🇹🇷 Where to stay in Istanbul Part 1? Don't stay by the Blue Mosque!

[@IstanbulHacks]

Part 2 in more detail: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYCmandooamXlaM

[@ekadaswindar]

This is really useful information and great video! Thank you for sharing this important information :)

[@socils4451]

Where do you recommend for a family to stay with Kids for 7 nights ?. Where there are tourist so we fit in but not to expensive.

[@IstanbulHacks]

@@socils4451 Karakoy

[@moonorashikinahmad9221]

Tqvm

[@spidyman8853]

hey There Just discovered your channel. Very good channel, please keep it up. Where is the safest place to stay for a tourist please Mr Hacks?

[@ronmaren4135]

I am from istanbul and I agree with everything he said. But also it is a personal thing. He says you can finish the old town in 1 day but You need more than 3 days only for the Grand Bazaar if you really want to see it all and do some shopping. But if you just want to have a look at it and move on then yes 1 day is enough. It all depends if you are a museum guy or a historic person or just like shopping or sight seeing. I have travelled over 40 countries, almost all the famous capitals in the world and I can tell that never seen a city more diverse than istanbul. It is the only city in the world that you can get a taste of Europe, Assia and Middle east in the same day. Mosque, Cathedral and Synagogue on the same street.

[@IstanbulHacks]

Yes I made a mistake by saying 1 day. I clear it up on part 2 of this video. Thanks for the comment :)

[@ronmaren4135]

@@IstanbulHacks I’ll have a look. I really like the way you explain it on the map. Nice video

[@mariacasanova7914]

You are right! It is so beautiful and amazing!!

[@humerabanu1848]

I totally agree 👍

[@Tsarbomba925]

Hi, thanks for the info. Can you name any hotel nearby like a center point for all the attractions, i have a trip planned for 7 days i m sure it ll be enough.

[@naz6736]

Excellent excellent...EXCELLENT. FInally someone with no drama, no silly music or over friendly body language .. calm precise and well explained. well done

[@JJ-dy9vr]

I can’t say how grateful I am for this video. I’m going to Istanbul for the first time and it REALLY HELPED ME!

[@م.مسيباسردارسردار]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/enacl6mDlM54iNk Thank you for watching this video. If this is your first time watching please don't forget to subscribe... Thank you very much 🤩

[@manoaharilalarakotonindrin330]

You go there for business or for tourist?

[@h.a.n.2202]

Where to stay depends on your interests. There are still advantages of staying at Sultan Ahmet area: - feeling the real and historic Istanbul. - discover many things tourists miss to see , there's history in every corner there. - have enough time to visit the most important tourist attractions, which really needs enough time. - the area is very safe. - public transportation is near and you can reach any destination easily. * The area is not for those who like nightlife style, it is quite at night.

[@ThaiRecapHub]

I agree with you . Since I've been in Istanbul, Sultan Met has been my favorite place.

[@patrycjaw8323]

Totally agree . Love sultan ahmet

[@saiqakhan4148]

I fully agree. My family always stay in Sultan Ahmet area and enjoy the safe and leisurely pace there. There's also a sense of history and culture in the streets there that is not so prominent on the Asian side .

[@marcelaburgos5112]

As a woman travelling by herself I chose it because of how close it is to everything and because it's safe. I was considering staying in Taksim square but the issue from Last week put me off completely plus I don't really want that much night life if I'm going in cold January

[@GamzeMutfakta]

@James Hets Really? It is such a touristy place, food is pricey and not usually good. Too many restaurants having the same typical food.. (of course there are exceptions )It is crowded and usually overwhelming even to me ( I live in İstanbul!)Sultanahmet is not what İstanbul is about and how people really live like. You can stay in Kadıköy which you will be around locals and plus be in Sultanahmet with a ferry 20 minutes plus a 10 minute walk. You can experience the history etc just by visiting. If you still want to stay on the European side try BALAT, Ortaköy, Beşiktaş even Taksim Elmadağ,Şişli,Nişantaşı..

[@MrDerarayoush]

Dude! Honestly the most helpful video I have seen in a while! Thanks for breaking it down!

