Travel Guide > Europe > Turkey > Marmara > Istanbul
Istanbul, the city which divides Asia and Europe, is the only city in the world which is situated on two continents. This city of 13 million - the largest city in Turkey - celebrates a unique culture which fuses Eastern and Western influences and a history stretching back as far as 5500 BC.
The area around the bosphorous is a treat, especially if you book a cheap ferry ride from the local companies on the terminal. Once on the ferry, you can easily savour the different architecture of the Anatolian and the European side, highlighting the way in which the blend of these two cultures underpins the nature of Istanbul. The bridge over the bosphorous is also a great landmark.
There are many ferries that crisscross the river, the longest distance is the popular public ferry service that leaves from Eminonu and traverses 3 hours up the river, stopping at a number of small village stops along the way. This costs about 10 YTL return. This cheaper alternative is often confused with the touted tourist cruise up river, whilst a good service and with English commentary it is more informative, it is a lot more expensive.
Once you are finished with the ferry trip you can easily go around the area where there are lots of small clothing stores and electronic outlets as well as restaurants. The food tastes great and so do the Turkish desserts like baklawa. The Turks love their ice cream and you can easily observe the ubiquitous ice cream stalls. Kadikoy is the commercial centre of the Asian side suburbs. Whether you arrive by bus or ferry, you will disembark a short 5 minute walk from the centre of the action in Kadikoy. Both the main (Eminonu – Kadikoy) ferry terminal and the bus / minibus terminal are collocated adjacent to the main traffic intersection on Kadikoy.
The Hagia Sophia or Aya Sofia is a former mosque, and former church in the old European part of Istanbul. It was the leading church for the Eastern Orthodox church for over 900 years, until the sack of Constantinople in 1453, after which it was converted into a mosque. It remained a mosque for almost 500 years, as in 1935 it was converted into a museum by orders from the first president of Turkey: Atatürk. The builing has suffered a great bit of damage during the centuries (especially the dome), because of earthquakes and fires, but has always been rebuild soon after. A large numbers of the christian mosaics became visible in the 1930's, during restaurations.
Most visitors to Istanbul spend little if any time on the Asian side. This is a real shame because Kadikoy and the other suburbs along the Bosphorous have a lot to offer. Istanbul is quite literally where Europe and Asia meet. The Asian side reflects its name and stands in its own right as worthy of a visit.
Read more about Kadikoy.
It seems that every weekend there is a new festival of some kind occurring in Istanbul. International film festivals, rock and pop festivals, tulip festivals and festivals for the sake of festivals happen throughout the year. It can be difficult to find the information about the events in Istanbul, but this Istanbul Guide is a great start.
Otherwise the local copy of TIMEOUT magazine is also a good reference.
The weather is hot and humid during the summer with around 28 degrees during the day and slightly under 20 at night. In winter it is wet and although not very cold not very pleasant. Temperatures are between 2 at night and 10 during the day. May to half June and half September to October are very good times for a visit: not cold, not hot, usually dry and sunny.
In Taksim, Sultanahmet and Kadikoy you will find buses options for the whole country, ferries along the Bosphorus and out to the Princes Islands. As you leave the ferry terminal, Kadikoy appears to the front and left of you. Along the coast to the left you will find the other ferry terminals and over the busy road to the left you will find a myriad of small tourist offices providing transfers and bus services to most other cities in Turkey. The main bus terminal on the left of the ferry terminal, also provides a central location for minubuses and city buses to most parts of the city, including the Asian side airport. You’ll also notice another significant difference - a lot less tourists.
There are two International airports servicing Istanbul. They are both serviced by taxi and public transport. Most hotels will provide a transfer service for approx 20 Euro - this is expensive when compared to public transport but for two people it is similar to the taxi fare. Consider the hotel transfer if you arrive late at night.
The Ataturk International Airport (IST) is located on the European side 25 kms NW of Sultanahmet. Serviced by public transport (with a small walk) it is relatively easy to find. If you are short of time or have a lot of luggage however - taxi or transfer is your best option. Most of the main airlines for international destinations arrive and depart from Ataturk International.
The smaller Asian side airport - Sabiha Gokcen International (SAW) - is further out of town. Some 50 km or so from Sultanahmet (on the Asian side) this is where many of the domestic airlines and cheaper international airlines arrive and depart.
