital nomad dwelling in Istanbul, selecting Beyoğlu means you’ll be very central, but you’ll be capable of reside a ‘common’ life by consuming at residence and dwelling cheaply. There are numerous cafes and co-working areas round this space, and transportation hyperlinks to different elements of town are plentiful. You’ll additionally discover many hostels and low-cost flats should you search rigorously.
As a digital nomad dwelling in Istanbul, Beyoğlu is an effective alternative as a result of it provides an excellent mix of outdated and new – it’s what I like about this space essentially the most. It’s additionally very worldwide, so that you’re prone to meet like-minded individuals every day, together with different digital nomads. You’ll even be near main landmarks, equivalent to Taksim Sq., and Galata Tower.
4. Kadiköy

Kadiköy is a big district on the Asian aspect of Istanbul; it’s fairly student-orientated with incredible locations to eat and nice nightlife. It’s additionally decrease in price in comparison with another areas. I actually like Kadiköy as a result of it has a world really feel however nonetheless maintains lots of its conventional attraction.
This can be a district of espresso outlets, so that you’ll by no means wrestle for someplace to work, and there are a couple of co-working spots too. Lodging round this a part of town can be barely cheaper, and it’s one other space with plentiful hostels. In the event you enterprise slightly additional again from the middle of city, you’ll discover low-cost Airbnbs that may be rented over longer durations.
Days off might be spent on the seaside in the course of the summer time months. My favourite is Caddesbostan Seashore, which is walkable from the middle of city. It’s also possible to make a journey over to the Princes’ Islands, or take the ferry over to the European aspect and discover the highest sights.
5. Üskudar

Üskudar sits subsequent door to Kadiköy on the Asian aspect and is a superb spot for working remotely in Istanbul. Right here, you’ll discover a way more laid-back and genuine lifestyle, and as such, it’s less expensive on a day-to-day foundation. It’s additionally very straightforward to get round, because of the ferry port, buses, and the Metro system.
There are a couple of co-working areas in Üskudar however plentiful cafes and hostels. Airbnbs are ample on this aspect of town, and you might also be capable of discover a room to share with one other digital nomad by way of on-line commercials. Consuming at residence may be very straightforward whenever you keep on this a part of town as there are giant bazaars promoting contemporary fruit, greens, and fish, and loads of butchers (kasap) to purchase every part you want comparatively cheaply.
Exploring town is simple from Üskudar, and there are lots of nice spots across the neighborhood. Çamlıca Hill is considered one of my favourite locations, and the views proper over town are one thing very particular. You possibly can head over to Kadiköy for vibrant nightlife, and discover close by Beylerbeyi Palace.
Methods to Discover Lodging in Istanbul
In the event you’re fascinated by dwelling in Istanbul, the very first thing you should think about is the place you’re going to reside. Most landlords don’t like renting flats for lower than 12 months, and even then, they typically need a full yr’s lease upfront.
Right here’s discover one thing appropriate on your wants:
1. Hostels & Serviced Residences by way of Reserving.com: Hostels are an affordable solution to meet different like-minded individuals and discover someplace to remain. Nevertheless, should you desire slightly extra privateness then there are lots of serviced condo choices which might be listed on Reserving.com. These are perfect for digital nomads, and should you share with one other distant employee, you’ll minimize prices much more.
2. Airbnb: Over the previous couple of years, the variety of properties listed on Airbnb in Istanbul has grown massively, and this implies you’ll be able to reside in a home or condo with every part you want. Once more, should you can share with another person, you’ll minimize prices and might prepare longer phrases with the proprietor. Airbnbs are typically away from the primary vacationer areas.
3. Fb teams: There are a number of Fb teams devoted to Istanbul, and the Istanbul Expat Group group is an effective place to start out. You’ll discover plenty of helpful data on there, together with lodging listings and room share adverts.
4. Home sitting: Home sitting assignments are typically short-term, however you’ll be able to typically discover a number of that run concurrently. Trusted Home Sitters is a good website that frequently options assignments in and round Istanbul. Use code GOATS20 for 20% off.
Value of Dwelling in Istanbul
Istanbul was an especially low-cost place, however over the previous couple of years, prices have risen fairly sharply. Nevertheless, compared with lots of different European cities, the price of dwelling in Istanbul remains to be pretty low. Plus, should you’re cautious along with your cash, it can save you right here and there.
Eating places and Groceries