[@IstanbulHacks]

I appreciate the comment, you're welcome and thank you :)

[@koantao8321]

What do youvthink ofvthe Bagcilar area, which is close to the new airport and Mall of Istanbul?

[@م.مسيباسردارسردار]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/enacl6mDlM54iNk Thank you for watching this video. If this is your first time watching please don't forget to subscribe... Thank you very much🤩

[@t22beats17]

I wouldn't say don't stay there, I stayed near the blue mosque for one week and it was amazing, food was brilliant but expensive, one bad experience with food and that was one of the most expensive places we went. Everything was within walking distance, yes you can see it all in a day but you can't take it in all in one day, every day we found something different to explore. Walking to the port from the blue mosque only takes about 30 minutes and we ferried to the Asian side, the Asian side was great, clean, delicious food and lots less tourism but for me it wasn't as exciting or historic if anything it seemed more European than the European side.

[@rsn7847]

I absolutely agree,I stayed by sultalhamed area and we had a wonderful time there,I also agree ,the Asian side looks more European than the European side😂

[@QatardohaQa]

I think he can't affordable that’s why Turkey Was Every Place was very Beauty

[@lindapestridge3073]

Thank you For your opinion, I think I would rather stay in The blue mosque part as well , After all that's what you go there For to experience the real life around Turkey,

[@flesz_]

Now food would be 3x times more expensive

[@Truthseeker371]

Why not? I found a very cozy, reasonably priced, and with friendly staff hotel in Sultanamhet. I was lucky to find it. The shop owners had plenty of free time and shared an interesting grumble about the crazy economy. It's touristic, but so is most of the Istanbul City areas. Walking up the Galata Bridge to Kadikoy was fun, sneaking at the fishermen's buckets, but Kadikoy was dirty and disappointing. Not many good Asian restaurants in Istanbul. That was also a drawback. The evening cruise is a must to try. Beautifully illuminated buildings.

[@muhammadkhan-hp4fx]

What's the hotel name, kindle guide. Many thanks.

[@ahmadfsalam]

I only went for the mosques and Topkapi Palace, staying Sultan Ahmet meant that everything was within walking distance. Very nice.

[@shahid10636]

Been Istanbul twice n going again in jan..stayed in sultanahmet both times n again In January. Tbh for me I like staying there because of the atmosphere and sitting outside the blue mosque at night is relaxing. Price wise was cheap but depends what time of year you go ofcourse.

[@IstanbulHacks]

I'm glad you enjoyed

[@camusmarlene]

Hiii can you please recommend me a hotel in sultanahmet?

[@shahid10636]

@@camusmarlene I stayed at Pierre loti hotel in sultanahmet and faros which is just opposite. I’d recommend Pierre loti. Clean, friendly and good breakfast. Also close to tram stop as hotel is on main road and walking distance to blue mosque and grand bazaar.

[@sarabanuelos5265]

You can also stay at the Armada Hotel. They have a good breakfast and you can even eat at the terrace overlooking the ocean!!! Very close to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia…….

[@sihaanm]

​@@sarabanuelos5265price?

[@romgozaimas]

Seriously, to cover Sultanahmet in one day is not enough in my opinion. We stayed in the Sultanahmet area for 7 nights and it was like "never enough" for us. We took pictures in the day and had to come back in the evening for some night photography. Dont forget about those long lines to get into all the attractions that could take hours. Hunting for souvenirs like turkish delights in boxes took us to many bazaars. We bought boxes from different places to try them out in the hotel. Finally we settled for the best one and went back to Eminonu to buy dozens of them. We continued another 5 nights stay near the Galata Tower and even went back to Sultanahmet on one of the nights for dinner because we love that restaurant. We visited Kadikoy, Bagdat Street and had a seafood dinner by the Bosphorus Sea at Uskudar on the Asian side for a full day and came back to Galata at 9 pm. The Asian side can be done in a day but not the Sultanahmet.

[@IstanbulHacks]

Ye one day is too little, i mentioned this in part 2. However, i still don't think its the right place to stay

[@manoaharilalarakotonindrin330]

You went there for business or tourist? Thanks for replying

[@romgozaimas]

@@manoaharilalarakotonindrin330 as tourist. We are planning a return visit later this year.

[@brightliwanag2146]

Which store sells the best Turkish delights in your opinion?

