Istanbul - Western Suburbs

Western Suburbs are a collection of Istanbul neighborhoods, lying west of the city walls of old city. Bakırköy is the main center of this part of the city.

Culture and History

The western suburbs of Istanbul are mostly residential areas and range from multi-million villas in Florya on the coast of Marmara Sea to slums of Bağcılar in the north. In general, the districts on the Marmara coast are upscale, while the districts located farther north inland are full of buildings with no respect to building codes, and minimal aesthetic expectations (slum, in short).

Travel to Istanbul - Western Suburbs - Visa Requirements

By air

Istanbul’s primary airport, Atatürk International (IST), is located near Yeşilköy, within this district. For more detailed information about how to get to the city center from the airport, see the respective section of main Istanbul article. Please note, while the nearest neighborhood to the airport is Yeşilköy, it is not possible to walk or otherwise easily get to the airport from Yeşilköy, so it is important not to catch a bus or a train with a stop in ‘Yeşilköy’ while in need of getting to the airport. Always look for the dedicated ‘Airport’ (Havaalanı/Havalimanı) stop/station. The instructions on the main Istanbul article are correct, though.

By train

A suburban train (banliyö treni) line connects the coastal part of this district (including Bakırköy and Yeşilköy) with Sirkeci and with numerous other stations located in old city.

Trains from destinations in Europe or European Turkey don’t call at any of the stations located within this district. If you are arriving by a long-distance train, best way to get to these suburbs is to get off the (long-distance) train at Sirkeci station (last station) and then, to catch a suburban train there to your final destination.

By metro/tram

Both the southern metro line (departure from Aksaray in city center) and the tram line (with stops in many places in old city and further beyond) eventually reaches somewhere within this district.

By dolmuş

Dolmuşes operate on the following lines, almost 24 hours a day:

• Taksim-Bakırköy
• Taksim-Ataköy
• Taksim-Yeşilköy

Buses to Istanbul - Western Suburbs

As anywhere else in Istanbul, there is a vast number of bus lines connecting this district with the rest of the city. The numbers of most useful lines are as follows:

• 71T Taksim-Ataköy (via Aksaray in old city and a stop a little distance away from downtown Bakırköy)
• 72T Taksim-Yeşilköy (via Aksaray in old city and a stop a little distance away from downtown Bakırköy)
• 81 Eminönü-Yeşilköy (via the avenue located directly on the coast)
• 94A Beyazıt-Bakırköy

Also very long, hybrid buses called Metrobüs which have their right-of-way ply through a route in the middle of the major highway heading west, in the north of Bakırköy. They depart from Mecidiyeköy and cut travel time dramatically.

By boat

Fast ferries from places in the Asian Side, or occasionally from Eminönü arrive at Bakırköy pier.

Istanbul - Western Suburbs tourist attractions and sightseeing

Istanbul - Western Suburbs city tours

Istanbul - Western Suburbs souvenirs and shopping

Istanbul - Western Suburbs Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge

• Balikci Yuksel, 90 (212) 663 97 42. Great seafood for around $50 per person. They can give great advice on what is the best fish for the season and other dishes in general.

• Beyti Restaurant [1]. Simply, one of the best restaurants in Istanbul, favoured by diners thanks to its delicious meat in the 45's at Küçükçekmece, in a pleasant environment, is like a monument of tradition remembered by people at every age. It has an honourable and respectable level on Turkish and international press. (Closed on Mondays). Prices range from 50 - 150 YTL per person.

Istanbul - Western Suburbs nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs

Istanbul - Western Suburbs cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

Contact

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