When dwelling in Istanbul, vacationer eating places in Taksim and Sultanahmet will most likely be out of the query, apart from a special day or maybe when buddies go to. As an alternative, attempt to store and eat at common locations – this is not going to solely prevent cash but in addition offer you a extra “regular” and genuine expertise.
At a neighborhood restaurant, you should purchase ev yemek, e.g. home-cooked meals equivalent to güveç or kuru fasulye, for round 150TL ($8) together with rice. Avenue meals can be an affordable possibility, with a slice of pizza typically costing round 50TL ($2.70), and döner kebab round 80TL ($4.30). Nevertheless, should you go to a world restaurant in a vacationer space, you’re taking a look at round 250TL ($17.50) for a pizza and 120-200TL ($6.40-$11) for a salad.
Selecting to prepare dinner at house is a extra cost-efficient possibility, and supermarkets like Migros, BIM, and Şok are your greatest go-to’s. Migros specifically is an effective possibility as a result of they provide a house supply service by way of the net app. If you wish to purchase meat, go to your native kasap (butcher), and discover out the fruit and vegetable bazaar days wherever you select to remain.
Lodging Prices

Lately, the common lease for a one-bedroomed condo is wherever between 5000TL – 10,000TL ($268-$538) monthly with utilities on high. Nevertheless, should you can share your lodging, you’ll be capable of reside for much less. I discussed earlier that the majority landlords desire to lease over the long run, which might be a difficulty for distant staff.
In the event you select to remain in a hostel, you’re taking a look at round 700TL ($38) per night time, however should you guide for a block of time, you could possibly safe a reduction. Airbnbs are typically round 600-1300TL ($32-$70) per night time for a small property, however many homeowners do often permit longer reservations with reductions.
As for utility payments, the common electrical energy invoice for a month is round 2500TL ($135), and water averages 1000TL ($54) monthly. Most landlords cost utilities on high of the lease; it’s uncommon to seek out someplace along with your payments included within the worth, apart from a hostel or Airbnb. Remember the fact that in the course of the summer time months, your electrical energy invoice could also be greater should you use air-con.
Transportation Prices in Istanbul

You possibly can stroll across the European aspect of Istanbul extra simply than you’ll be able to on the Asian aspect; on the European aspect, it’s very straightforward to get round on foot so long as you put on snug sneakers and take your time. Having stated that, you’re not going to have the ability to stroll completely in all places as a result of we’re speaking a few large metropolis right here.
The excellent news is that the general public transport community is basically easy to make use of, low-cost, and frequent. The Istanbul Kart is a must-do if you wish to use the ferries, Metro, tramway, buses, and Marmaray trains. You should purchase this card from Metro stations or in native markets for 100TL ($5.40), and also you then high it up frequently.
To make use of any of town’s transportation choices, you merely beep your card on the gate; a one-way journey on any type of transport prices 15TL ($0.80) per particular person.
In the event you’re touring at night time, taxis are the most secure possibility; nonetheless, these might be pricey so make it possible for the motive force all the time places the taxi meter on. There’s a typical rip-off of charging a set quantity to foreigners reasonably than utilizing the meter, and though that is forbidden it does occur. Uber is accessible in Turkey, however they are typically on par with taxi costs; as an example, it would price round 80TL ($4.30) from Taksim to Besiktaş, and round 100TL ($5.40) from Çamlıca Hill to Üskudar.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge

Whereas WiFi is quite common across the metropolis, it’s significantly better to have a SIM card so you have got entry to knowledge and might make calls if you should. The principle telephone corporations in Turkey are Turk Telekom, Turkcell, and Vodafone. These all supply SIM playing cards to international residents, and also you merely go to the closest retailer along with your passport and pay the price, which is usually round 700-900TL ($38-$49).
As an Istanbul digital nomad, the excellent news is that WiFi may be very dependable, however there could also be instances when you should create a hotspot out of your telephone and share your knowledge along with your laptop computer; that’s solely doable. Nevertheless, many individuals are selecting eSIMs nowadays as an alternative, and several other corporations supply them.
Airalo, Holafly, and Flexiroam are all dependable choices for eSIMs, and they are often bought on-line, activated, and topped up instantly. Costs fluctuate, however you’ll be able to typically discover nice offers; I used Flexiroam as a result of they provided 50GB for $100, legitimate for 90 days, and it was sufficient for what I wanted. Most eSIMs in Turkey don’t supply calling minutes, however you should utilize WhatsApp/Skype/Fb Messenger to make your calls as an alternative.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Istanbul