[@rida4789]

Hey, I am visiting istanbul with a one year old in a few weeks. I have booked sultanahmet for the four days but this time around I wanted to change scenery a bit and book last three days in galata as I absolutely adore that beauty. But my concern in the hills with a toddler. As far as I remember there’s a lot of hills in that area so will commuting to different areas harder if I end up staying in galata? Anything you would recommend at all?

[@mariawerner8447]

I lived in Istanbul for 9 years, 4 in Cankurtaran, a really lovely and authentic area a 5 minute walk from the Blue Mosque. I loved it there, and as this was in 2000-2004, Sultanahmet (especially Akbıyık caddesi) was full of Western tourists and travellers, and we used to sit on the beautiful roof terraces and enjoy cheap food and beer, listen to music and make friendships that have lasted me to this day. All this has changed now, as conservative Arabic families now dominate this area, roof terraces are closed, no more drinks and music. I later lived in Moda for another 4 years, and for a while in Üsküdar, 100 metres from the Bosphorus, as well as in Bakırköy. If you are a tourist, though, staying for a few days, I would still recommend Sultanahmet, as all the main sites are there. You can’t see the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Archeological Museum, the Mosaic Museum and the Kapalı Çarşi in one day! I found a family room in a very nice boutique hotel in Sultanahmet for my relatives for 60 Euro (3 people) and then I took them around Istanbul on ferries and public transport, including Kadıköy, Kuzguncuk, the Bosphorus etc. Taksim is crowded and has nothing much to offer European travellers, and Kadıköy doesn’t have many nice hotels - unless you are prepared to pay a few hundred Euro a night at the DoubleTree Hilton or stay at a hostel.

[@handy1580]

Hello there, can you provide detail information of boutique hotel in Sultanahmet that you mentioned? I would appreciate it a lot. Thanks

[@manoaharilalarakotonindrin330]

If for business, where is the best place to stay?

[@mariawerner8447]

@@manoaharilalarakotonindrin330 That depends on where your business is! Asian or European side? Which area exactly? Istanbul is huge!

[@mariawerner8447]

@@handy1580 Sadly, they now charge 360 Euro a night for the same room 🙁 Arabs pay these prices!

[@holyfox94]

@@handy1580 Empress Zoe. Sadly often booked out.

[@fatimaazzahra6672]

I've been stayed around Galata towe in 2020. It was so noisy at night and so tired by walking because you hv to climb the road everyday... i like to stay around eminonu coz it closed to tram and bus or metro terminal and the port. So it will be easier to go to many places by tram or metro.. and ferry if you want to Uskudar (to see and pray at Camilca camii) and you can go to Bursa by IDO ferry. And also ot is esier to visit sulaymam mousque and fatih mousqe and Ayub al ansory mousqe and lotti hill if you stay around Eminonu. There were so many beautifull places in Istanbul and it is esier if you go from 1 district to another by Istanbul transportation which is nice and cheap. So you need to stay next to the terminal... that's my opinion by my experienced when i visit Istanbul 2 years ago.

[@RE-xv9fp]

Interesting I would agree about Sultan ahmet, I I'm gonn atravel there soon hopefully. In my famlies case we really want to be as close to Ayasofya as possible so we can do our prayers as many times as possible there, especially the morning prayer I believe would be magical here. So stayingg in Sultan Ahmet can be more reasonable for some I believe. Otherwise I have had friends stay in Kadiköy and ûmraniye and they loved it!

[@pedrozatravel]

I just got back from Istanbil. Unless you have been in Istanbul before I would suggest finding a hotel close to the T1 tram line. That will get you to everywhere a first time traveler would want to go. So that means Sultanahmet or Karakoy.

[@IstanbulHacks]

Karakoy is much better than SultanAhmet in my opinion :)

[@pashminagal]

I disagree... I stayed off Straselviler Cd. and found walking over the Galata Bridge everyday tiring. Not everyone wants a marathon day of sightseeing. Next time I visit Istanbul I would stay 2-3 days in Sultanahmet, and then 2-3 days in or near Taksim. Then move over the Asian side, maybe I'm odd but I like to go out of my accommodations and be where I want to explore, ideally walking everywhere. I appreciate your video, it has lots of good info, I've saved it for my next trip!

