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.
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.
I've never seen such a fabulous nightlife before Istanbul. Explore Istiklal Street.
Istanbul is one of the beautiful and magnificent cities in the world. I fell for Istanbul and will visit Istanbul again soon for the second time. I can't get enough of Istanbul.
Istanbul is cool. You should visit there at summer time.
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.
Istanbul … There is nice weather in mid-March, historical monuments, very friendly people, good meal, and of course our excellent tour guide and well organized tour service. Besides this we experienced tours outside the city to ancient ruins and we must admit that we were a little bit afraid of traveling alone, but we were really treated by the tour organizers like members of their families.
HI - Sultan Hostel in Istanbul … This hostel was amazing.The staff is helpful and so friendly. The rooms are clean.
ChillOut Hostel & Cafe in Istanbul … This hostel is in the center of Istanbul. It has a friendly, helpful staff. The price is cheap, but the place is clean and cozy. Check out the BBQ nights; these are spontaneous, and for sure are not professional, so it makes them much more fun. Ask for the fish parties, and drink raki like all the others. I really loved it here, and I am missing it.
Istanbul Hostel in Istanbul … It was a pleasant time that my friends and I spent there. A good, warm team is working there. We found our home at Istanbul Hostel. Try it and you will be amazed. Good luck.
HI - The Orient Hostel in Istanbul … Great place, great location, fantastic staff! (And a free breakfast to boot.) It is really easy to get spoiled at the Orient, due to the price and how much they offer.
Antique Hostel - Guest House in Istanbul … I really enjoyed my stay at the antique hostel, the place is very well located and it has this great panoramic view on the terrace that makes your breakfast in the morning and your evenings if you stay in more enjoyable.
Istanbul Hostel in Istanbul … This is a great place to stay when in Istanbul. We had a great time during our stay in September. The hostel is clean and the staff are very friendly, especially Dan. He was a great guy to be with and he went out of his way to ensure that guests were comfortable. The best part about this hostel is that it is within walking distance from the Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofia and other sites. Highly recommended!!
Antique Hostel - Guest House in Istanbul … Great location, great staff and owner. Clean room. Highly recommended.
ChillOut Hostel & Cafe in Istanbul … The atmosphere isn't like any other hostels I've been to. I came by myself to Istanbul, and as soon as I got to the hostel I was hanging out with the other guests, sightseeing with them and going out to bars. The staff are very helpful, the cafe/common room is perfect for drinking a cup of caj (tea) or planning what you are doing next, or even just hanging out. The dorm I stayed in had four beds, and although pillows and a thicker blanket aren't provided it had a lot more privacy then other hostels I've been at, and my roommates were really cool.
Now the negative things,
The cat. Yes the cat. The little bugger is the stupidest cat I have ever come across, but he is cute in his own stupid way.
The bathrooms are the size of a closet and in one bathroom, you can take a shower, brush your teeth, and go to the bathroom at the same time, and they don't have locks but most people are considerater enough to knock :)
Its located on an alleyway where alot of street kids congregate…
Istanbul Paris Hotel & Hostel in Istanbul … This is my home away from home. I have stayed at the Paris Hostel at least six times in the past five years -- often for a couple months per visit. It's really low-key but warm environment -- often with some locals around -- not a hardcore party place but usually full of interesting and diverse independent travellers that like to have fun. The staff i've known have been great -- I consider them friends. There is cheaper places, but I think the Paris Hostel is a gem so if you care spare the dollar or two difference and don't just want ot be spoon-fed a typical backpacking experience, stay at the Paris. The location is good, the breakfast generous, the area outstanding, the rooms decent, and my times there priceless.
Anzac Wooden House in Istanbul … This place was great, it was a bit chilly being there in the middle of the winter but nothing a little tea can't fix. It has an awesome breakfast/common room on the top floor with a view across the city. The price was great, too, and the people were also a riot. Yeah, location, once you find it is pretty good, too. All in all, whenever I go back I'm sure this will be my home again.
Bahaus Guesthouse in Istanbul … Great location, good food at backpackers budgets, and very friendly staff. Would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone.
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…
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