- Get an Istanbul Museum Cross – This e-card covers the primary sights, equivalent to Topkapı Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and the numerous museums throughout town. It lasts for 15 days and prices 4000TL ($138). This can be a main saving on the door worth, and also you don’t should queue both.
- Go to the native bazaars – You may get lots of contemporary produce from native bazaars for much less cash and higher high quality than within the supermarkets. Keep away from shopping for meat from large supermarkets and head to the native butcher as an alternative (kasap). If you need fish, equally, go to a fish market; the one in Beşiktaş has an enormous vary of seafood at very affordable costs.
- Keep away from New 12 months’s Eve – Istanbul’s lodging costs are typically comparatively static throughout the yr, nonetheless, New 12 months’s Eve and the week earlier than are much more costly. If you wish to hold money in your pocket, keep away from that point and another nationally vital celebrations. The dates of those fluctuate yearly, so merely examine on-line beforehand.
- Don’t eat in Sultanahmet – You’ll discover so many eating places providing “genuine Turkish delicacies” in Sultanahmet. The most important subject is that it’s not as genuine or prime quality because it could possibly be, and the costs are massively inflated. As an alternative, go to a neighborhood ev yemek lokanta, the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from higher high quality at decrease costs. Alternatively, go to a neighborhood oçakbası for the perfect kebabs.
- Use public transport – You may get across the metropolis very simply and cheaply through the use of public transport. I discussed earlier in regards to the Istanbul Kart, and that’s undoubtedly one thing you should buy and high up frequently. I’ll admit that the Metro and bus community appears a bit complicated at first look, however as soon as you utilize it, you’ll see that it’s extraordinarily straightforward.
- Go to Beşiktaş and Kadiköy for clothes – You’ll discover all the massive Excessive Avenue names, however there are some critical bargains on clothes within the small outlets and markets in Beşiktaş and Kadiköy.
Coworking Areas in Istanbul and Wifi Velocity

Town is residence to a rising variety of co-working areas, and whereas there aren’t as many as there are in another digital nomad hotspots, there’s no scarcity of cafes to work from for digital nomads dwelling in Istanbul. In the event you do wish to use a co-working house, you typically should guide beforehand, and also you’ll pay per day. It’s vital to do not forget that the co-working scene in Istanbul is rising, so it’s prone to be extra prevalent within the months and years to come back.
The opposite plus level is that the majority locations have good-quality WiFi, which is vital for a digital nomad dwelling in Istanbul. To present you an concept of Web speeds in Istanbul, the common add velocity on a set connection is 8.78, and the common obtain velocity is 38.12, based on a latest research by Speedtest.
I by no means discovered any main issues with the Web in Istanbul; there have been a couple of quick outages often, nevertheless it was fairly strong general. Nevertheless, if you wish to watch movies or stream motion pictures, it’s possible you’ll discover that it stops often; that’s once I used my eSIM reasonably than WiFi, (though this sort of utilization will drain your knowledge sooner).
1. CoBAC
CoBAC is positioned in Fatih, with a incredible view over the Golden Horn. It’s one of many latest co-working additions to town, and it’s a contemporary possibility for digital nomads. There are a number of membership choices obtainable that cowl completely different durations, so it’s value exploring whether or not you’re seemingly to make use of it frequently or simply as a one-off.
You possibly can lease a person desk or work inside a collaborative space, and there’s free tea, espresso, and water all through the day. The house additionally has 24/7 safety, so you’ll be able to select to work late and really feel snug. CoBAC may be very straightforward to succeed in from most elements of town because it’s within the heart of Fatih – it’s related by way of tram, Metro, bus, or on foot.
2. Workinton
Workinton is positioned in stylish Nişantaşı, near the middle of Beşiktaş. I used this house a couple of instances, and I loved the brilliant decor and the collaborative really feel. It’s an excellent co-working house for productiveness and feeling snug on the identical time.
All furnishings is ergonomic, and there are lockers to maintain your private objects secure. Free tea and low are served all day, and there are many cafes and eating places shut by if you need one thing to eat. The WiFi right here was prime quality for me; I performed video calls with none glitches.
This house provides membership choices, or you’ll be able to rent a desk for the day; you’ll get cheaper charges the extra days you select.
3. DAM
The main benefit of selecting DAM as your co-working house is that it’s as central as might be; proper within the coronary heart of Taksim. This house can be open 24/7, so if you need to make calls at odd hours to slot in along with your consumer’s wants you are able to do that with out concern. The decor can be very vibrant, and the entire house is kind of cozy.
You possibly can lease a desk by the day or week right here, and charges are affordable for the placement. Free refreshments are served all day, and there’s no scarcity of eateries across the space. I discovered the workers very pleasant, and I cherished the massive assembly room that can be utilized for collaboration and brainstorming.
Finest Cafes to Work From in Istanbul

