​ISTANBUL

Hello, ​Istanbul.

Located on both sides of the Bosphorus, the narrow strait between the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea, Istanbul bridges Asia and Europe both physically and culturally.

The culinary scene is as diverse as its heritage, and locals take their eating seriously. ​Delicious mezes, freshly caught fish and kebabs are to be enjoyed with the national drink rakı (grape spirit infused with aniseed). 

With its long history at the center of empires, Istanbul offers a wealth of historic and religious places to take in, dating back to Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods.

Women digital nomads will most likely have no problems in Istanbul, however there are instances of Turkish men approaching foreign women or following them. ​In general, Istanbul is pretty safe and petty crime is low. 

However, be careful around the Old Town as pick-pocketing and bag snatching can happen. It is advisable to avoid hanging out alone in Taksim late at night or on weekends, especially on the main street Istikal Cadessi.

You won't find a huge digital nomad scene in Istanbul. While Istanbul is not the cheapest city in the world, it is neither considered an expensive city to live in. ​

As a popular travel destination, Istanbul has all the facilities needed for accommodating digital nomads. You will find free Wi-Fi in most restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, and public areas.

Istanbul has a temperate oceanic climate which is influenced by a continental climate, with hot and humid summers and cold, wet and occasionally snowy winters.

The best time to visit Istanbul is September to November (fall). That's when the crowds diminish, the rates drop, and weather is spectacular.