Experience in Istanbul, Turkey by Stefan

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

For me living in İstanbul has been a magical experience, I have felt even better than in my home. People are so kind and nice and they are always willing to help everyone. I made a lot of friends there in such a short period of time, I already have there a second familiy besides my real one; they have accepted my like their son, brother and friend. The city itself it's gorgeous, there are so many places to visit and it has so many nice views. Everyday you can visit different beautiful places to spend your time, eventhough you will not be able to visit all of them because there is so much to see. You will never get bored in the magical İstanbul. I recommend it to everyone who wants to experience something different and to the ones who want to feel the history, because there is so much in this city that you can feel it on your own. The feelings that i have can't be described, everyone just needs to live there to feel them. Magical!

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How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?

İt's little bit expensive in İstanbul but it's worth the money, I think that if you pay rent with 1000TL monthly you will have at least a normal life and almost everything that you like.

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

No, it's very easy to find accommondation in Istanbul because there're a lot of hostels to stay and also you can work for them for a few hours a day and you will have free accommondationn in the hostel. Also there are a lot of houses and apartments to rent that you can find very easly.

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

The food is delicous, i love it. Some of my favourites are:

• Lahmacun
• pide
• adana kebap
• durum
• börek
• baklava
• sütlaç

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What places would you recommend visiting in Istanbul?

Sultan Ahmet camii (Blue Mosque), İstiklal cadesi, I forgot the names of the places but, wherever you would like to go you wouldn't make a mistake, every place is special here.

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

Yes, it's good to eat outside because there're a lot of great restaurants, my specials spots are the restaurants near Bosphorus, because of the amazing view.

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

The nightlife is also great I like it a lot, but I can't give you the names of the night clubs because I don't know them. This is because all the time I go out, I'm with my Turkish friends so i don't have to remember the names for now.

What advice would you give future students heading to Istanbul?

Come in İstanbul and you will never feel sorry, you will fall in love with this city, the people and their culture here in İstanbul