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120 thoughts on “Travel Secrets – Where to stay & what to do in Istanbul”

  2. “It’s Istanbul, not Constantinople…” I’m totally going to have that song stuck in my head all day now! I’ve never been to Istanbul, but it looks amazing. I’m pinning this for my future travels!

  3. I really appreciate the amount of HQ pics you have attached to the article, they give me great examples of what you write about. I should get one of those fancy cameras, as well for my next trips 😉 As I mentioned in one of previous comments, I haven’t been to Istanbul unfortunately, but I have just added this article to my bookmarks for my trip there. And as you have been talking about those scammers in night clubs, sadly, they are everywhere making money from visitors 🙁

    • Hi Milan,
      Tks, we have more than 1500 pictures from Istanbul!
      Pls go there, you will not regret!
      That`s true, every place we visited there was some sort of scam with some nightclubs.
      Merry Xtmas!

  4. A great follow up to the first post!

    Those markets look divine, although I’d loved to see some more budget conscious tips for the accommodation options (we’re very thrifty travellers, especially when on the road for so long) 😉

    • Hi Chris,
      They are indeed!
      Airbnb is the solution for all our problems! Well, at least one of them… We got some nice places for less than Euro 20 with kitchen!
      Merry Xtmas!!!!

  7. Great article. We love Istanbul, and look forward to visiting it again. The palace was very nice, the views from the gardens are beautiful. I would add that the small bazaar behind the Blue Mosque has better knock off designer bags, if that’s your thing 🙂 .

  9. Hey Trisha!

    We´ll be in Istanbul next year from 25th of march till 2nd of April… Just a short trip this time. But maybe we can meet there. What are your plans?
    About work exchange, there is one site that I like a lot and they always have something going on in Istanbul, is called http://www.worldpackers.com. Also, if you go to the Starbucks Coffee Shop along Istiklal Street you can find lots of opportunities on the Message Boards. This year I found there a Theater Company hiring english speakers people, they needed amateur actors for children´s play during Xmas Holiday… Craigslists is also good to find some jobs…
    If you need any more info just let me know!

    Happy Holidays,
    Nat

  11. This place’s absolutely adventurous and worth exploring. Can’t wait to make it there perhaps this year. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

    • Hey Agness!

      You should go to Istanbul, and not only there. Go at least for a month to explore the countryside of Turkey too, it´s incredible.
      Hope you can make it this year! Fingers crossed for you! We already have our tickets booked, on March we are landing in Istanbul again 🙂

      Safe and happy travels!
      Nat

  12. I guess I am one of the travellers that really was not that impressed with Istanbul. I expected more: and I’ve been to places you describe, including crossing Bosforus on my own, sheesha, local food, bazars, the Asian side… Beyond the beauty, there is a lot of ugliness in that city, and the contrast was kind of unpleasant to me (really poor streets around the Grand Bazar etc). – and feeling like I constantly have to be on guard regarding prices of everything everywhere. I did enjoy some bartering but it was a bit much. What I liked is walking alongside the Roman Aqueduct remains and finding the old Constantinople city walls, totally forgotten, giving an amazing view of what that city once was. Try to find it next time you are there, it is definitely off the beaten track. Or exploring the totally unmarked ruins right opposite (the other side of the street) to Basilica Cistern main entrance, and trying to guess what they once were. But no… Istambul ain’t my cup of tea, scuse the pun 🙂

  13. Hey!!
    I´m sad to hear that Istanbul didn’t impress you, but we all have different tastes (and that´s a good thing). I also have visited some places that most of travelers love and I didn’t like at all. I think it all depends on the way you look the place, people you meet and your expectations…
    Definitely Istanbul is a city of contrasts, and as big city there are some ugliness and poverty. However there is beauty in the caos.
    We did passed by the Roman Aqueducts, but I didn’t have information enough to talk about them here in blog post, that´s why it is not on the list of attraction… But it is on our “to visit list” for our next trip to Turkey. On April will be landing in Istanbul for more discoveries.
    All the best, and thank you for stopping by and share your thoughts
    🙂
    Nat

  14. Nice round up. I lived in Istanbul for four years and when I visit, I always stay in Sultanahmed. One more attraction, if I may: Magic Ice the only ice museum in a warm European country, truly magic.As you love Istanbul so much and maybe visit my blog, you’ll find a link to my book: City of the Green Eyed Beauty which is a literary guide to Istanbul with many more secret corners.