Both of the airports have shuttles, Havas, to Taksim, Kadikoy, and Levent. However Sabiha Gokcen has a local bus E-10) which gets you to Kadikoy for 2.60 Lira. A 30 minute ferry will then get you to the European side - Eminonu . Look for a tram and take the one going left for 1.40 Lira 2 stops to Sultanahmet (display with state the stop you will be at) to get your (cheap) accommodation if this is where you are headed. Street name signs are not common in Istanbul.
The Istanbul Sirkeci Train Station on the European side was once the end of the line for the Orient Express. These days it is a little rundown and displays little of its former glory. It is in the heart of Eminonu in Sultanahmet on the European side. This is the arrival and departure point for trains to and from the rest of Europe.
For destinations south and east of Turkey such as Iran, Syria and the Asian majority of Turkey, you need the Haydarpasa train station - on the Asian side (close to Kadikoy).
The main Istanbul bus station is called Istanbul Otogari and is located about 10km north of Sultanahmet. Services to all of Europe can be organised at the Otogar. The station is serviced by public transport by both Metro and LRT (light rail) and bus from Sultanahmet.
On the Asian side, a much smaller bus station is located at Harem - close to Haydarpasa train station. Tickets to most of Anatolia - Asian Turkey can be arranged here.
Cheap Inter city bus deals are organised through the many travel agencies – the best deals can be found around the Sultanahmet or Kadikoy areas. Shop around for the best deal and do your research to avoid overpaying.
UKR Ferry has services between Istanbul and Odessa in the Ukraine.
Not recommended!
For destinations within Istanbul, IETT buses service most of the city and all of the areas frequented by tourists. Intra city transit generally cost less than 3 YTL. In Taksim square, Eminonu and Kadikoy buses leave frequently. Routes are described on the shelters next to the halts and advertised on the destination rollers on the front and side of the buses. Some drivers on common routes speak some English.
The blue minibus routes are generally fixed, different colours depict different routes. Though initially very confusing, the minibus system is a godsend for the thrifty traveller. Provided you understand the general direction of your destination you can flag down a minibus, pay the fare (approx 1.50 YTL) and you will be on your way. Frequently overcrowded and always a little unpredictable, the minibus ride is a typical (sometimes hair raising) Istanbul experience not to be missed.
The yellow mini vans, smaller than a minibus, are also a convenient, but expensive methods of quickly getting around. The destinations are advertised in the front window and will generally wait until they are full to depart. The fares are less than taxi but more than minibus – generally it will cost about 5 YTL to cross the river.
As in many cities, taxi rides can be expensive and, unless you are in a group, or on business, not an ideal way to travel. They are however, the most convenient and direct path to your destination – most of the time. There are stories of the old taxi scam known the world over being played out in Istanbul, where a taxi driver takes a ride around the same block 3 or 4 times and passes the full fare on to the customer.
Trams service a variety of routes around the city. There is currently a link between Besiktas on the European side, and Sultanahmet in the heart of the Golden Horn. There is also a route that navigates the length of Istiklal Caddesi in Taksim. In Kadikoy there is a circular route that provides a welcome diversion to the constant pedestrian traffic and is a good way of seeing much of the Moda and Kadikoy suburb.
A ferry to Eminonu (Sultanahmet) or Karakoy (Taksim) will cost 1 YTL 30 Kurush. Great views of the city, Maidens Tower, Galata Tower and Sultanahmet. A trip over the river provides magnificent views (especially by night) of the city. Be aware that the last ferry from Europe to Asia and vice versa leaves at 8:30 pm. After that time, you are restricted to the longer road trip over the bridge. Check the Istanbul Ferry website for more information about routes, schedules and prices.
A great way to see the city and also window shop. Public transportation is a mere pace away and cheap enough should your feet not last days pounding the pavements (a Turkish massage may help).
Unfortunately bikes are not very popular in Istanbul. The traffic is crazy! The drivers are not even friendly to other drives thus bikers are not even part of the question.
Most Istanbul restaurants offer a high standard of food, as anything less wouldn't satisfy the locals. A good opportunity to watch local performances and belly dancing while eating some traditional Turkish dishes is possible at Sultana's Dinner and 1001 Nights Show in Elmadag, Taksim, which is central Istanbul.
