Turkey is a beautiful country with so much to offer expats and digital nomads.
If you’re looking for the best places to live in Turkey, in this guide, you’ll find the best cities that come highly recommended.
Turkey is often chosen by expats and digital nomads because of its great lifestyle and friendly people.
It’s a country that has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a bustling city or a more relaxed beach town. And let’s not forget the food!
Depending on where you’re from, you’ll be able to get different types of visas:
- Tourist visa: this is the most common type of visa and it’s valid for 90 days. You can apply for this visa online or at the Turkish consulate in your home country.
- Student visa: if you’re planning to study in Turkey, you’ll need to get a student visa. This type of visa is usually valid for one year but can be renewed.
- Work visa: if you’re planning to work in Turkey, you’ll need to get a work visa. This type of visa is usually valid for one year but can be renewed.
- Residence permit: if you want to stay in Turkey for longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit. This can be done at the Turkish consulate in your home country or online.
Read this guide to learn more about digital nomad visas for Turkey.
If you’re ready to move to Turkey, read on to discover the best places to live in Turkey.
1. Istanbul
The city that never sleeps! Istanbul is a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis, offering everything from world-class shopping and dining to historic landmarks and world-renowned nightlife.
There’s something for everyone in Istanbul, making it one of the best cities to live in Turkey.
Most expats in Istanbul live in Central Istanbul, in areas like Beyoglu, Sisli, or Ortakoy.
These neighborhoods offer a mix of Western and Eastern influences, making them the perfect place to experience the best of both worlds.
Digital nomads in Istanbul can work from one of the many cafes or coworking spaces in the city, which makes living in Turkey even easier.
Below, you’ll find an overview of the best coworking spaces in Istanbul:
- CoBac
- Impact Hum Istanbul
- DAM
Obviously, there are many coworking spaces in Istanbul, so you should find something that suits your needs.
When you need a break from work, you can explore the city’s many museums and art galleries, or take a walk through one of the city’s many parks.
While you’re there, why not try a hammam experience.
Istanbul is also convenient if you love to travel because the airport is one of the busiest in the world, with direct flights to cities all over the globe.
Istanbul is also getting safer. Read more about safety in Istanbul.
2. Ankara
The capital of Turkey, Ankara is a modern city with a rich history and culture. Home to some of the country’s best universities, Ankara is also a great place for young professionals and families.
With a wide range of neighborhoods to choose from, there’s something for everyone in Ankara.
Most expats in Ankara live in the city center, in areas like Kavaklidere or Sihhiye. If you’re wondering if Ankara is a safe place to live, the answer is yes! The city has a very low crime rate, making it one of the safest cities in Turkey.
Digital nomads in Ankara can take advantage of the city’s many coworking spaces.
The best coworking places in Ankara are centrally located and offer a variety of amenities, such as high-speed WiFi, meeting rooms, and event spaces.
Below, you’ll find the best coworking spaces in Ankara:
- CoZone
- eOfis Ankara Next Level
- Ancowork
Ankara is also home to a number of embassies, making it a convenient place to live if you need to travel often for work or pleasure. You’ll be able to sort out your visas easily.
On the weekends, you can enjoy what the city has to offer: from parks to museums.
Food-wise, we recommend you try the traditional dish of Ankara: kebabs!
3. Izmir
Izmir is a beautiful coastal city located in the Aegean region of Turkey. With its sandy beaches, sunny weather and laid-back atmosphere, Izmir is the perfect place to relax and recharge.
Most expats in Izmir live in the city center, in areas like Alsancak or Konak. These neighborhoods are popular because they offer a mix of Western and Eastern influences.
If you’re wondering if Izmir is a safe place to live, the answer is yes! Izmir is one of the safest cities in Turkey.
Digital nomads in Izmir can work from one of the many cafes or coworking spaces in the city.
Below, you’ll find the best coworking spaces in Izmir:
- Originn Coworking
- Withco Coworking
- Goyahub
When you need a break from work, you can enjoy the city’s many parks and gardens, or take a walk along the waterfront.
Izmir is also a great place to eat, with a wide range of restaurants offering both local and international cuisine. And if you love to shop, you’ll find plenty of shopping malls and outlets in the city.
4. Antalya
Antalya is a beautiful coastal city located in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. With its sandy beaches, sunny weather and laid-back atmosphere, Antalya is the perfect place to relax and recharge.
Expats in Antalya tend to live in the city center, in areas like Konyaalti or Lara. These neighborhoods are popular because they are safe and offer a mix of Western and Eastern influences.
Digital nomads in Antalya can work from home or from cafés. Coworking spaces are just starting in Antalya.
And when you need a break from work, you can enjoy the beach life!
Antalya is also a great place to eat, with a wide range of restaurants offering both local and international cuisine.
5. Bursa
Bursa is a beautiful city located in the Marmara region of Turkey. With its lush parks and gardens, historic landmarks, and traditional Turkish baths, Bursa is the perfect place to relax and recharge.
Most expats living in Bursa are located in the city center, in areas like Cumhuriyet or Tophane.
Digital nomads in Bursa can work from one of the many cafes or coworking spaces in the city like:
- Nextlab
- Workinton Bursa
- Regus
Bursa is also a great place to eat, with a wide range of restaurants offering both local and international cuisine.
Final Thoughts On The Best Cities To Live In Turkey
Turkey is a beautiful country with a lot to offer digital nomads. If you’re looking for a place to live that offers a mix of East and West, Turkey is the perfect place for you.
With its beautiful cities, friendly people, and affordable cost of living, Turkey is an ideal destination for digital nomads and expats.
While Turkey is getting safer and safer, safety can still be an issue for female travelers. We recommend staying in popular areas for expats if you decide to move to Turkey.
We also suggest you get a Turkey SIM card to access the Internet easily.
Not sure if Turkey is the right destination for you? Read one of the following guides:
