Living in Istanbul: Beylikdüzü, Büyükçekmece, Avcılar and Şişli

Istanbul is often described as one city, but anyone who spends time here soon discovers that it is many cities in one. Each district has its own rhythm, its own landscape and its own daily routine. Choosing where to live in Istanbul is therefore just as important as choosing the home itself. This guide explains how the city is organised and what four districts on its European side offer: Beylikdüzü, Büyükçekmece, Avcılar and Şişli.

The European side and the Asian side

The Bosphorus runs through the middle of Istanbul and divides it between Europe and Asia, linking the Black Sea in the north with the Sea of Marmara in the south. Bridges, road tunnels and rail lines under the strait connect the two sides, and each side has its own international airport: Istanbul Airport on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen Airport on the Asian side. The European side holds the historic peninsula with Sultanahmet, as well as Taksim and the city's main business districts, while the Asian side is known for its residential neighbourhoods along the water.

West of the city centre, the European side stretches along the Marmara coast. This is where the E-5 highway, also known as the D-100, and the Metrobüs line run, with the TEM motorway further north and the Northern Marmara Motorway beyond it. Along these corridors, districts such as Beylikdüzü, Büyükçekmece and Avcılar have grown into complete places to live, with marinas, beaches, parks, shopping centres and hospitals, while Şişli remains part of the busy heart of the city.

Beylikdüzü: marinas, parks and everyday comfort

Beylikdüzü combines the coast with a well-organised urban life. West Istanbul Marina and the Gürpınar coastline lie by the sea, while Beylikdüzü Yaşam Vadisi offers a long green valley for walks and sport. MarmaraPark and Torium malls, several private hospitals and the E-5 with the Metrobüs cover daily needs. From Diamond Marin, for example, West Istanbul Marina and Yaşam Vadisi are 5 minutes away and the Metrobüs 10 minutes. The district suits many lifestyles: boutique apartments near the marina, villas with sea-view terraces such as Lotus Manzara Beylikdüzü, homes beside a large park in Lotus Koru 2, and the new Lotus Yaşam community.

Büyükçekmece: between the sea and nature

Further west, Büyükçekmece is for those who want calm, green surroundings with the sea close by. Güzelce Marina, the Güzelce coastline, Mimar Sinan Yacht Harbour and Kıyı İstanbul Marina give the district a strong seaside character, and Büyükçekmece State Hospital and the E-5 are within reach. Lotus Manzara Güzelce sets its villas between woodland and the Marmara Sea, Lotus Yalı turns its blocks towards the sea and gives most of its site to gardens, and from Marmara Haven Villa the Marmara Sea swimming coast is 5 minutes away and the E-5 3 minutes. Many buyers choose this district for a quieter, more spacious way of life.

Avcılar and Şişli: connections and city life

In Avcılar, the Ispartakule area is described as one of Istanbul's most sought-after growth districts. Cadde Ispartakule looks out over the sea, a lake and the route of the planned Kanal Istanbul, and sits close to the TEM and Northern Marmara motorways and Istanbul Airport. Akbatı Mall, Mall of Istanbul, Bahçeşehir Pond and Başakşehir City Hospital are among the places nearby, which makes the area practical for families who drive and travel often.

Şişli is a different world: a central business district full of offices, hospitals, hotels and shops. Lotus Şişli, on Piyalepaşa Boulevard, is 100 m from Memorial Şişli Hospital, 540 m from the Darülaceze–Perpa Metrobüs stop and 1 km from Çağlayan Metro, with Cevahir Mall 1.5 km, Nişantaşı 2 km and Taksim 2.9 km away. Its home offices, apartments and penthouses suit buyers who want to live, work or invest in the middle of the city.

The right district depends on how you want to live: by the sea, close to nature, near the motorways or in the centre of the city. HADARA, your real estate partner in Istanbul, knows these districts well and can help you compare them. Contact us or book a private video tour to explore the options, then visit Istanbul to see your shortlist in person.