Sultanahmet Koftecisi is a famous restaurant that makes Turkish meatballs, köfte, and has been around for nearly a century. It's located in Sultanahmet.
A good idea is to stay over in the Sultanahmet area, since this is the heart of where most backpackers stay. It can also be classified as the centre of the city as most of the monuments in Istanbul are within walking distance or easily accessible through the transport network.
In summer, many hostels fill up and offer rooftop beds with no security and limited services (but the best views of the city) for as little as 5 USD a night.
| Property | Address | Type | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| A'jia Hotel | Cubuklu Cad.No 27 Kanlica | Hotel | - |
| Ahmet Efendi Evi Guesthouse | Cankurtaran mahellesi keresteci hakk sokak no 31 Sultanahmet | Guesthouse | 100 |
| Akdeniz Hotel-Ýstanbul | Divanyolu Cad. Haci Tahsin Bey Sokak No : 7 | Hotel | - |
| Alaaddin Hotel | Cagaoglu Alemdar Mah.Catalcesme Sk No:20-22 Sultanahmet / Eminonu | Hotel | - |
| Albatros Hotel Special | Kucukayasofya Mh. | Hotel | 87 |
| Albion Hotel | Alaykosku Caddesi No:15 Sultanahmet | Hotel | 70 |
| Ali Baba Hotel | Tevkifhane Sok.No.12 Sultanahmet-Istanbul-Turkey | Hotel | - |
| Almina Guesthouse | kucukayasofya mahalesi akbiyik degirmeni sokak no | Guesthouse | 75 |
| Ambassador Hotel | Divanyolu (Royal Str) Ticarethane sok NO: 19,Sultanahmet | Hotel | - |
| Angels Home Hotel | Amiral Tafdil Sok. no.22 | Hotel | - |
| Antique Hostel | Kutlugün Sokak No: 51 Sultanahmet | Hostel | 85 |
| Anzac Wooden House | Akbiyik Cad Konuk sokak No:17 Sultanahmet | Hostel | 81 |
| Anzer Beach Hotel | E-5 Karayolu Uzeri No:144 | Hotel | - |
| Aquarium Hotel | Alayköþkü Caddesi no :16 Eminönü/Sultanahmet | Hotel | 63 |
| Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel | Ahirkapi sok. no:24 Cankurtaran | Hotel | - |
| Artefes Hotel Istanbul | Kucukayasofya.cad cayiroglu sk. No25 Sultanahmet Istanbul | Hotel | - |
| Arya Hotel | Istiklal Cad. Balyoz Sok.No21 Beyoglu | Hotel | 71 |
| Asmali Konak Hotel | Kucukayasofya cad,Mustafapasa cad.,No 57 Sultanahmet | Hotel | - |
| Ast Group Hotel | Kadirga Liman cad No:205 sultanahmet | Hotel | 72 |
| Atlantis Hotel Istanbul | Divanyolu cad. Bicki Yurdu sok. No 12 Sultanahmet | Hotel | 87 |
| Avicenna Hotel | Mimar Mehmet Aga Cad. Amiral Tafdil Sok. 31-33 | Hotel | - |
| Bahaus Guesthouse | Akbiyik Cadessi Bayramfirin Sokak No 11, Sultanahmet | Hostel | 94 |
| BB Hostel | Küçükayasofya caddesi yegen sokak no:15 Sultanahmet | Hotel | 60 |
| Bern Hotel | Millet CD. Muratpas Sk. no 4 | Hotel | - |
| Best Western Acropol Hotel | Akbiyik Cad : No : 25 Sultanahmet | Hotel | - |
| Best Western Antea Palace | Kucuk Ayasofya Cad. Cinci Meydani Yusuf Askin Sok Sultanahmet | Hotel | - |
| Best Western Premier Regency Suites | Akbiyik cad. No:38 Sultanahmet | Hotel | - |
| Big Apple Hostel Istanbul | Akbiyik Caddesi Bayramfirin Sok no:12 Sultanahmet | Hostel | 81 |
| Blue Hills Hotel | Binbirdirek Mah Suterazisi Sok 8 Sultanahmet | Hotel | - |
