Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Seyda

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

I definetly recommend to live in Istanbul. It's an authentic city with modern people in it. Museums, art galleries, historical places, night clubs and fancy restaurants will make your day. You'll be amazed with Turkish hospitality, the good weather and fun! :)

What is the student lifestyle like in Istanbul?

You will learn, you'll witness the history and last but not least you will have hell of fun!

How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

You can get by for 25-30 euros a day, but it is possible to reduce it. There are lots of choice of food, transportation, restaurants, bars so you can manage your budget.

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

As Istanbul is a crowded and large city, I would recommend you to find a place near city center (Taksim) So Bomonti Sisli would be a good choice to rent a flat so you can experience the city with ease, have a safe neighborhood and old historical buildings.

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

You will find from traditional foods like doner/ kebab to world wide cuisines. Try hamburgers in the centre of Istiklal street, Kumpir (big stuffed potatoes) in Ortakoy, yogurt with sugar in Kanlica, Turkish Delight, Turkish coffee (you will find them everywhere)

What places would you recommend visiting in Istanbul?

Sultan Ahmet district:

That's the square where all the tourists are recommended to visit in the first place. You will find amazing mosques such as Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Aya Sofia and more. The entrances are cheap but as in the ancient churches, there's a dress code to show respect. I'd recommend have a scarf with you in order to put it on your head while you get in.

Kapalicarsi is the most amazing place to feel like you were wandering around in 1800's of Ottoman Empire and find authentic gifts that of course you'll bargain for to not to get rip off. Also, a delicious meal from fried fish in Meydan (plaza) can be enjoyed after an exhausting shopping trip.
Galata/ Tunnel:

If you go down the Istiklal street, you'll see Galata Tower which be a must to climb and restaurants around can be a good choice to eat. Tunnel is around Galata Tower. It has old buildings, awsome cafes and designer clothings.

Karakoy:




That's the district which developped recently. So it still has the old and the new side of it.

Istanbul Modern is the most amazing place that you will find different types of art. You just go. You'll be amazed, I promise.

Also having a cup of coffee on its restaurant is a good way to talk about what you just saw and enjoy the sea laying right beside you.

Salt: Another great art gallery where modern art can be found.
Fasuli: Fasulye (beans) are one of the most loved and old food, so give it a try. It's extremely cheap and you'll get your money's worth.

Besiktas:




Famous by its' bazaar and futbol team. You will see people walking around in black and white Besiktas/ Carsi jerseys, just give them a high five and keep shopping. Also like Nevizade, it's a great place to eat fish and tapas.




Kadikoy:




That's the district for people who like to hang out in Asian side of Istanbul. Kadikoy Bar streets is the place where you can find alternative rock bars and alternative people who'll fit the place.




Bagdat Street:




Wow! Here comes a celebrity! That's the line that you're gonna hear all the time. Cafes, restaurants, cars, shopping centers will make you feel like a movie star. It's on the Asian side. If you're too lazy to pass the bridge, then check Nisantasi or Etiler around. It has the same atmosphere but it's in European side.

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

Amazing!
Nevizade: Also known as fish bazaar. You can sit on the little chairs on the street, have tapas and beer. It's always very crowded but a great occasion to have fish and Turkish tapas. You will see lots of restaurants along the way, but I would recommend Abbas.





Cumhuriyet Restaurant: located in Nevizade where people go for having a soup after a busy party night.. You will find diverse of soups which are made from animals' parts that you wont believe.(such as intestins, brain, guts...) Although it sounds iyky, give it a try. They will sober you up at 5 am in the morning.
Fasuli:(in Karakoy) Fasulye (beans) are one of the most loved and old food, so give it a try. It's extremely cheap and you'll get your money's worth.
Zencefil (Ginger): Great place to find vegetarian food. No meat, indeed.

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

Istiklal Street (Taksim)

That's the street which can be described as the heart of Istanbul. All the great bars, clubs, art galeries, little doner shops, high-class restaurants and more are located in it. Here's some of them you'll find:




360: High-class restaurant which also offers famous DJ's music. Warning! It can be expensive but you'll see that it's very popular.




Tek tekci: It's a cheap and fun place to have different shots before starting the night.




Babylon: Populer bar where almost everyday there's a foreign music band which takes the stage.

Gizli Bahce (Secret Garden): Also in Nevizade. A great bar for foreigners with great chill out and dance music and a free environment where gay, bi, queers are always very welcomed. (In Taksim, Nevizade, Istiklal Street)




XLarge: Club in Taksim where you can find dance music with drag queen shows.

What advice would you give future students heading to Istanbul?

Dont come back without:




-Drinking Ayran (made from yogurt, salt and water)

-Eating Kumpir in Ortakoy

-Listening street artists

-Smoking Narghile in Tophane

-Visiting the Adalar (Islands around, 1-1,5 hour with the ferry from Besiktas) and rent a bike

-Experiencing Hamam (Turkish Baths) in Sultan Ahmet

-Having a picnic in Yildiz Parki, Macka Besiktas

What to be careful of:




Traffic: In Istanbul, traffic is usually a nightmare. If you are planning your day, just add 45 minutes more before commiting to a time schedule. There are public transportation like metro, metrobus, bus and dolmus (mini bus which are faster and more often) Passing the bridge from Asia to Europe and versa versa lasts always more than expected.




Strangers: In any other country, there will be some inappropriate men which will try to bother you. Just be careful. If needed, ask some help from people around. Turkish people are known for their hospitality and helpfullness.




Ataturk: He's the founder of modern Turkey who fought for freedom and brought republic and democracy against islamic rules. You'll see his pictures and statues everywhere. Being respectfull would be a plus.