Residence Istanbul
A guide for those who stay longer, look closer, and ask better questions.
Residence Istanbul is not a travel blog. It’s not a booking engine. It’s not a list of top 10s. It’s a slow, editorial project dedicated to exploring Istanbul as a place to live, not just visit.
We believe cities are more than destinations. They are ecosystems — messy, layered, contradictory. Istanbul is one of the richest: a city that resists simplification, rewards patience, and punishes clichés.
This site was born out of frustration. Frustration with platforms that reduce Istanbul to a skyline and a shopping list. Frustration with guides that speak in keywords, not in sentences. Frustration with the idea that travel is only about consumption.
Instead, Residence Istanbul offers something slower. We walk the neighborhoods. We talk to locals. We sit in cafés without photographing the latte. We write about the city with affection, but never with blind admiration.
🧭 What We Do
- We explore neighborhoods as living characters — not as commodities.
- We document local life with attention to detail and respect for context.
- We curate cultural events that matter, not just those that sell tickets.
- We offer practical resources for those who want to stay longer, settle in, or simply understand more.
No affiliate links. No sponsored content. No SEO-driven fluff. Just writing, photography, and perspective.
🧠 Who This Is For
- Expats who want to understand the city beyond relocation forums.
- Travelers who prefer depth over speed.
- Locals who are tired of seeing their city misrepresented.
- Anyone who believes that cities deserve to be read, not just consumed.
📌 Our Philosophy
We believe in slowness. We believe in complexity. We believe in Istanbul.