[@mariawerner8447]

Sıraselviler street? There are some nice things to explore around it, but I agree - it’s not historic and doesn’t offer much if you’re a tourist. It’s a nice (and expensive!) area to live, though

[@pashminagal]

@@mariawerner8447 There are some nice restaurants, a good food tour though Culinary Backstreets and it is close to Istiklal street. It is quiter that Sulanahmet. Siraselviler Street has some nice shopping too.

[@mariawerner8447]

@@pashminagal I know it very well. Not sure it has shopping, though? My bet is always on Sultanahmet, as it is has the beautiful historic sights as well as the Grand Bazaar and proximity to the Bosphorus/Marmaray Sea. To me, that’s why you come to Istanbul. Shopping is everywhere around the World.

[@nicoleloves9483]

Your voice is good for podcast.. so relaxing

[@IstanbulHacks]

Thank you very much :)

[@roslynbuiviet9165]

Excellent! So helpful. Thanks! Love seeing the map as you speak.

[@fadimatar4969]

i was here 2 months after this video uploaded, i think sultanahmet is very great place, great foods and good hotels, if you go to cheap places or restaurants for sure you may get a bad experience there; it's up to your budget; but overall we had great days there....

[@IstanbulHacks]

I’m happy you had a good time :)

[@travelswithfas]

how long do u recommend stay in istanbul ?

[@s.at1978]

On the first trip, closest to the Blue Mosque is best because it's overwhelming! You can cover many areas in a day

[@TAZGYMUK1]

Fantastic video, extremely helpfull. Going for the first time. Watched so many videos to get the information explained in this in detail. Well done to the creator. Very helpfull.

[@wm9669]

THANK YOU SO MUCH THE MAP IS THE BEST WAY TO UNDERSTAND FOR ME . WHEN I VISITED I TOOK TRAM AND VISITED MANY PLACES. I LOVE THE ASIA SIDE AND NEXT TIME I WILL STAY THERE INSHALLAH

[@IstanbulHacks]

I’m happy you had a good time :)

[@mattmiles1546]

I spent two nights in a hostel near the blue Mosque. It's like Disneyland around there. I moved over to the asian side and I love it. The public transportation is fantastic in Istanbul. You can stay anywhere in town and get to the tourist sites easy.

[@IstanbulHacks]

You enjoy the authentic part of the city more than the tourist sties. Just like me :)

[@bobenskielirazan8968]

Matt Miles can you post which hostel you stayed??

[@utamihalliday2995]

Thank you. I will visit Istanbul in June. And I found that your channel is very useful

[@IstanbulHacks]

Thanks for watching

[@JuanCuloCabra]

Great video! I've been to Istanbul twice and I thought I was crazy because I stayed in Kadikoy (and loved it), while most of the people stayed in the Sultanahmet area... I really enjoyed it: few tourists, better and more affordable food, and it is very conveniently located to reach all other areas

[@susykings3343]

Are the non touristic areas English Spoken ? I don’t speak any Turkish 🥲

[@JuanCuloCabra]

@@susykings3343 my perception was that there were fewer people fluent in English in this part of the city, but you'll get by. I don't speak a word of Turkish and didn't have a problem

[@HassanKhanOnline]

@@JuanCuloCabra hope you enjoyed the trip. while having a 4 day stay in Istanbul you still recommend to stay in Kadikoy?

[@Mrkhanjar]

If you had to compare taksim and kadikoy which one is better? Which one is more affordable food wise

[@JuanCuloCabra]

@@HassanKhanOnline Yes, I do, it's just one ferry trip away from most of the 'famous' touristic places anyway

[@qbmichigan]

Hello, thanks for taking out the time and go over the beautiful place of Türkiye Istanbul.

[@NatkaGlam]

I stayed in Sisley, Beyoğlu, in Tuyap Hotel, but I love staying in Sultanahmet the most!))

[@nigar19831]

Wow this video changed my opinion about staying in Sultan Ahmed area and for sure will save us money. I lived in Turkey for 12 years and never visited this places… now after 8 years planning to visit and hope it’s gonna be nice. Thank you for video so helpful!