  15. Hey InKa!!

    Thanks for the comment… It´s so nice when someone that lived on the city tells us we are doing a good job! 🙂
    We really love Istanbul, in fact we considered live there for a while, but then our feet started itching and we had to keep travelling.
    I will definitely check the Magic Ice Museum and with some nice pictures and info update our post. Also will check our big!
    Thanks again!
    Happy Travels!

    Nat

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  17. Istanbul is the only European Capital i am still missing. I so wanted to go last year but that was when all that mess around Taxim place started.
    Seeing your pics really makes me reconsider putting it on my list this year – even tho it’s damn crowded already and I’m starting to run out of funds 🙂
    great and very comprehensive article! keep it up!

    • Yes Norman, Istanbul is really crowded, but it´s an amazing city, full of hidden spots and beautiful places…
      You definitely should to go there!!
      Thanks for stopping by!
      Cheers,
      Nat 😀

  19. Hi Elisa!!

    We didn’t visit the Prince´s Island yet, I´m dying to go there.
    We tried to to do the boat trip on our last visit to Istanbul, but was rainy and cold so we gave up.
    Now you just give me one more reason to back there soon 😉
    Thanks for stopping by!

    Nat 😀

  20. Hey thanks for sharing such amazing info. Could you please share your experience of kilyos and which beach to actually go to? i have just 2 days stop at istanbul and i m a beach lover, also if you could suggest staying at kilyos is doable? thanks a bunch

    • Hello Gul,
      We didn`t visit Kilyos yet but some friends did and mentioned that it`s an amazing place. In summer time is better since the beach clubs are open.
      There are plenty of hotels available. ( pls book via our booking.com links/banners 😉 )
      If you are short in time suggest to go there by taxi, should cost around Eur 40 each way.
      cheers,

  22. Istanbul is an amazing city. I have been there twice, the first time it was just for a few hours, and I knew there and then I was in love with it. It is huge, so culturally diverse, so intense and full of life and just oh so gorgeous!

    • Hi Francesca!!
      Don’t be worried about haggling, it’s part of the “buying & selling” ritual. And I´m sure you´ll enjoy it. As soon as you relax and let the conversation follow you will have a good laugh and will purchase the souvenir for half of the initial price 😉

      Tks for stopping by!
      Nat

  27. Wow it looks like you had such an amazing time in Istanbul. I totally agree with you about dressing in respect to people’s cultures. It’s only fair that you pay attention to the culture of the country you are in.

    • That´s true Sophie, dressing respectfully makes all the different. The locals treat you better, you feel part of the culture and also you can have great pictures! 😉
      Thanks for stopping by!
      Nat

  28. Your photos are really amazing. They have captured your stay in Istanbul perfectly. This is a really comprehensive guide to visiting Istanbul. You covered everything from places to stay, visit, eat and party. Certainly worthy of a bookmark.

    • I´m glad you liked the post!
      We had such a great time in Istanbul and it was hard no to write a long and comprehensive article. We really want to inspire more people to go there and enjoy the stunning city!
      Happy Travels,

      Nat

  29. Thanks for this super complete guide! Istanbul is an all time fave of ours. Specially Yerebatan and the bridge.. stunning pics as well!

    • Istanbul is one of our favourite cities as well!
      It’s a magical place, there is something addictive there, might be the tea 😀
      Happy Travels Inma!
      Nat

  30. I absolutely adored Istanbul! I stayed at Cheers Hostel in Sultanahmet which was incredible value for an awesome location. A really good budget option!

    • Thanks for the tip Bethany!
      Find a place to stay that is comfy and good value for money can be a bit challenging in Istanbul. So many offer and a huge city. Always good to have some recommendation!
      Cheers,
      Nat

  32. I would love to go to Istanbul! Your photos remind me of my trip to the UAE. Lots of similarities with the Muslim cultures. Keep smiling, and keep traveling. It’s the only way to go!

