Which is better asian side or european side (istanbul)?

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Rengim

I love this question. Basically both are absolutely great for different reasons.

To live I'd say the Asian side. It's an (almost) untouched with an abundance of green in the middle of the big city, far from the crowds (not too far though) where you can always find somewhere to escape from the rush of the city. And honestly I know this may sound weird but the people are warmer on this side, I guess away form the crowds and urban lifestyle people stay a lot nicer. Time moves slower too. This side is also ideal for a paced Sunday. But as far as I know this side is also a bit more crowded, on the more inner parts of the city you may find immigrant settlements that come from the South-East with a more "traditional" state of mind. That's why you'd notice a lot of burqa wearing women and bearded men in buses, who are almost non-existing on the other side (Aside form Fatih and stuff). But that's really not that much of a bother it's just an observation. Most of the Sultans' and Pashas' summer houses are on this side as well, and all of them are renovated and pretty well kept. It's also easier to find houses with a Bosphorus view half the price.

But the action is on the other side, on the European side. If I were to live in Istanbul I'd definitely choose this side. It's more young, more buzzling with excitment, you can never stop, your attention continues to wander off out of your control, there's a lot to do, a lot to see. Think of large New York. This side is definitely another world. But it is also pricier, a lot crowded during tourist season, noisy and dirty. But I think if you're willing to overlook serenity (Although there's the Yildiz forest in Besiktas where you could go to get a little bit of nature), this side is for everyone. You've got every kind of nightlife you're looking for. Different kind of people. A lot more history. And hey you can always cross to the other side with a simple vapur (ferryboat). Which is one of the most magnificent things in life in mind opinion: getting on a ferryboat with a glass of Turkish tea, looking out onto the Bosphorus while fully knowing that you're crossing two continents. The ferryboats are also very regular, so transportation is really not a difficulty even if you don't have a car.

Cetin: Honestly, anywhere from Uskudar to Anadolu Kavagi in the Asian side is just magnificent. Ah what I wouldn't give to have a Kanlica yogurt right now.

Irmak

If you like night life, entertainment and lux places; European.
But if you like natural, peaceful (there is enternatinment here too but less than European) and nice places; then Asian.

yalkov

Asian side is residence area, both side are great Asian side is better.

K~*H*~S

BOTH

Fly in the highest (mari)

in my opinion both are great
so 2.5/2.5 =5= 100%

i like to travel to both countries every year

sesso

West Side!

Elena <3

Asian side for sure. The mosque's and the Ezan make Istanbul....Istanbul!!!!!

Ä°layda E

The european side

Bix

Both sides are nice but you can't say that you have seen Istanbul without seeing the European side.

aslÃ½ o

European side has historical places, suburbs, business centers etc. In fact, Istanbul originated from European side (seven hills city), which is today's EminÃ¶nÃ¼, Sultanahmet, Galata; KarakÃ¶y...
Asian side was more like vacation place for the rich people then. Today, with all these population, they call there Istanbul too. But Ä± remember 20 years ago, people who live in asian side were saying "Ä± am going to Ä°stanbul-mean EminÃ¶nÃ¼-"

amada

If you are trying to find an hotel, stay in the European side, preferably in the Taksim area, you'll be closer to most of the touristic areas.
I live in the Asian side and prefer it there, it is greener, less crowded etc where I live.
Both sides are great, but if you are asking as a tourist, it will be easier for you in the European side.
If you're planning to live Istanbul for a while and if this is the reason for which you ask the question ( if you have a job etc), prefer somewhere closer to your job. The traffic may sometimes be chaotic.

Ã‡etin

hi,
my fav. places are KalamÄ±ÅŸ and ÃœskÃ¼dar from Asian side
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVHJlmGJwZ4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVcoDnlekIE
and from European side is BeyoÄŸlu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5A7gEtT2gVs

sibel y

both of them great.

if you like nightlife,business,historical places you should choose europan side.

if you like to live silent places you should choose asian side.,,

it depends on you

denisa

In my opinion, Asian side is better than European side. There are more parks than European side. For sure Asian side is for residential

BYZANTINE EMPIRE

Since when does Turkey have anything European...it's all Asian...GO GENGHIS KAHN GO!!!!!!!!!

my name is john malkovic

european side is better i dont like creepy arabic music which mosquio song everyday 5 times and 35 times a week. and they never change always same creepy arabic music

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