[@IstanbulHacks]

Thanks for watching :)

[@mjremy2605]

You have to be a tourist in your own town. That is how your mindset should be. We tend never to see what is in our own backyards! I'm making an effort to see all the local sights in my town and take groups of friends with me.

[@karibellamy661]

BTW, what I really appreciate about your videos is that you're not showing to much in the way of photos/videos. I need to research information but I want to not feel like the city or the experience is being spoiled for me before I arrive. I've really enjoyed going through your videos and learning a lot but I feel like I'm still going to see things with a fresh pair of eyes and not already seen it because I watched too many youtube videos.

[@IstanbulHacks]

Very interesting point, thanks for watching :)

[@NerminLeto]

I slept in hostel Nobel. 100m from blue mosque on Sultan Ahmed. It was very cheap and nice. excelent location.

[@IstanbulHacks]

I'm glad you had a nice time :)

[@christiandiablo9499]

I get what you’re saying but a few corrections: 1. Yes, the chances of getting bad food in Sultanahmet is higher than other areas of Istanbul because the area is densely packed with tourist restaurants. But there are still great restaurants there to be found. Just the % is lower than other areas due to the plethora of tourist-quality restaurants packed in there. 2. Yes, it’s definitely more expensive. Restaurants and hotels. 3. But….there is something about the glory of waking up and having breakfast in your hotel’s rooftop restaurant overlooking the Blue Mosque in the morning. So i wouldn’t say “don’t stay in Sulanahmet.” I’d say “Sulanahmet is touristy, but historically beautiful. It’s rife with tourist-quality restaurant so be picky. And be aware that it will cost more, for the convenience and glory of being in the middle of historic Istanbul.” Some people will prefer Sultanahmet, as price isn’t always the deciding factor. cheers!

he's totally right n greetings from Istanbul.. have a good holiday for those who come to Istanbul already.

[@BringBackCyrillicBG]

I love Istanbul, greetings from Bulgaria 🇧🇬💘🇹🇷

[@jennyrayman2505]

I so wanted to go to istanbul Xmas 2021 but I was overwhelmed by the so many videos in KZbin. So I ended up not going. Your video is what I needed all along. I am planning now. Thank you soooo much!

[@IstanbulHacks]

Thanks for watching, i'm glad you found it helpful

[@Bo-tz4nw]

Just don´t understand. I live in Moda/Kadiköy, very nice area, but can´t see what´s wrong with the Fatih area if you come here maybe first time as a tourist and want to see the main attractions. Still, Moda for me is a little bit like Paris, maybe not what first comes to mind when you think "Istanbul". And rent is not cheap here! There are cheap hostels etc. Have you really checked it out the Fatih/main tourist area? There are actually plenty of good options nearby to stay for a couple of nights and my personal favourite restaurant Ortaklar kebab lahmacun - cheap, the best - is just a 10 min walk from the Blue Mosque.

[@IstanbulHacks]

Its just my preference, i like sultan ahmet for 2 days but when i go on holiday i prefer getting lost in the streets and going to local cafes/restaurants. Everybody is different, this is just my opinion :)

[@khalidshaikhmuhammad272]

Excellent, I have seen several video but the way you explain is really nice, thank you.

[@twilightprince8190]

this video is helpful even after i fully booked where I stayed cuz it gives a nice general overview of where things are as opposed to figuring out each one, 1 by 1 then planning a route. I wish I watched it earlier b4 figuring it all out

[@arunaniermann2003]

We stayed near the Blue mosque in an old townhouse, the Artefes hotel, and liked it so much. Nice rooftop bar, very yummy breakfast, friendly staff, not so expensive and walkable distance to the Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Serail, Bosporus, Grand Bazaar and more places.

[@wonderingtraveller4786]

Thanks for sharing this. 👍🏿 very helpful

[@adamschanel654]

Most helpful video!!! Thank you so much!!! I was literally lost until now!!

[@gdias9266]

Thank you for your time! You answered lot of questions in less than 10 minutes. Going to Istambul in September. Thank you!!