| Bonjour Guesthouse | Amiral Tafdil Sokak,10 | Guesthouse | 87 |
| Budget Istanbul hostel | Kasab Osman Sok. No:22 Küçük, Ayasofya Sultanahmet | Hostel | 73 |
| Cem Sultan | Kutlugun Sokak No: 28 34400 Sultanahmet Eminonu | Guesthouse | 77 |
| Chambers of the Boheme | Kucukparmakkapi sokak No 23 Beyoglu | Hostel | 92 |
| Chillout Cengo | Hüseyinaga Mah. Atıf Yılmaz cad. Halas sok. No:3 Beyoglu | Hostel | 84 |
| Chillout Galata | galipdede cad. şahkulu sok. no:13 | Hostel | 74 |
| Chillout Hostel Cafe | Balyoz Sok. 17-19 Istiklal Cad. Asmalimescid Mah. Beyoglu | Hostel | 75 |
| Cordial House Hostel | Divanyolu Caddesi Peykane Sokak No:29 | Hostel | 75 |
| Divas Hotel | Klodfarer street no:33 34470 Sultanahment | Hotel | 55 |
| Emek Hotel | Nobethane cad. demirkapi kum meydani sok no 13 sir Sultanahmet Istanbul | Hotel | 77 |
| Emirhan Inn | Kucuk Ayasofya mah odev sokak No 4 Sultanahmet | Guesthouse | 20 |
| Eresin Crown Hotel | Kucukayasofia, CD . No.40 Sultanahmet, Istanbul | Hotel | - |
| Erguvan Hotel | Aksakal.caddesi No:3 Sultanahmet 34400 | Hotel | 70 |
| Eski Konak Hotel | Akbiyik caddesi/Cankurtaran Mahallesi/no:44 /Sulta | Hotel | 81 |
| Ferman Hotel | Amiral Taftil Sok No.37 Sultanahmet | Hotel | - |
| Golden Horn Sirkeci | Ebusuud Cad. No:44 34410 Sirkeci | Hotel | - |
| Grand Yavuz Hotel | Piyerloti caddesi no : 71 / B Sultanahmet | Hotel | - |
| Gul Sultan Hotel | Akbiyik Cad. No:9 Sultanahmet | Hotel | 82 |
| Hanedan Hotel | Akbiyik Caddesi. Adliye Sokak.no/3 Sultanahmet | Hotel | 100 |
| Hippodrome Hotel | Mimarmehmet Aga Cd. No:38 | Hotel | - |
| Hostel Dongyang Istanbul | Alemdar Caddesi No: 7 Sultanahmet | Hostel | 77 |
| Hotel Agan | Ebusuud Cad. Safftetinasa Sok. No:6 Sirkeci | Hotel | 100 |
| Hotel Akcinar | Nobethane Cad. Serdar Sok. NO: 18 Sirkeci | Hotel | 84 |
| Hotel Alaturka | Akbiyik Caddesi No:5 Sultanahmet/Eminonu | Hotel | 100 |
| Hotel Antique | Kucuk Ayasofya Caddesi,Ogul Sokak, 17 Sultanahmet, Eminonu | Hostel | 82 |
| Hotel Aslan Ýstanbul | Akbýyýk caddesi no:75 Sultanahmet/ÝSTANBUL | Hotel | - |
| Hotel Deniz Konak | Cayýroglu sok. No:14 34400 Sultanahmet | Hostel | 87 |
| Hotel Evsen | Hocapasa Mah. Ibnikemal Cad. No:19 Sirkeci | Hotel | - |
| Hotel Inter | Buyuk Haydar Efendi Sokak No.29, Buyuk Haydar Efendi Sokak No.29, | Hotel | - |
| Hotel Ipek Palas | Orhaniye Street No:9 Sirkeci | Hotel | 100 |
| Hotel Istanbul Kervansaray | Sehit Muhtar Cad. No:49 Talimhane-Taksim Beyoglu | Hotel | - |
| Hotel Maya | Fevziye St. No: 5 Sehzadebasi | Hotel | - |
| Hotel Melita | Gurabahuseyinaga Mah.Sekerci Sok.No:25/a | Hotel | - |
| Hotel Paradise | Asmali Mescid str. no:2 Beyoglu - Istanbul | Hotel | - |
| Hotel Park Istanbul Sultanahmet | Hotel Park, Sultanahmet Utangaç sk 26 | Hotel | 76 |
| Hotel Pera Capitol | asmali mescid str. no:24 Beyoglu - Istanbul | Hotel | 80 |
| Hotel Poem | Akbiyik Caddesi Terbiyik Sokak | Hotel | 77 |
| Hotel Prince Istanbul | Nobethane Cad. Kargili Sok. No.:5 Sirkec | Hotel | 90 |
| Hotel Romantic | mimar mehmet a?a caddesi amiral tafdil sokak no:2 | Hotel | 80 |