  35. Love that post! Thank you for sharing it.
    I can recommend Elmadag/Harbiye area for accommodation since it is a neighbourhood that locals are living and also just few meters away from Taksim square. It is both quiet and has a central location.
    Last week I stayed at Deniz’s apartment and i really enjoyed it i can recommend it to all travellers. You can have a look;
    https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/6943257

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  38. Bookmarked your post and will probably use for my upcoming trip to istanbul (19th nov to 28th nov).
    Is it winter or still autumn.
    Also about the trip to the Asian side, how can i get there

    • Hi Hana!
      Hope you will enjoy Istanbul!
      It will be still Autumn but probably with lower temperatures.
      To go to the Asian side you can get ferries from Emınönü, Karaköy, Kabataş or Beşıktaş. There is also a metro connection look for the line Marmaray.
      Cheers!
      PS. Pls book your hotels vis the links in our blog 😉

  39. Thanks for a great article, my wife and I live in Fethiye and have wanted to visit Istanbul for some time and at last we are going next week for 4 nights, we are planing to do all you have mentioned as it sounds amazing… So excited… Thanks again.. Mark..

    • Hi Mark & Jackie!!
      So nice to read your comment!! Enjoy Istanbul for us, drink a lot of tea and enjoy the Bosphorus view. The weather will the chilly now, hope you get sunny days. We are missing a lot that city! Now I want to ask you something: how is Fethiye? We have heard amazing things about the beaches, but how is life there? We are planning to go back to Turkey, but next time we want to explore the coast and Fethiye is on our list!
      Have a great trip!!!
      Nat 🙂

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  42. I am going to Istanbul for the first time in the beginning of February. I will be there in winter so I probably won’t be outside as much, but I’m still very excited. Thanks for all of your tips!

    • Enjoy Istanbul!!
      Even on winter time, the city is stunning, and I bet you will be outside more than you expect, the city is so inviting and you don’t want to miss a thing!
      Cheers,
      Nat

  43. Just a question, is it advisable to book just a hotel during a whole trip or move around? I am planning for 10 days trip there.

    p/s: Super love your detailed sharing!

    • Hi El,
      Happy that you found the post useful! If you are staying 10 days in Istanbul, maybe you can split the dates and stay half of it close to Sultanahmet and the other half by Taksim/Beşiktaş area.

      Happy Travels,
      Nat

  44. Hi love your post

    Wanted to ask where the best places are to shop for such things as Abayas?

    Best wishes

  45. Hi Shimmy
    Informative post thanks for sharing, is it safe for solo girl to travel these areas.
    Where would you recommend safest areas to stay.
    Cheers!

  46. hi, its very helpful information. my wife and i are planning our first trip there. will take your info with us. is it really safe over there. thks abby. what are the best time to go there.

  47. Thank you so much for all the great tips! Is there anything specific to consider when it comes to safety for two young girls going into any of these area?

    • Hi Brie,
      We’ve walked around Beyoglu area late at night and never felt unsafe.
      Would say to always stay alert and do not flash expensive jewerly or cameras.
      Enjoy Istanbul!

      • hey! great post, we have visited istanbul and plan to visit again in july,for 13 days but with 2 kids this time.
        really cant decide whether we should stay in beyoglu/taksim or sultanhamet?
        kids aged 5,9.

  48. kind of because with two young kids i don’t want to waste time packing and unpacking. also,i cant seem to decide where else to go besides istanbul,stayed in antalya last time.wanted to go to cappadocia,but read that children below 7 cannot go in the balloon.so let go of the idea.can u suggest a nice destination with children not too far from istanbul.

  50. My God. It couldn’t be better than this. Luckily I found this post while I was searching for some basic info about Istanbul visit. I am going on 10th Nov. And finally I got all what I was looking for. Thanks a lot.

  51. Very Informative. I am planning my trip to Istanbul this summer with my wife. I hope your info will help me in planning the trip and exploring Istanbul. Good Work !!

  52. great article
    what about traveling with a baby of 20 months old will we enjoy?
    can we do the bosphorus cruise?

  53. Do I need to prebook the Bosphorus_Cruise.. or can you just buy tickets on site..do you recommend anyone cruise over the other? Private? Tour?

  54. Great article on Instanbul. Planning a trip to Instanbul to meet my Turkish fiance. I sometimes use a cane or walker. Is it difficult to visit the tourist areas with a walker? And does Instanbul offer a downstairs apartment or studio I could rent for a couple of months? What areas are the safest to live? He will pick me up at the airport. Thank you. Patricia

    • Hi Patricia,
      Istanbul is known as the city on seven hills, visiting the city will require some climbing up and down the streets. For medium/long term rent you can check Airbnb or local real state agents.
      We lived in Kasinpasa and Beskitas and found it super safe.
      Have a safe trip!