[@granthurlburt4062]

Unless you have NO interest in history and architectural beauty, stay near Sultanahmet. I spent 6 nights there and didnt even enter the Blue Mosque (no time) or the Suleiman Mosque. I spent 2 hrs min. Agia Sofia, and Topkapi and the Archaeol. Museum. An hr in the Cistern where part of From Russia with love was filmed. The historic Hippodrome with an Egyptian obelisk and the 3 serpent column from Delphi. It was 50% locals when I was there (Fall 2014). Easy to catch the street car to Taksim.

[@gdias9266]

@@granthurlburt4062 thank you!!

[@margarethaazul]

I stayed at Taksim 3 days and 3 days besides Blue Mosque and far away I loved sultanahmet! It took me 3 days only to see the old side

[@Muzzy68]

I always stay close to Galata as i like familiarity but it’s also perfect positioning to get around. My only tip is don’t stay close to mosque because of the early morning call to prayer - unless you want that of course!

[@susangenafer7110]

Thanks for your info, but my favourite place to stay is sultan Ahmed facing the magical blue mosque and love the Asia part...

[@IstanbulHacks]

Everybody likes different things 😊

[@kristijan7001]

I am in Istanbul next weekend. What should i visit on Asian side? Shortly. Please help. 😊i have Plan to take a boat from Sirkeci to Harem. And whats your opinion? Is it better to take Halva and magnets on Asian side or Istikal? And how to pay taxi from airport? In euros or change the money on airport? Thank you.

[@imanbluhm9199]

I am glad to know more about the Asian side. I have only been to Kadikoy and enjoyed it but would like to explore more areas and take the walk along the Asian side you suggested. I stayed in Karakoy once, but I love staying in Sultanahmet - walking across the park in the morning or evening with the beautiful fountain and people relaxing with their families. Walking back to my hotel at night with the silouettes of the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sofia is one of my favorite things about Istanbul. I always stay at a hotel that has a breakfast room at the top - usually with a terrace so you have a wonderful view of the water while you eat breakfast. Maybe once I explore the Asian side I will change my mind about where is the best place to stay.

[@georgiaroarwell9737]

As a mature person who loves history and beauty and wants to sleep and not party at night, Sultanahmet is where I always stay. I have been all over Istanbul and still prefer "my" centrally located friendly hotel with its top floor restaurant and rooftop terrace with fantastic views. I love running down to Aya Sofia and through the park to the Blue Mosque early in the morning, and walking the cobblestoned streets and alleys down to explore less touristy areas and then taking the tram back up. I used to take the metro to Sultanahmet from Ataturk airport...first ride in on a clear night in December was just magical...seagulls flying around the lighted minarets at the mosques...The bus ride in from the new airport is just blah in comparison. One tip for newcomers: avoid going to Istanbul when the Saudis come for their holidays, and try to avoid Chinese tour groups!

[@manoaharilalarakotonindrin330]

Please, you go there for business or for tourist? Thanks

[@sihaanm]

​@@georgiaroarwell9737 please recommend affordable accomodation- thanks.

[@abdullahshafiesurani5971]

Thanks for the beautiful and precise information, cos I heard lots of things that happened. Your information is very useful.

[@MrsOz-vf7et]

Hi, would you classify Fatih being in the area as Sultanahmet? Kadikoy sounds good but I am wondering about the public transport options. And it's quite a way from IST. Of course we also have SAW as an option too. What about somewhere close to Vezneciler metro? I don't mind Galata either as long as it's close to a metro.

[@gladlock]

I am so excited to visit Istanbul for my 40th birthday this summer! I plan to alternate my days by doing a ton of walking one day, then relaxing the day after. For my slow days, I imagine being by the water with great waiter service and just really do nothing. Is there a hotel or day club where I could do this? if not, is there another option for 4 ladies to just do nothing? Maybe a booze cruise, all-day arab bath?

[@lmcdonald1879]

just finished a month in Istanbul stayed in Sultanahmet small family hotel 50 per night..level streets to the tram best exchange rate..enjoyed the asian side but lacks the museums, antique stores, markets that I find on the European side..every hotel in taxim is on a sharp hill and I have been bait and switched twice there...for sultanhamet prices...but anywhere in Istanbul is magic

[@piotr7096]

Thank you for your clear advices. I was one time in Istambuł. and I made this mistakle to stay near The grand Bazar. There was a crowd of prople 24 hours a day.. Istambul is amazing in my opinion. The one disadventage is that is difficult to move usig Walking sticks. Many places miss the bannister to hold. I definitely want to visit this city again. I will stay in Asia side

[@floramie3]

Thank you, it was very helpful. I am going to stay in Istanbul for three days as a tourist and now I know what is important in the city.

