Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Öykü

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

I definitely recommend Istanbul. I love my city, I born here and I just love every side of it. Our city, as you know, has two sides. It connects Europe to Asia and every side of it is different from eachother. You can basically define Istanbul with a word and it is "multicultural". You can find anything that you want in Istanbul even if you change your mind later you can also find another area for yourselve. İstanbul is very european when you are comparing it with the rest of the Turkey. And also you can feel the orientalism tissue even you are at the most modern place. You can lost in the city with joy. Istanbul is a cultural city in everyway. And the city dosen't sleep. Majority of places are open 24 hours.

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

The city has a big population and it gives us a very big problem like traffic jam. Generally students prefer Taksim after school and it's area like Galata or Karaköy. But I live in the Asian part so I recommend you to go there too. To Kadıköy but Kadıköy is a very big area so you should go there by ferry to Kadıköy port. (from Kabataş, Beşiktaş or Karaköy also Eminönü) and then try Kadife Sokak. It is more like Bar street, and the pubs are not close until 6am. You can be calm at there they don't play loud music but I'am sure that you love the atmosphere. These part of Istanbul are not so tourtistic because of that you feel the local atmosphere and then please go to Moda. The seaside you will love the view and maybe you can take a walk at there to Caddebostan. These places are walking distance.
In Taksim there is student bars which has cheap beers like RocknRolla, Pappillion and Beatles.

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

Istanbul is the most expensive city in Turkey. Now I will give you price examples and you can form an opinion from there:
2+1(2 bedroom and a saloon): 800-1000 TL (in Kadıköy, maybe in Cihangir but the houses won't be so well-groomed.)
Beer: 5-13 TL
Water: 0,75 TL
A Meal: 8-20 TL
Cocktail: 25 TL
Transportation: 3 TL - for ferry, bus etc (but you should get an Istanbulcard when you get here so it will cost 1,95 TL)
the taxi prices are low in Turkey because using taxi is a commun thing in Istanbul and also people generally dosen't prefer it when it's 6PM or 7PM because and that times workers on their way to home.

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

I don't think so because here there are so many house options. But I advise you to not stay at dorms. Because as I know they have entry and exit hours. And you can't stay with opposite sex.
You should stay at a house. Student here generally prefer to stay at Europe side because it is more central like Taksim, Şişli, Beşiktaş, Nişantaşı.
But some of there prefer to stay at Kadıköy-Moda. And don't overrate it because you should only take the ferry to cross the Bosphorus. And it takes 20 minutes. Also after 11 PM there are big taxies called dolmuş they work 24 hours and when there is no traffic jam, actually after 10 PM there would be no traffic jam, it takes 20 minutes either to Taksim from Kadıköy. and also the rent prices are more low in Kadıköy-Moda or Bahariye I mean you should stay close to the port or the central of the Kadıköy because it is a big area.

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

I mean, I went Europe a lot of times but our foods are the best! Sultanahmet is a very touristic place and I'am sure you will go there even only one time. You should go to Sultanahmet Köftecisi. But the oldest one, there are best-known with their meatballs and they are delicious. Also try MANTI!!! aaaand İSKENDER.
For desert you all know of course baklava eat it at Karaköy, Güllüoğlu. and please try BURMA. And we have great soups try them too.
Also eat Kumpir at Ortaköy

What places would you recommend visiting in Istanbul?

Prince's Islands
Karaköy
Galata
Taksim (of course!!)
Kadıköy, Moda.(asian part)
Caddebostan(asian part)
Kuzguncuk (this place is not a touristic one but you will see the old Istanbul there)-Asian part
Beylerbeyi(asian part)
Bebek
Ortaköy (don't forget to eat kumpir there)

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

Some places won't be so clean but don't hesitate to eat what you desire you won't be posioned. But don't eat mussel which people sells them on streets they seem delicious but trust me. You can eat at a restaurant but no from street sellers!
You should go to Kızılkayalar and eat a hamburger there the place is a very small one but they are very old and I know you will like it.
And you should try kestane(chestnut) in İstiklal Street people also sells it on street but eat them they are clean and very good.

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

There are soooooo many bars, pubs in Taksim. So I will not give you the names because there are really lots of them I will give you the areas. ok, the names and the areas.
In Cihangir, Taksim- Kiki and Minimüzikol
In Asmalımescit, Taksim- Flavio, Faces, Ugly, Kafe Pi, Propaganda etc. Just go there and see!
In Küçük beyoğlu, Taksim
In the center of Taksim- People
In Kadıköy at the center- Zeplin Pub, Karga, Arkaoda, Stereogun etc.
But if you are not a bar, pub person and you want to try clubs you can go to Kuruçeşme
and the names of the clubs are Reina, Sortie, Supper etc.

What advice would you give future students heading to Istanbul?

Live at the every side of the city. Just don't stick to European part and have fun!!!!