| Hotel Saba | Binbirdirek mah. Sehit Mehmet Pasa Yokusu No:8 Sultanahmet | Hotel | - |
| Hotel Sen Palas | Asmali Mescid Str. no:24 Beyoglu | Hotel | 75 |
| Hotel Spectra | Sehit Mehmet Pasa Yokusu No:2 Sultanahmet | Hotel | - |
| Hotel Spina Istanbul | Utangac Sok Nr.: 19 Sultanahmet | Hotel | - |
| Hotel Sude Konak | Ebussud Caddesi no 24 Sirkeci | Hotel | - |
| Hotel Sumengen Sultanahmet | Mimar Mehmet Aga Cad Amiral Tafdil Sk No:21 Sultanahmet Istanbul 34400 | Hotel | - |
| Hotel Tashkonak | Kucukayasofya cad.Tomurcuk Sk.5 Sultanahmet 34400 | Hotel | 80 |
| Hotel Tayhan | Tütkeli Caddesi no:9 Istanbul Turkey | Hotel | 20 |
| Hotel Yunus Emre | Ishakpasa Mah.Sifa Hamami Sok.No:30 Sultanahmet Sultanahmet | Hotel | 73 |
| Hurriyet Hotel | Hocapasa mah. Nobethane cad. Serdar sok. no: 19 Si | Hotel | 80 |
| Ida Hotel Istanbul | Cankurtaran Mah. Akbiyik Cad. No. 31, Sultanahmet, Istanbul | Hotel | 89 |
| International House Istanbul | Zambak sok. No: 5 Beyoglu / Istanbul | Hostel | 83 |
| Ishak Pasa Konagi | ishakpasa cad no 15 sultanahmet Sultanahmet | Hotel | 86 |
| Istanbul Holiday Hotel | Kucuk Ayasofya Caddesi No:28 Sultanahmet | Hotel | 60 |
| Istanbul Hostel | 35 Kutlu Gun Sokak Sultanahmet | Hostel | 89 |
| Just Guest House | Akbiyik Cad. 18 Sultanehmet | Guesthouse | 74 |
| Kaftan Hotel | Mimar Mehmet Aga cad.Amiral tafdil sok.No.45 Sulta | Hotel | 97 |
| Kanlica Villa | Barismanco Cad.No:44 Kanlica Beylerbeyi Istanbul | Apartment | - |
| La Casa di Maria Pia | Yeni Carsi caddesi 37 -Beyoglu - Istanbul | Apartment | - |
| Lady Diana Hotel | Binbirdirek Mahhallesi Terzihane Sokak No:9 34400 Sultanahmet/ISTANBUL | Hotel | 67 |
| Lamp Guesthouse | akbiyik caddesi no 66 cankurtaran | Guesthouse | 91 |
| Larespark Hotel | Topcu Caddesi No:23 | Hotel | - |
| Legend Hotel | Peykhane Cad No:16 Sultanahmet | Hotel | - |
| Marmara Guesthouse | 15 / 2 Sultanahmet Akbiyik Caddesi Terbiyik Sokak | Hostel | 87 |
| Mavi Guesthouse | Ishakpasa Cad. Kutlugun Sok. No:3 | Hostel | 85 |
| Mavi Onur Guesthouse | Kucuk ayasofya mah. Aksakal sok. No:28 sultanahmet Sultanahmet | Guesthouse | 87 |
| Med Cezir Hotel | Tevkifhane sokak No 6 Sultanahmet | Hotel | 90 |
| Meddusa Hotel | Nuruosmaniye Cad. No:7 Sultanahmet Istanbul | Hotel | 65 |
| Megara Hotel | Akbiyik Cad. Nr. 85 34140 Sultanahmet - ISTANBUL | Hotel | 87 |
| Metropolis Hostel | Akbiyik cad. Terbiyik sok. No:24 Sultanahmet | Hostel | 92 |
| Moonlight Pension | 87 Akbiyik Cad. | Hostel | 80 |
| Mosaic Hotel Istanbul | Vidinli Tevfik Pasa Cadde No : 21 Laleli Beya Istanbul | Hotel | - |
| Motif Guesthouse | Ishakpasa cad.Kutlugun sk.No:5 | Guesthouse | 20 |
| Mystic Hotel | K?yasofya caddesi Katip sinan camii sokak | Hotel | 67 |
| Naz Wooden House Inn | Yeni Akbiyik Degirmeni Sokak NO:7 34400 Sultanahmet | Hostel | 83 |
| Neverland Hostel | Bogazkesen cad. no:96 Beyoglu | Hostel | 79 |
| New Backpackers | Akbiyik caddesi. No:14/1 Sultanahmet | Hostel | 81 |
| Nobel Hostel | Mimar Mehmet Aga Cad. no:32 Sultanahmet istanbul | Hostel | 80 |