[@granthurlburt4062]

I spent 7 days in the Sultanahmet area. it was quiet and easy access to the wonderful historic sites. Calling them "tourist sites" makes them sound like Disneyland. Istanbul has been one of the 2 or 3 major European/circum Meditrraean/Near Eastern cities for 2,000 years and has buildings and columns that are magnificent and fascinating. I spent 2 hrs or more with most sites around Sultanahmet, with an hr for a restful coffee and snack after.

[@hasan2k3]

very very helpful. The most detailed and easy to understand guide to visiting istanbul

[@Gdapu]

I am from UK. I want to visit Istanbul for ramadan, Which area will be best for finding nearby mosques and prayers and hearing call to prayer? I want to visit Istanbul for the last half of Ramadan and want to do Eid there with my Wife and Daughter. The main aim is to be able to pray in mosque and enjoy our Eid.

[@IstanbulHacks]

Fatih may be a good choice

[@Gdapu]

@@IstanbulHacks Thank you very much. I have booked Airbnb in faith 10 min walk to Blue mosque.

[@NizreenOsman]

Walking from Taksim to Eminonu already used up all my energy hehe

[@rubimalik4878]

We stayed in Wyndham Grand and took the ferry every day to europe from Asia side. Sultan Ahmet blue mosque topkapi grand and spice bazar. I went to Eyup too. The road is quite busy area round Galata tower. I went to kadakoy too we used the ferry and metro. Enjoyed our stay visited all the places you have circled. The weather was nice the food was lovely so were the people.

[@gbdffr392]

hi there, Wyndham Grand hotel , is it a good hotel?

[@mherso]

We are going in January for six days and I am thinking of staying in Kadiköy Would it make sense to stay there are move to European side every day ?

[@AbdulKhalilRaoufi]

One of the useful videos out of 10-15 videos I watched.

[@raymahon5130]

Great video. I looked at all of your videos. Helpful in planning my trip. Thanks!

[@sandytatham3592]

Nice video, thank you! One positive out of this Covid time is that I can now afford to stay in the historical Istanbul area. I have a lovely family apartment for half price, and will probably end up staying in it for my three month visa period. My hotel is just off Piyer Loti Caddesi, on the edge of the shoe manufacturing area, with narrow cobbled streets and lots of activity on weekdays. Going west are poorer districts where many long-stay foreigners live (Syrian, Pakistani, African, Central Asian, etc), so my location is an interesting combination of touristic/local, posh/poor. I buy most food from the supermarket, with the odd takeaway of soup or gozleme (I'm vegetarian), and the vibe is still nice in the Sultanahmet area even though tourist numbers are down.

[@saiki_k6977]

When I went to Istanbul it was so fin I went in April 2021 and the fruits and veggies were so much better than the up they were so big

[@nazariahnordin6427]

Thx a millions bro.We are coming to turkey in may 2022.Your video is very very helpful for us to get the overall view of istanbul. Keep up the good video.May God bless you n family

[@sarahdee1492]

Harikaaaaa!!! I loved your your idea! And your sketch !!!! That really helps !!!!!

[@mohamedwarsamaboss5014]

Thank you; you really gave us an all-encompassing information about where to stay in Istanbul.

[@granthurlburt4062]

I stayed in a 4 story hotel from the top deck of which I could see the Blue Mosque. An excellent location, at least in the fall. Not expense. Easy walk to Sultanahmet, Agia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, and the Cistern. And the Hippodrome. You dismss these as "tourist sites". These are completely unique, architecturally interesting, and of great historical interest. I had a coffee outside the big Hamman across from Agia Sofia I am very glad I'd stay there. I don't know HOW you can do all these sights in one day. 2 hrs plus for each of Topkapi and Agia Sofia and Cistern. Easy to get on streetcar and easy to get to the north side and Taksim Sq. Went twice.

[@0040636bf109e]

Thank you for posting this video. It has helped me to decide where to vacate on a long term view.

