Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Emine

What is it like to live in Istanbul? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

I was born in Istanbul and I've been living here since then.

Istanbul is the biggest and most developed city in Turkey. Living in Istanbul could sometimes be hard because its population is almost 16 million since people from the other cities have immigrated to Istanbul because of job, health and education opportunities. There usually is a lot of traffic if you use a car or bus but on the other hand there are so many other transportation facilities such as subways which provide you to go all around the city.

Istanbul has so many artistic and historical buildings and places since it has a huge history. It is absolutely worth to visit. Besides that there are exotic bazaars here in Istanbul. They have a cultural atmosphere of Turks, which is amazing.

Istanbul is a really crowded city. Generally people are nice and kind but at some districts, you can encounter some rude people If I am honest. I can recommend you to not go to those places. I don't. :) And I need to warn you about thieves. Please be careful about your money and valuable stuff. Be careful about taxi drivers. Open your eyes and check how much money the machine counts. Check if the driver starts the counter as soon as you get in the taxi. If he doesn't, tell him to start it. Don't let him trick you and get more money than you should pay.

About the prices. It is almost impossible not to be able to find a place to stay. With depending on the districts, you can find a place to stay with average prices such as 50-100 Turkish Liras (approximately 15 Euros) per night in hostels but you can find apartment flats for cheaper prices. Food is also not too expensive compared to the other cities in Europe. You can get lunch for 10-15 Turkish Liras in average.

The city has amazing views and there are so many restaurants and cafes everywhere that you are able to see the view of sea and bridges that separates Europe and Asia side. You can also go to theatre and cinema and shopping malls, amusement parks or night clubs and pubs.

In Summer Istanbul is really really hot but in winter it is not that cold. I love Spring the best in Istanbul. It is amazing. :)

I would recommend you to live in Istanbul. I am sure you will have so many good memories here. :)

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

I am a student of Pharmacy in Istanbul.

Students have a student cards for transports here and pay less money for transportation than usual. There are so many places for students to hang out such as cafes and pubs and restaurants or cinemas and theaters or Go-Karts, Karaoke, Guitar Hero and Bowling. And there are also big parks where you can go relax with your friends.

When there is a Football match we play songs, sing and dance and have fun all together on the streets of Istanbul. It is fun. :)

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

I usually spend 400 Turkish Liras per month but I live with my family. If I add accommodation cost and food I would say 3000 Turkish Liras at minimum. (450-500 Euros) It depends on your lifestyle of course.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Istanbul? Is there any advice you can give?

I mentioned this question above. You can read that.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Turkish Food has amazing taste and it is usually very spicy. I love it and I haven't seen any foreign person who didn't like it. Especially the way we cook meat makes it very delicious.

My favourite dishes are every kind of meat such as Kebab, Döner and Dürüm. Besides that Chicken with Curry sauce and Rice.

What places would you recommend visiting in Istanbul?

Kadıköy, Beşiktaş, Taksim, Sultanahmet, Cağaloğu, Ataköy.

Is the nightlife good in Istanbul? Where is good to go?

Yes it is. Kadıköy and Beşiktaş are the best and safest places to go for a nightlife.