| Oceans 7 Guest House | Cankurtaran Mah. Akbiyik Street No:47 Sultanahmet | Guesthouse | 79 |
| Oceans 7 Hotel | Can kurtaran mah.Amiral tafdil sok.no 18 Sultanahm | Hotel | - |
| Old City Hotel | Alaykosku Cad. No:1 | Hotel | - |
| Orient Youth Hostel | Yeni Akbiyik Cd. No.13 34400 Sultanahmet | Hostel | 83 |
| Orsep Royal Hotel | Nobethane Cd.No:10 Sirkeci | Hotel | - |
| Osmanhan Hotel | Akbiyik St. Cetinkaya Sokak No:1 Sultanahmet | Hotel | - |
| Otel Buhara | Kücük Ayasofya Caddesi Yegen Sokak 11, Sultanahmet | Hotel | 63 |
| Paris Hotel & Hostel | Piyerloti cad dizdariye medresesi sok. no:9/11 Sultanahmet | Hostel | 77 |
| Pera Rose Boutique Hotel | Mesrutiyet Caddesi, No.201 Tepebasi / Taksim - Istanbul | Hotel | - |
| Pera Tulip Hotel | Mesrutiyet caddesi No:103 Tepebas? / Beyoglu Taks | Hotel | - |
| Pianoforte Hotel Istanbul | Fevzullah Efendi Cad no 17 34260 fatih istanbul | Hotel | - |
| Rose Hotel Istanbul | 20 Kucukayasofya str. aksakal street Sultanahmet | Hotel | 60 |
| Sarnic Hotel | Kucuk Ayasofya Cad. 26 Sultanahmet | Hotel | - |
| Saruhan Hotel | Kucuk Ayasofya Mahallesi Cinci Meydani Sokak No:34 Sultanahmet | Hotel | 96 |
| Seven Hills Hotel | Tevkifhane Sokak No: 8/A 34400 Sultanahmet Istanbu | Hotel | - |
| Sidera Palace Hotel | Kadirga Meydani Donus Sokak No:14 Kucukayasofya -Sultanahmet | Hotel | - |
| Sinbad Hostel | Kucuka yasofya Mah. Demirci Resit sk. No3-5 Sultanahmet | Hostel | 60 |
| Southern Cross Hostel | No. 24 Akbiyik Street Sultanahmet | Hostel | 83 |
| Star Holiday Hotel | Divanyolu Caddesi No.10 Sultanahmet Sultanahmet | Hotel | 66 |
| Star Hotel and Guesthouse | NO:10 Akbýyýk Cad. Sultanahmet | Hotel | 86 |
| Stone Hotel istanbul | Binbirdirek Mah.Sehit Mehmet Pasa Yokusu No 34 | Hotel | - |
| Sulltan Otel | Orhaniye Caddesi No:28 Sirkeci/Istanbul | Hotel | - |
| Sultan Hostel | Akbiyik Caddesi 21 Sultanahmet | Hostel | 83 |
| Sultan's Eye Hotel Comfort | Akbýyýk Cd. Bayram Fýrýný Sk. No:8 Sultanahmet | Hotel | 77 |
| Sultanahmet Violet Apartment | Yerebatan cad. Salkimsogut sok. No:6 Sultanahmet- Address 2 : | Apartment | 84 |
| Sultans Inn | Kucuk Ayasoyya Main Street, Mustafa Pasa Street, No:50, Sultanahmet | Hostel | 85 |
| Sur Hotel Sultanahmet | K. Ayasofya cad. Mustafa Pasa Cad. No.25 Sultanahm | Hostel | 94 |
| Sydney Hostel Istanbul | Akbiyik cadesi cankurtaran mahalesi no 42 Sultanahmet | Hostel | 87 |
| The Boutique Amisos Hotel | Ebusuud Str No: 2 Sultanahmet,Sirkeci | Hotel | - |
| The Byzantium Hotel | Cankurtaran Mah. Akbiyik Cad. No/29 Sultanahmet | Hotel | - |
| Titanic Business Hotel | Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa Cad no:43 kartal | Hotel | 93 |
| Titanic City Hotel | Lamartin cad no:53-55 Taksim | Hotel | - |
| Titanic Comfort Hotel | Operator Raif Bey Sok no:40 Sisli | Hotel | - |
| Titanic Port Hotel | Fisekhane cd no:7/3 bakirkoy Istanbul | Hotel | - |
| Tulip Guest House | Cankurtaran mah. Akbiyik Cad. Terbiyik sok. No:15/ | Guesthouse | 90 |
| Turvan Hotel | Hocapasa Sokak No:36 Sirkeci Sultanahmet | Hotel | 70 |
