Score for work/travel:
★★★★☆
Overview:
Istanbul is a massive, vibrant city that bridges Europe and Asia, offering reliable Wi-Fi, plenty of coworking spaces, and an endless supply of cafés. The cost of living is affordable compared to Western Europe, and the city has a strong entrepreneurial and expat presence. The flip side is its size: traffic is notorious, commutes can be long, and the pace is intense. But if you want big-city energy, deep culture, and a growing digital nomad community, Istanbul delivers.
Quick Hits:
- Wi-Fi: Reliable, decent speeds
- Coworking: Many options, especially in central districts
- Coffee shops: Endless, many work-friendly
- Community: Large expat/entrepreneur presence, growing nomad scene
- Cost: Affordable for a major global city
- Lifestyle: Huge, historic, diverse; gyms, nightlife, culture
- Downsides: Heavy traffic, sprawling layout, busy pace