Istanbul is huge and, a bit intimidating. Finding your “in” can take time. As a foreigner, you’ll quickly see that breaking into Turkish friend groups isn’t always easy. People can be understandably guarded, and the language barrier doesn’t help. Even meeting other foreigners can be tricky. There just aren’t that many of us, and if you’re only here to hang out with other yabancılar, you’re definitely missing out.
Finding your place and your people in this city can feel difficult at first, or even after years of living here.
If you want the short answer to how it’s done: be proactive, put in the effort, stay patient, and accept that it won’t always come easily. It’s also worth mentioning that it tends to get harder as you get older. So you may as well start now.
There are plenty of ways to make friends here, but this is what has actually worked for me and for others I’ve met along the way. Here’s a rundown of the most effective resources, communities, and events to help you make friends and find your place as a foreigner (or new arrival) in Istanbul.
That said, a quick note: use common sense when meeting new people, especially in unfamiliar settings. Istanbul is generally safe, but like any major city, it’s important to trust your instincts, meet in public spaces, and keep your boundaries in mind. Most people are genuine and kind, but it’s always good to stay smart while building your circle.
Online Communities & Event Platforms
Really, the easiest and most natural way to start meeting people is by showing up to events where the whole point is to be social. Whether it’s a pub crawl, trivia night, or language exchange, putting yourself in spaces where others are also open to meeting new people makes everything a lot easier. Fortunately, there are quite a few platforms and communities in Istanbul that make this possible.
Yabangee – The website you’re on. An English-language community platform and publication predominantly run by volunteers, that’s been organizing events for over a decade. Weekly pub crawls, trivia nights, boat parties, and more. Check out the rest of this website or their Instagram for upcoming events. They also have thousands of members in their Whatsapp groups, with channels specifically designed for meeting up.
Meetup (https://www.meetup.com/)
A great platform to find self-organized groups based on shared interests, from language exchange to hiking, board games, or professional networking. Most events are free or low-cost.
Internations (https://www.internations.org/)
Still active in Istanbul, this global expat network organizes curated social mixers, brunches, and networking events. There’s a free membership tier, but most events require a paid subscription. It’s worth checking out, though I’ll admit it’s not really my scene. The vibe tends to be a bit more polished and the venues for the bigger events are often on the pricier side. That said, some people really enjoy it and probably a good fit for many.
Facebook Groups
Surprisingly active and occasionally helpful, though moderation is usually lacking and quality varies. New groups pop up all the time, so it’s worth trying searches like: Expats in Istanbul, English Speakers in Istanbul, Istanbul Foreigners & Locals, Foreign Women of Istanbul, and so on.
Couchsurfing (https://www.couchsurfing.org)
I was hesitant to include this one, because as a platform it’s really declined over the years and is now a bit of a shell of its former self. That said, longtime residents might remember that Istanbul once had one of the most active Couchsurfing communities in the world. These days it runs on a paid membership model, and while it’s far quieter than it used to be, there are still a few dedicated members keeping things alive with the occasional meetup or hangout. Might be worth a look, especially if you’re nostalgic or curious.
IST Expats (https://www.instagram.com/istexpats)
A welcoming group made up of both locals and foreigners. Their events tend to focus on casual, wholesome activities like board game nights, indoor sports (like table tennis), and strictly non-smoking meetups. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a friendly, low-pressure environment to meet people.
Bonus tip: One of the best ways to feel more plugged in is simply staying in the loop about what’s going on. Following a few people who regularly share local insights can help with that. A strong recommendation is Jennifer Hattam, one of the most well-known and well-informed foreigners in the city. Her Substack Istanbul Etc. covers arts, culture, and creative events around the city, and she’s also written for a number of major publications. She’s a great follow if you’re looking for something a bit deeper than just “things to do” and is definitely worth following on Twitter.
Miscellaneous
Other avenues are definitely worth exploring too. Volunteering, recurring events, and special interest communities can all be great ways to connect, but most are primarily in Turkish and can be tough to fully engage with if you’re not confident in the language. That said, here are a few miscellaneous suggestions that, as far as I know, are welcoming to non-Turkish speakers and still offer a solid chance to meet people and get involved.
Istanbul&I (https://www.istanbulandi.org.tr/) – Istanbul&I has been active since 2016 and offers a range of volunteer initiatives focused on social impact, inclusion, and youth empowerment. While most volunteers tend to be university-aged or recent graduates, the community is diverse and welcoming, with regular events like clean-ups, conversation nights, and educational workshops that are generally accessible to English speakers.
Spoken Word Istanbul (https://www.instagram.com/spokenwordistanbul/) – Attending Spoken Word Istanbul is something of a rite of passage for any socially-curious foreigner living in the city. It’s a long-running, open mic event that welcomes all walks of life and has become a staple of Istanbul’s international scene. Whether you’re into self-expression, writing, performance, or just want to listen, it’s a great space to connect and be inspired.
AISEC (https://aiesec.org/global-volunteer) – AISEC has a fairly large volunteer team of internationals working in Istanbul. Their aim is for young people to develop their leadership potential through practical experiences of many kinds. If you’re already here, you can try to contact the local branch directly through their website or Instagram.
Fitness groups – Running clubs, CrossFit, yoga studios and others often have friendly communities. Rundamental being one of the more well-known ones.
Dating apps – Tinder, Bumble, OkCupid are popular not just for dating but also for meeting new people (especially with the “BFF” or “Travel” settings enabled). That said, people here especially can often be disingeniune when claiming they’re just trying to make platonic connections. Please be safe.
Wading into more traditional territory now, but hobby-based events are often the easiest and least awkward way to meet new people. Do some basic searches for the following types of events:
- Dance classes (swing, salsa, tango)
- Book clubs (check out Minoa Pera)
- Cooking workshops, ceramics, calligraphy, etc.
- Groups based around pick-up football, volleyball, etc. (ask in Facebook and Whatsapp groups)
Coworking & study spaces can be pretty solid especially if you’re extroverted enough to interact with others. Also, it gets you out of your house. If you work remotely or freelance, coworking spaces are good for passive social interaction:
- Kolektif House (https://kolektifhouse.co/)
- Impact Hub (https://impacthub.net/)
- HAN Spaces (https://hanspaces.com/)
- Workinton (https://www.workinton.com/)
- Salt Galata (https://saltonline.org/) – Great free study zone.
You’ll often find talks, creative workshops, or low-key networking events happening there too.
Final Thoughts
Making friends in Istanbul can feel slow at first, especially with the city being so spread out and socially fragmented. But once you find your rhythm… the people, the events, the venues, etc. will start clicking into place.
Just say yes to a few events, be open to chatting with strangers, and you’ll start building your circle in no time.
This article remains a work in progress. If you think we missed anything that should be included, please write us at editor@yabangee.com.
Editor’s Note: If you’d like to make the most of Istanbul on a budget, you might also consider a MegaPass, which bundles together many of the city’s highlights at a reduced price.
