Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by esin

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

Istanbul is a big city which connects Asia and Europe through a bridge. It is alive 24 hours 7days. Istanbul is a very old city with lots of historical events. When you walk down the streets of Istanbul you can see remaining from Ottomans, Byzantines and so on. When you are living all over again the history in the streets of Istanbul, todays modern life beautiful restaurants and cafes are there to enjoy your day. Besides that Istanbul has a lot of opportunities when it comes to night clubs and bars. Clubs on the Bosporus with great view is for the ones who really know how to enjoy life. Although Istanbul is a city in a Muslim country anyone can feel the secularism inside the city.

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

THREE WORDS studying,eating,clubbing

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

It depends on what kind of life you want to live and depends on which neighborhood you are living. 400 euro supposed to be enough for a normal student who goes out every weekend. Accommodation excluded.

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

Istanbul is very big city so there are variety of accommodation in Istanbul. Best place for a foreign would be Taksim,Besiktas, Levent, Mecidiyekoy, Ortakoy,Kadikoy and many other neighborhood. It really depends on where the school is. It is always better to have an apartment or dorm close to university. Transportation opportunities are wide and easy to reach. Facebook groups and Erasmusu will help definitely to find a place to stay in Istanbul easily.

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

FOOOOODD! This is one of the reasons why I love my country. Food in general great in Turkey. However, there are may touristic restaurants which only sells really bad quality food for the sake of keeping their profit high. Stay away kind of restaurants. Other than that Durumce in Besiktas is good pale to taste kebab. Try to find a Turkish friend who lives with his/her family so her mother can cook best Turkish food for you. Other than that any cousin you can find to east in Istanbul chines,japaneese, thai. Italian, french and all. I recommend you to try Kokorec, MUSCLES (midge dolma) zeytinyagli dolma, Tandir, Etli Ekmek, Patlican Kebabi, Tava (eating Tava in RECEP USTA is a must!) those are what I remember for now.

What places would you recommend visiting in Istanbul?

Well I will start with very famous touristic places and then will mention about some places only locals can know. HAGI SOFIA, BLUE MOSQUE, YEREBATAN SARNICI (beautiful place my one of favorite) Taksim Istiklal Street, Galata Tower, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Yildiz Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Kucuksu Palace, Malta Kosku, Cemile Sulytan Korusu, Hidiv Kasri, Ortakoy,Bebek,Rumeli Hisari are just basic and touristic places to go. Ortakoy bebek Kurucesme, besiktas, RUMELI HISARI those are gorgeous places beside bosphorous you can have a long walk and watch the view or you can sit in a restaurant or cafe have some drink or shisha(narquila) Favorite chill out is in CHILAI in BEBEK it has beautiful view and atmosphere. Beside all that when it comes to clubbing SORTIE and Reina has to be seen. They are a bit more expensive than reular bars and clubs but it worths 70tl (20 euro) is the entrance fee of Sortie one drink included. But if you want to continue drink it is 10 euro inside the club. Breakfast in POLONEZKOY in Polina has to be made. It is gorgeous Polish village with beautiful nature. Kanlica is another good place in the asian side of Istanbul you can take a small boats from Emirgan and eat famous yogurt there. Goksu River rjust beside Anadolu Castle is another beautiful places of Bosphourous,

Is it good to eat out in Istanbul? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Bebek KIRINTI,MIDPOINT,DUURMCE (besiktas) Islak Hamburger in Taksim, Burger House, KONYALI ETLI EKMEK, RECEP USTA, KOLCUOGLU KEBAP, Marmaris bufe, Etliler Marmaris, Kumpir and waffle in Ortakoy square. NUMNUM, CIGKOFTE, There are many good DONER places i Besiktas there are many close to each other they all good you can try one.

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

TAKSIM: BARS in Asmali Mescit is good Kucuk Beyoglu is nice as well. Bars close to Jolly Joker are cheap. Other than that Curcuna is good.
Bosphorous: ANJELIQUE, SORTIE, REINA, SUPPER
Macka: Frame
Nisantasi: PAVYON, CAHIDE (shows)
Coco Clementine

What advice would you give future students heading to Istanbul?

Be open, Turkish people will be glad to host you. If you see some are not nice dont prejudge about all the people here. For girls be ready to be liked by Turkish men.