If co-working areas aren’t your factor, you’ll discover greater than sufficient cafes in Istanbul the place you’ll be able to arrange your non permanent workplace for the day. I desire to work from cafes as a result of I like to look at the world go by whereas I’m working and co-working areas might be pricey. I noticed many different Istanbul digital nomads working from cafes, and so long as you buy drinks (a couple of in order to not be impolite), you’re good to go.
- Starbucks Barbaros Beşiktaş: I do know it’s predictable however I discovered this an awesome place to work from because it’s giant, spacious, and shiny, and the chairs had been particularly snug. The WiFi was additionally excellent high quality and strong all through the few hours I used to be there, plus the noise degree was excellent. In fact, the vary of espresso and snacks on supply is fairly wide-ranging.
- 1 Kahve, Cihangir: This cafe is in an awesome spot, round 5 minutes stroll from Taksim Sq.. It’s a cushty spot with nice WiFi and scrumptious espresso and pastries. Many different distant staff spend their time there, so that you received’t really feel uncomfortable, and there are enough charging factors.
- Nevmekan Bağlarbaşı, Üsküdar: This big cafe additionally homes a library and artwork gallery, so it’s an awesome place to spend a couple of hours. It’s additionally supreme for working as there are charging factors dotted across the cafe, the WiFi is great, and the dimensions means you’re by no means going to really feel such as you’re taking on a desk unnecessarily. The espresso right here can be a few of the greatest I’ve had in Istanbul.
Actions and Issues To Do in Istanbul
The great thing about working remotely in Istanbul is that there are such a lot of issues to see and do whenever you’ve completed working for the day, or at weekends should you work for an organization. In fact, you’ll wish to know the place to move to make your spare time rely.
Listed here are a couple of concepts for these of you contemplating the selection of being a digital nomad dwelling in Istanbul:
1. Go to the Princes’ Islands

The right factor to do on a weekend off is to move to the attractive Princes’ Islands for the day. Büyükada is the most important of those islands that are simply over an hour away from Istanbul on the ferry. It’s the proper solution to get away from the hustle and bustle as site visitors isn’t allowed on these islands.
Through the summer time months, you’ll be able to benefit from the lovely seashores, however you may as well hike. Whereas I used to be a digital nomad dwelling in Istanbul, I actually loved the Aya Yorgi Monastery path, which takes round 2.5 hours, however you’ll be able to stroll round by yourself steam and take a look at the superb views. There are additionally loads of small cafes and eating places the place you’ll be able to cease and luxuriate in a contemporary lemonade or a cup of Turkish espresso.
The easiest way to succeed in Büyükada is by way of a tour. I took the Full Day Princes Islands Tour which additionally included lunch, and it was an effective way to see the island. Nevertheless, you may as well take the common ferry from Beşiktaş, Eminönü, and Karaköy. Ferries depart frequently all through the day and are operated by IETT however numerous different excursions additionally depart the primary ports.
2. Discover Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet is residence to a few of Istanbul’s most well-known sights, and you’ll see a couple of of them inside simply in the future. You possibly can both take a time without work, maybe on the weekend or unfold the sights out over time and go to after you’ve completed work for the day. The must-visit spots embody Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar, and Suleymaniye Mosque.
You’ll discover many excursions to those spots, such because the Istanbul Sightseeing Strolling Tour, or you’ll be able to go to every one individually. Whenever you’re dwelling in Istanbul, you’ll be able to go to these well-known sights leisurely. You don’t should rush from one to a different and threat lacking all of the small particulars.
The easiest way to get to Sultanahmet is both by way of the bus from Taksim or the Asian aspect (a number of buses serve this route) or on the Marmaray from Kadiköy after which stroll the quick distance up the hill from Sirkeci. It’s also possible to take the tram from Kabataş, which is round a 15-minute stroll from Beşiktaş.
3. Dolmabahçe Palace

