I stayed in Istanbul for 5 unforgettable days and managed to avoid all tourist guide landmarks. If you are looking for quaint beauty and authenticity, explore Istiklal Caddesi and its sideways in Beyoglu in the evening time. Take a morning ferry to the Princess Islands (especially Buyukada - the Big Island). Take your special person for a quiet stroll to the seaside park in Fenerbahce. The best thing to do in Istanbul is let your feet carry you and get lost in the maze of old town streets and let miracles happen to you.
If you're like me and on a package tour with included accommodation, the best map I've seen of Istanbul is sold for just US$2 at Cordial House HI just off Piyerloti Caddesi up towards the sights. They also have a bar and cafe which I would recommend.
I've never seen such a fabulous nightlife before Istanbul. Explore Istiklal Street.
Istanbul is cool. You should visit there at summer time.
As a native of Istanbul and being someone who visited 20 countries (12 of them were european), I can tell that Istanbul is the best city of the world. You may be surprised when you'll see long Baroque streets or the sky scrappers in Levent and Maslak. So don't simply expect spice odoured bazaars and mosques. Also take a tour of Bosphorus, it has some of the most exciting and unforgettable scenes which you can ever see in your whole life. Finally, try to go to Princess island which is situated just half an hour from the city (and there are municipality ferries for 0.60 euros one way). Many tourists don't go there but it's a great place.
Istanbul Hostel in Istanbul … Hello people, I was in Istanbul Hostel for three nights in August, and I have to say that it is a very good place to spend time in Istanbul. It is very close to St. Sofía and the beautiful Blue Mosque, just 5 minutes away by walking! The receptionists were very nice and helpful. We were 6 people in a 6-person-room, and all was very clean, except the upstairs bathroom, which smelled strange. This is because in Turkey the hygienic paper is not thrown into the WC (toilet).
Mavi Guesthouse in Istanbul … Staff is really helpful, you can get any information about Turkey here. The price is low, but the service is more than the price. The location is close to the main sight, very easy to find. Especially, after a whole day tired trip to Istanbul, you can really rest here.
Metropolis Hostel Istanbul in Istanbul … Murat and his brothers run a fine hostel and when we first came to Istanbul we stayed three nights. We booked again for our last four nights in Turkey and can say nothing negative about the seven days we spent at the Metropolis. It is clean and well cared for. The staff are wonderful and will help you in every way possible to make your stay more than just enjoyable. Morat is an honest and caring individual who has a sense of humour and caring that is refreshing. He welcomes all and there is no doubt that he creates a home away from home atmosphere bar none. He is honest and forthright and no doubt he would challenge dishonesty and run of the mill "bs" but clearly in a tactful way. If the prices are different when you book on the web so be it. This is the case wherever one goes in Turkey, and why not. It is also the case in Canada. I will come here again and I will stay at the Metropolis or any hostel Morat and his brothers run. You will have fun here, find any help you need, be…
Sultans Inn in Istanbul … I have stayed at this hotel for 2 weeks. Its excellent.
Metropolis Hostel Istanbul in Istanbul … the rooftop is great and prices are cheaper than other places. and the owner is very polite nice and helpful. so, if you are nice then people are nice to you.
Istanbul Hostel in Istanbul … A great country, a great city, and a great hostel. The people are so nice, warm and kind.
Cordial House Hostel in Istanbul … This is one of the best hostels in which I have stayed. All of the staff were helpful and accommodating. It is located right in the area of all the major attractions. I recommend all who travel in Istanbul and want to stay someplace that is reasonably priced and with extraordinarily pleasant staff to stay here.
Yucelt Interyouth Hostel in Istanbul … I could not ask for a better location! This is a fantastic hostel. It has a great, friendly staff and good food and drink!
Cordial House Hostel in Istanbul … As a girl traveling alone who is obviously not Turkish, Istanbul can be overwhelming, but the guys at the Cordial House were friendly, welcoming, and helpful. Each day after walking around and having what felt like every single person in the city trying to sell me something or talk to me, the Cordial House was a relaxed and wonderful place to come home to. I will definitely stay there again and you should certainly give it a try.
Antique Hostel - Guest House in Istanbul … Awesome hostel, great staff, amazing view from one of the two-roof terrace. great breakfast, free internet is always a plus, Cemil and Onur are like brothers. overall a great stay and i would recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Antique Hostel - Guest House in Istanbul … Great place to stay and have new friends. It is in the middle of the city. You can go to all historical places by walk. There was electricity problem in city for five hours but they have generator and solved the problem. All street was dark but the hostel was shiny. It is cheap and nice hostel. I will highly recommend this place to my friends. I am sure that they will come to Istanbul and stay at Antique Hostel.
HI - The Orient Hostel in Istanbul … Good staff. Friendly, clean, nice view at the cafeteria central.
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