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.
Istanbul is cool. You should visit there at summer time.
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.
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.
Yucelt Interyouth Hostel in Istanbul … The best hostel I've ever been in! Inexpensive, with a great location, (in the heart of Istanbul), great staff, very clean (rooms and showers) and very lively as well. I've spent four nights here, and it was superb! If you come to Istanbul this is probably the best place to stay!
Nobel Hostel in Istanbul … Very nice hostel. I will return there again. Highly recommended.
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.
HI - Cordial House Hostel in Istanbul … It was the best one I have stayed in so far. I advise everyone who is looking for a cheap hostel of good quality to stay here.
Chambers of the Boheme in Istanbul … Everything is great over there -- beautiful rooms, good place, and good price, helpful owner.
HI - The Orient Hostel in Istanbul … Good staff. Friendly, clean, nice view at the cafeteria central.
Antique Hostel - Guest House in Istanbul … I have met many people and stayed for weeks in Istanbul. This is a great place to stay. It's clean, and has nice owners.
Bahaus Guesthouse in Istanbul … This place is really great! The staff are really friendly and helpful. It has great views from the roof, and a cool little bar up there, too!
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.
Anzac Wooden House in Istanbul … i liked it as Anzac Wooden house has a suitable location to visit all monuments, affordable rates, very hospitable personnel.
Eurasia Hostel in Istanbul … Dorm beds/showers (where we stayed) were clean, staff very friendly and accommodating (letting us use the safe during the day for free), and the (included!) breakfast was great. Good Internet speed by European standards. Haghia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and tram are roughly five minutes on foot. Fantastic food all around, although we had to do a little looking to find the good prices. Take their recommendation and go eat at Doy Doy, you will be happy you did. Also, it's just an anecdote, but we met great people here. On our way out, we had to get an airport shuttle. They were able to arrange it for the same price as others, but we also got front-door pickup, which not all will do. I would recommend them again without any reservations.
Metropolis Hostel Istanbul in Istanbul … We just returned from four days in Istanbul. We were delighted with the Metropolis Hostel. The staff were warm, friendly, and helpful with anything we wanted to know or do in the city. The location was perfect -- it was a few minutes walk to all of the main tourist sites and we were surrounded by interesting shops and restaurants (don't miss the Turquoise Restaurant). The rooms are clean and comfortable, the bathrooms are also clean with great showers! I think our favourite feature was the rooftop terrace where we enjoyed a spectacular sunrise over the Bosphorus, a delicious breakfast (included in the already reasonable price), and a lazy afternoon cup of Turkish tea. This was my first hostel experience, having stayed in many luxury hotels around the world. I have to say I was thoroughly impressed and would eagerly recommend it to any of my friends -- you should go!
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