Dolmabahçe Palace is a must-visit, particularly should you’re searching for one thing to fill your time after you’ve completed work – I extremely suggest this exercise to any digital nomads dwelling in Istanbul. The palace itself is so stunningly lovely, however the gardens and the view over the Bosphorus are simply as jaw-dropping. The one draw back is which you could’t take photographs contained in the palace; because the information informed me, “Take photographs along with your eyes as an alternative!”
The palace dates again to Ottoman instances nevertheless it was additionally the place Mustafa Kemal Atatürk died on 10 November 1938. It’s a spot of nice significance and opulent to the intense. You possibly can take a guided tour or you’ll be able to go to your self; the palace is included within the Museum Cross, or you’ll be able to pay the 650TL ($34.90) entrance price on the door.
It’s additionally very straightforward to get to, because it’s solely round a 10-minute stroll away from Beşiktaş, or you’ll be able to take the tram from Sultanahmet or Karaköy and stroll in round 5-10 minutes. In the event you’re on the Asian aspect, merely take the ferry over to Beşiktaş and stroll from there.
4. Attempt a Meals Tour

Whereas working remotely in Istanbul, you’ll come throughout many several types of native delicacies, together with avenue meals. Nevertheless, one of the simplest ways to grasp what you’re consuming and recognize it extra, is to take a meals tour.
I actually loved the Style of Two Continents Meals Tour, which lasts for six hours; making it supreme for a time without work. Nevertheless, the Istanbul Foodie Tour by Night time is a superb possibility should you’re working set hours as a digital nomad dwelling in Istanbul.
Consuming native meals is the only greatest solution to really throw your self into native life, nevertheless it additionally means you’ll lower your expenses. Taking this sort of tour will permit you to attempt completely different belongings you may not find out about; I found completely different mezes this fashion and now I eat them on a regular basis. You’ll additionally discover small markets and stalls that you simply’ll return to time and time once more.
5. Bosphorus Cruise

Getting round Istanbul can take time; the site visitors and crowds typically make a brief journey for much longer than meant. That’s not supreme whenever you’ve bought work to do, so a Bosphorus cruise is one of the simplest ways to see so much with out getting caught in a site visitors jam. I took the Bosphorus Cruise with Audio App and I realized so much just by sitting there and observing my environment.
Cruises usually depart from both Eminönü, Beşiktaş, or Karaköy and you could find excursions that take something from one hour to a full day. You possibly can select the choice that fits your day greatest, and sail leisurely down the Bosphorus taking in each the European and Asian sides of town. Cruises often go all the best way all the way down to Sariyer, (which is the place you’ll discover the second bridge over the Bosphorus), earlier than turning again once more.
Excursions function all yr round and all through the day, typically with out the necessity to pre-book. As a digital nomad dwelling in Istanbul, it’s excellent for days whenever you’ve completed work slightly earlier and wish to discover one thing to fill your spare time.
Climate in Istanbul
Istanbul is a year-round vacation spot, and whereas there are distinct seasons, it could possibly rain at any time of the yr. In contrast to the south coast of Turkey which hardly ever sees any rain between June to September, Istanbul is a usually wet place, though in the course of the summer time months, there are some very heat days with shiny blue skies. Nevertheless, the winter might be extraordinarily chilly with the chance of snow.
Regardless of the chilly, I just like the winter months the perfect. There’s a lot to see and do on this metropolis that the climate isn’t actually the largest concern. You’ll discover crowds in all places you go, regardless of whether or not it’s sizzling, sunny, wet, or snowing. I discover Istanbul really lovely when it snows.
To present you a fast round-up of Istanbul’s climate: December to February are thought-about winter when temperatures common between 43-47°F/6-8°C, and rain and snow are doable. Summer time falls between June and August, with a median excessive of round 75°F/24°C, spring is from March to Could, with a median excessive of 53-60°F/12-16°C, and fall is between September to November, with typical highs of 60-70°F/16-21°C.
Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Istanbul