| Umay Hotel | Sehit Mehmet Pasa sok. no:25 Sultanahmet | Hotel | 82 |
| Valide Sultan Konagi | Cankurtaran Mah. Ishakpasa Cad. Kutlugun Sok. No/1 | Hotel | - |
| Villa Pasha Hotel | Cankurtaran Mah. Akbiyik Street. No: 40 Sultanahme | Hotel | - |
| Villa Sphendone | Demirci Resit Sokak No: 19 Kucukayasofya Sultanahmet | Hotel | - |
| World House Istanbul | galip dede cad no:85 Beyoglu | Hostel | 82 |
| Zeugma Hotel | Akbiyik Street no:35 Sultanahmet Sultanahmet | Hotel | - |
Visa requirements change regularly so you should check out the current situation from your country foreign office.
There are no shortages of language schools willing to employ native English speakers as teachers. While many will request qualification in TEFL, TESOL or other ESL courses, most will also hire on the spot. Pay is relatively good and, for the shrewd negotiator, there are some good deals to be had. Be wary of contracts offering a deal too good to refuse, they often come with a sting in the tail. Common ESL sites online can provide points of contact and advertisements / job offers.
Many ex pats from UK, Canada, USA and Australia have moved to Istanbul to teach English but have ended up managing bars and restaurants.
Istanbul University, next to the Grand Bazaar. Handy as next to the Book Bazaar for cheap text books. Many Turkish students study there.
Undoubtedly Istanbul is the center of Turkish LGBTT life. Like many other cities in the world, Istanbul may not be all that comfortable for LGBTT travelers but it definitely has a big LGBTT community and culture behind the scenes. Everyday more LGBTT people are becoming outspoken. One has to know where to go in order to explore such culture and has to be careful when meeting new people in this culture.
Taksim is considered to be the center of LGBTT life in Istanbul, as well the center of night life in general. There is a list of places friendly to the LGBTT community.
Internet cafés are everywhere and cost approx 1 Euro per hour. Wireless hot spots are becoming more common and many Western-style coffee shops now provide this free service.
See also International Telephone Calls
Most kiosk booths around town have phone cards available in multiples of 20 or 50 Kontors. They are surprisingly good value for local and international calls.
Most mobile phones will work on international roaming but only for a limited period. The Turkish telecommunications provider (Turkcell) requires registration of the IMEI number of the mobile handset. This is done in person with photographic ID at a Turkcell office. Failure to do so will result in the phone only working for a period of about 2 - 3 weeks. Whilst this does not damage the phone handset, it does cause inconvenience. As this process costs time and money it is often easier to purchase a second-hand Turkish registered handset from one of the many telephone sales shops in town.
This is version 58. Last edited at 14:52 on Aug 17, 09 by Utrecht (+3). 77 articles link to this page.

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