Istanbul has been awarded the prestigious Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2025, receiving the gold prize and the title of Best City in Europe. This recognition once again highlights Turkey’s strong position on the global tourism and investment map.

A city where East meets West, Istanbul is long known for its rich history, cultural depth, and modern development. The international jury praised the city’s unique skyline with domes and minarets, the atmosphere of the Bosphorus, its harmonious blend of heritage and innovation, and the rapidly growing gastronomy and art scenes.

Impact on the Real Estate Market

According to the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency, Turkey welcomed 50 million international visitors in the first nine months of 2025, with Istanbul remaining the country’s leading attraction.

Strong tourist demand traditionally contributes to:

higher confidence in the Turkish real estate market,

increased activity from international investors,

rising interest in high-rental-potential properties,

growing attention to Mediterranean coastal regions, including Antalya and Kemer.

For Second Home Turkey, this confirms the ongoing global interest in Turkey as a country with a favorable investment climate, developed infrastructure, and stable demand for both new developments and resale properties.

Turkey Strengthens Its International Presence

Following Istanbul in the ranking were Dubrovnik and Madrid, making Turkey’s victory even more remarkable. Being named the best city in Europe enhances the country’s global image and further supports foreign buyers’ interest in residential and holiday properties along the Mediterranean coast.