As with wherever on the planet, there are each execs and cons of dwelling in Istanbul as a digital nomad. Let’s check out the plus factors and negatives, so you’ll be able to transfer slightly nearer to deciding whether or not that is the vacation spot for you.
Execs of Dwelling in Istanbul
- Loads of time to see the sights – town is residence to extra historical past than most nations, and whenever you’re a digital nomad dwelling in Istanbul, you have got extra time to discover with out feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
- Low price of dwelling – Whereas costs have risen not too long ago, the price of dwelling remains to be decrease than most different locations in Europe.
- Wonderful meals – Each single day you’ll get to attempt scrumptious delicacies, and should you want a break from conventional fare and fancy one thing worldwide, you’ll discover it with none issues in any respect.
- Assorted nightlife – Whenever you really feel like going out and mingling, there’s an enormous vary of issues to do. If you wish to go clubbing, you’ll discover it, however equally, there are numerous espresso outlets, cocktail spots, rooftop bars, fancy eating places, pubs, and reside music venues to check out. It’s additionally very easy to fulfill individuals at any of these locations.
- It’s straightforward to be productive – As a digital nomad dwelling in Istanbul, you’ll want the suitable situations for productiveness, and also you received’t be hindered. Web is high-quality in most locations, and you’ll arrange your telephone as a hotspot if obligatory. There are additionally loads of co-working areas and cafes with robust WiFi the place you’ll be able to arrange your “workplace” for the day.
- It’s straightforward to get round – As a digital nomad dwelling in Istanbul, you received’t be caught in a single place; it’s really easy to maneuver round from neighborhood to neighborhood and even continent to continent! Public transport is reasonable, environment friendly, and simple to make use of, plus it’s fairly walkable in most areas.
Cons of Dwelling in Istanbul
- Crowds and site visitors – Istanbul is superb, however generally it’s a case of sensory overload. It could possibly get so crowded that non-public house doesn’t really feel doable, and the site visitors is from one other planet. I typically felt exhausted on the finish of day-after-day merely from having to navigate the hustle and bustle.
- Rain – Whereas the climate is unpredictable and might typically be very sunny, particularly in the course of the summer time months, it could possibly rain at any time and when it does, it’s fairly depressing.
- You possibly can’t do something shortly – As a result of it’s so busy, it’s exhausting to get something achieved in a rush. More often than not, issues that ought to solely take an hour find yourself taking three due to crowds and site visitors. You have to be affected person right here.
- It’s tough to seek out lodging that isn’t a hostel: Earlier, I talked about lodging choices and talked about a couple of alternative ways to seek out someplace to remain, however if you wish to keep someplace apart from a hostel, it may be tough. Connecting with different digital nomads and sharing finds is one of the simplest ways, however should you don’t know anybody whenever you first arrive, you would possibly discover that hostels are your solely possibility for some time.
Digital Nomad Visa for Istanbul
Dwelling in Istanbul as a digital nomad is barely doable for 90 days out of each 180 days. Whereas Turkey isn’t within the Schengen zone, it does have related visa necessities, i.e. a rolling 180-day interval, and inside it, you can’t spend greater than 90 days within the nation. When you do, you need to depart for 90 days earlier than you’ll be able to return.
You possibly can apply for a residency allow if you wish to keep longer than 90 days, however that is extraordinarily tough if not not possible for brand spanking new candidates at present, particularly in Istanbul. Along with that, you can’t legally work on a residency allow. There may be at present no digital nomad visa in place in Turkey.
British residents don’t want to use for a vacationer visa earlier than they journey to Turkey, nonetheless Canadian and Americans must get hold of an e-visa earlier than journey: you could find utility data right here.
In Conclusion
Istanbul is such an incredible metropolis, and regardless of what number of instances I go to, I fall in love with it extra with every journey. It’s such a melting pot of outdated and new, and also you’ll meet individuals from everywhere in the world nearly day-after-day. In fact, it’s additionally a spot that’s brimming with historical past to discover and don’t even get me began on the meals …
As a digital nomad dwelling in Istanbul, you’re certain to have a beautiful expertise, and though it is going to be comparatively short-lived on account of visa guidelines, it’s someplace you’ll little question return to greater than as soon as.