Find your people in Istanbul.
Smileys began here. From Bosphorus evenings and meyhane tables to neighborhood clubs on both continents, Smileys Istanbul brings internationals and locals together through curated experiences and lasting friendships.
Free to join · Applications reviewed by hand within 24–48 hours · Pay only for events you attend
What's happening in Istanbul
Pick a day and see what's on.
Get to know Istanbul
Neighborhoods, where to go, things to do, coworking, nightlife and the local tips that take newcomers months to work out.
Your first weeks in Istanbul
Take the Ferry at Sunset
One of the simplest ways to fall in love with Istanbul.
Eat a Real Turkish Breakfast
Not a meal — a two-hour weekend ritual you'll start defending to foreigners.
A Day on the Princes' Islands
No cars, pine forests, faded mansions — an hour from the city and a century away.
Start here
Istanbulkart Mastery: The only ticket that matters
İstanbul’s all-in-one transport card: one tap covers the metro, tram, bus, ferries, Marmaray, Metrobüs, funiculars, and more. Buy it once (₺165 for the anonymous card), load travel credit, and it’s the cheapest, simplest way to get around the city.
Renting an Apartment in Istanbul: What Foreigners Should Know
Renting an apartment in Istanbul as a foreigner is not just about finding a nice flat at the right price. The neighborhood you choose can affect your daily life far more than the apartment itself. You need to understand deposits, agent fees, aidat, heating, the contract, address registration and, importantly, the questions that reveal problems before you sign.
Family Life in Istanbul: Raising children with confidence
Moving to Istanbul with children brings a new set of questions. How do you choose a school? What’s the difference between a kreş and an anaokulu? The good news is that thousands of Turkish and international families successfully raise children in Istanbul. The city offers excellent healthcare, a wide choice of schools, plenty of parks, and countless family-friendly activities. This guide explains what you need to know to help your family settle into everyday life.
Find your people
Every interest covered — join as many as you like.
Coworking
A curated space for professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, and remote workers to connect, collaborate, and stay productive in a social atmosphere. From focused work sessions to networking and idea sharing, members enjoy a welcoming environment designed for both productivity and meaningful connections.
Erasmus Students
A club for Erasmus and exchange students to make new friends, explore Istanbul, and make the most of their experience. Social events, trips, dinners, parties, cultural activities & more. 🌍🇹🇷 Meet. Explore. Connect. Smile. 😊
Cycling
A curated social club for road riders, gravel grinders, and casual cyclists who love riding together. From Princes' Islands loops to Belgrad Forest routes, members come together to ride and connect in a welcoming and premium social atmosphere.
Hiking
A curated social club for nature lovers, explorers, and adventure seekers who enjoy discovering scenic trails and meaningful connections. From coastal walks to mountain escapes, members come together to experience the outdoors in a welcoming and premium social atmosphere.
Meet your hosts
The members who run Istanbul’s clubs and lead the city. Hosts who keep the calendar alive become City Leads.
Nate
Ekaterina
Cenk
Kevyn
Franco
Edip
Explore by neighborhood
Events happening all across Istanbul, every week.
Visiting Istanbul?
Announce your trip and the community knows you’re coming before you land.
Stories from Smileys
Real writing from the Istanbul community.
Uzakrota Global 2026: Istanbul Welcomes the World of Travel
Discover Uzakrota Global 2026 in Istanbul on November 27. Explore AI, travel technology and international networking with free conference registration.
Discover İKSV: The Cultural Institution Connecting Istanbul with the World
Discover İKSV, the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts, and explore international film, music, theatre, contemporary dance and art events in Istanbul.
Youngr brings his live-looping show to Istanbul
October 17, 2026 | The British musician builds electronic pop performances in real time, layering beats, vocals and instruments into one-person arrangements.
Life happens offline
Real stories from members in Istanbul and across Smileys.
"I joined Smileys two weeks after moving to Istanbul with zero contacts. By the end of my first month I had dinner plans four nights a week. I genuinely don't know what my life here would look like without it."
Emma L.
Relocated from Paris
"I’m a street photographer, and Smileys has given me the chance to share my passion with people from different cultures. What I find inspiring is how foreigners view Istanbul with fresh eyes — through them, I’ve discovered details in the city I had never noticed before. What keeps me anchored here is the mutual respect and strong sense of equality that everyone embodies."
Hakan T.
Street photographer & club host
"Two years ago I attended my first Smileys activity on International Women’s Day. Even though it was my first time meeting most of the people there, I felt like I was among sisters rather than strangers. Smileys isn’t just a group for activities — it’s a place that brings kind people together and creates real friendships and beautiful memories."
Sara K.
Member since 2023
Ready to find your people?
Join Smileys and start building your social life in Istanbul. 44 new members joined this week.