  56. GRT post. We want to visit the city next yr for 3 days. Which places would u recommend for a not too hectic itinerary? We plan to stay near Blue mosque.

    • If you go during summertime all the main sites will be busy. But even though I believe its worth to visit the Blue Mosque, Grand Baazar, Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower, to do a Bosphorus Cruise…

      • Thank you for great tips and suggestions ,
        We are coming in Istanbul for 4 days and would like to know if we where to visit ISTIKLAL STREET which I understood would need to get ferry to cross there , staying there in afternoon to see a night life , Galata tower is beautiful in pictures at night , how would we get back to SultanAhmet area that late as that’s where we are staying ?
        Thanks for all your help in advance

  57. Thank you for this information; it is beneficial. I am just starting to plan a trip for June 2020. I will be traveling with my husband, and my plan has always been to celebrate my 50th birthday in Istanbul. I am thinking of one week in Istanbul, some time in Gallipoli, Cappadocia and Kas. We have 3 1/2 weeks in total for our trip. How would you suggest we move between areas, planes, bus?

  58. Planning a trip Istanbul for 4 nights post 4 nights in malta in mid november !great article i was hoping stay in an area with good nightlife not the one for teenagers with cheap crowds and drinks

  59. Great information and can be chosen out one of helpful article specially for solo traveler on short visit, will be adding more on it once 1st trip done
    Nomi

  60. Great post , learnt a lot about Istanbul and places to visit … I am visiting Istanbul for 3 days early March this year . We are young couple with no kids . Kind of confused between Sultanahmet and Beyoglu , where to stay ?? We definitely want to see all the historic sites , but also want a taste of night life , local street food . Which place do you suggest for night stays and how is local transport there ? Is it convenient and easily understood by people who speak English ?

    • Hi Sherry,
      If you want to check the nightlife so definitely stay in Beyoglu.
      Nordstern Hotel has a great location, close to the Karakoy Tram station(easy to go to Sultanahmet) and also close to Tunnel Station (to head to Taksim square), not to mention the views!
      If you are a fan of big chains the Intercontinental could be an option, it is located at the “top” of Beyoglu.
      You can take a metro, tram or taxi(quite cheap) to go to Sultanahmet. English is widely spoken, never faced any issue with communication in Istanbul.
      Enjoy Istanbul!

  61. Myself and my best friend are going to Turkey from South Africa in May.
    3 nights in Istanbul, 4 nights in Antalya.
    I have done extensive research already so know all the tourist attractions.
    Even booked a group tour – 7 hours , 3 pubs / clubs. Not sure if it will be any good , I’m just feeling it’s a safer option for 2 ladies out on the town , any advise on this ?
    Are there any other tips ? Anywhere off the beaten track we should explore ?
    Also, we will be staying in Antalya and want to visit Cappadocia .
    Any tips on full day tours from Antalya ?

    Any advice would be great

  64. Great article, Robson! This really helped me sort out where to go and what to do during my recent trip to Istanbul.

    I want to share the Airbnb I stayed in with your other readers, because it was absolutely perfect. It’s an interior-designed apartment in Galata, just around the corner from the Galata Tower. The host, Jordan, was excellent to us, and the apartment itself was just as beautiful as the photos. Here it is in case anyone else is interested:

    I’m looking forward to trying out your recommendations for Thailand next!

  65. I read this post a few months ago, but my boyfriend and I ultimately ended up staying in a really cool designer flat in Galata that we both loved (Click here to check it out) The location is super central, the flat is gorgeous, and the host (Jordan) was really nice, too. I hope it helps somebody else, too!

  66. Hi.
    We are a young couple,and We want to stay in a place where
    there is cheap street food and also cheap cafes and restaurants also at night.
    Will the galata area do?.

  67. Hi nice write up. Please am planning to visit Istanbul January 2021. Please I have no one over there to stay with. And am planning to stay for a long time. Can you please tell me places I can rent a cheaper one room apartment that won’t cost much. Also am environment I can possible find a job

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