Experience in Istanbul Turkey by Ece

How's living in Istanbul? Would you recommend it? How is the city?

It might sound cliché but İstanbul is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. :) I'd recommend it because it can satisfy all your expectations. If you're naturally a quiet, reserved person you can find places with amazing views you can see, while sipping your coffee. If you're here for having fun and partying, you can also find a lot of places for every kind of activity. But unfortunately Istanbul is very very crowded, so you might be stuck in traffic at certain hours of the day (especially at 8-9 am. and 5-9 pm. ) There's always traffic regardless in Istanbul but metros and metrobüs will always make it easier going somewhere for you. :)

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How is the student life in Istanbul?

Frankly speaking, it's hard to live in Istanbul as a student. To give a brief of my life, I am both studying and working. That's how I pay my rent. I'm also getting scholarship from the government but still it's hard to handle because everything is so expensive now. If you figure out where to buy things at a best price, for example cheap food places etc. you'd handle the money issue.

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

For a student, it must be 1600-2000 ₺ min.

Is it hard to find accommodation in Istanbul? Any advice you can give?

It's really easy to find a place here. I found my place at www.sahibinden.com. I had no furniture and it would cost me a ton of money, so it's best to find a place on this website, rather than giving extra money to the land agents. The population of students in Istanbul is a lot so it's super easy to find accommodation. :)

How about Turkish cuisine? Do you have any favourite dishes?

Our food is awesome. Turkish cuisine is one of a kind. :) You can find any type of food/restaurant of your taste here. My favourites... must be a lot. :) I can list a few things foreigners must eat in Istanbul. İskender, Köfte, Sarma, Kokoreç, Mantı, Adana-Urfa dürüm, Lahmacun, Karnıyarık, Künefe, Sütlaç.

Which places would you reccommend to visit in Istanbul?

As a student I often go to Beşiktaş, Taksim, Kadıköy, Karaköy, Cihangir. If you wanna find food on a good budget, Taksim, Beşiktaş and Kadıköy are the best for that. Especially ''Balkan Lokantası'' in Beşikaş is a must-go for both really good homemade dishes and for a good budget. ''Bursa İskender'' in Taksim is good for iskender. ''Varuna Gezgin'' in Taksim is a pub but you can eat as well, it has a population of people from all over the world. Cihangir is a more expensive district but price of a coffee is around 12 ₺. I'd recommend ''Hideout'' a place of my friends. You can have breakfast or coffee or alcohol, whatever you want. :) Kadıköy is really colorful. Around Moda is quite expensive but you must see the seaside. Walk around and stop at a cafe in Moda, have some tea and relax. :)

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How's the restaurants in Istanbul? Would you tell us about your favourite ones?

I'd recommend ''İstanbul Modern Restoran'' in Karaköy (now in Taksim) ''Hardal'' in Nişantaşı, and ''Tom's Kitchen'' in Beşiktaş. Also you must have a dessert at ''Bolulu Hasan Usta'' in Nişantaşı. ''Delimonti'' in Bomonti has good options of Turkish cuisine.

How's the nightlife in Istanbul? Which places are good to go?

The city has a colorful nightlife. If you like live music and casual places, I'd strongly recommend ''Sanat'' in Taksim/Nevizade. Also, ''Eskici Live Arkabahçe'' in Taksim. I wouldn't recommend ''Eskici'' in Şişhane since it's too small and crowded always. Again for live music, ''Merdiven Cafe'' in Beşiktaş and pubs in Kadıköy. If you prefer clubs, Taksim Zilly Pera, Tren Pera, Çilek Pera, Sortie( more expensive than others) Anjelique in Ortaköy (is in a 3-floor manson and there's a different type of music on every floor) Ulus 29. If you prefer jazz, then Nardis Jazz Club in Galata is the one to go.

What's your advice to students who will come to Istanbul to study?

People in Istanbul are mostly helpful. If you're in need or have a question, you'll easily find help from them. :) But you should be alerted always since there are street robbery and pick-pocketing like in every other city. Try not to be alone at night as well, since it can be dangerous.