[@chonrae]

Just finished a week in Kadikoy! Loved it!!!

[@nitinshukla3752]

How was the transportation to/from Sultanmehemet?

[@chonrae]

@@nitinshukla3752 I didn't go there. I went to Istanbul this time to eat and relax, not to do all the tourist sites. I had an AWESOME time!! I enjoyed the ferry. It was easy to understand and very economic. The subway is beautiful and economic and easy to navigate. I had issues with the bus, though. It wasn't so easy to understand for me. We used Uber for the taxis, which were a good price as well.

[@nitinshukla3752]

@ sounds like you had an awesome trip! Would love to hear your restaurant recommendations

[@chonrae]

@@nitinshukla3752 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ3NkHR8l82kmZI

[@chonrae]

@@nitinshukla3752 It's called DAMLA! You can bring it up on Google once you get there. That's how we found it. The food is AWESOME!!! I'm vegetarian. My husband is not. We ate there three days. Two were on my birthday :) But truth be told, there are too many places to choose from. I feel like your choices are unlimited and we only scratched the surface, which is why I'm obligated to back and give everything a fair shot!

[@alims3337]

Thank you so much. I am going to Istanbul in June and for months I have been wondering where to stay. Almost every website advises Sultanahmet. And it's so pricey.

[@kanzakhan7306]

This is the best vedio i have seen for staying . I was soo confused about accommodation. It really really help me out . ❤

[@Clare147]

I totally agree with you, but Sultanahmet is not that bad! It is at least quiet and we had a wonderful small boutique hotel with great view on the Bosphorus. Yes, good food is difficult to find - but I would recommend restaurants Giritli and Balikci Sabahattin. A sundowner on the rooftop of the Seven Hills-hotel gave me goose bumps, what a view! I do not like Taksim! Too noisy, too crowded and not very beautiful....

[@killerqueen1148]

Hi Clare...can I asked where you stayed?? I did check out your suggestion for the Seven Hills Hotel. It's much too expensive but the rooftop looks amazing. Did you eat at the seafood restaurant there? Thanks.

[@IstanbulHacks]

Ye I don’t recommend taksim anymore. I’m glad you had a nice time

[@Clare147]

@@killerqueen1148 Sorry for my late reply. I‘ve stayed at ‚Rumours Inn‘ in Sultanahmet, which I can highly recommend. It has also a nice rooftop area. For ‚Balikci Sabahattin‘ and ‚Ahirkapi Balikci‘….

[@zarghonakhan4450]

what is balikci sabahattin?

[@zarghonakhan4450]

ahirkapi balikci???

[@azizarba]

This what we are looking for review, really very helpful & hones with crystal clear information. After showing many review in KZbin.

[@IstanbulHacks]

Thanks for watching

[@OrlandoFL16]

thanks for the wonderful explanation.. what places to shop though if grand bazaar is a no go.. no brand names..

[@Tom-nd1fs]

Great video. Thanks. Which area has the skyscrapers?

[@anonymousshahana9134]

For ladies shopping which place is best in Istambul?

[@khurramshahzad-mr7sn]

Thanks for breaking it down, made it very easy to understand traveling for the first time to Istanbul.

[@م.مسيباسردارسردار]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/enacl6mDlM54iNk Thank you for watching this video. If this is your first time watching please don't forget to subscribe... Thank you very much 🤩

[@robertmahler8894]

I visited Istanbul many times, and your recommendations make sense.

[@conn720able]

I think your analysis of the areas to stay in Istanbul is quite subjective! Besides, seeing everything there is to see in one day is certainly not advisable. That is why I avoid tours which rush through the places visited and scratch the surface! Where to stay is an individual choice, a personsl choice. Not everyone who visits Istanbul is looking to party and, hence, an active nightlife might not be what they're looking for. There are some of us who wouldn't want to see all those places you mentioned in one day!! If we did, we would be rushing through it all and after a while our recollections of those places would be a blur. There is so much to see and do in Istanbul, I would give it the time it deserves. In addition to the places mentioned in this channel in the Sultanahmet area, there is the Topkapi Palace, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, the Basilica Cistern, to name a few, and they're all very convenient to visit if you're staying in the Sultanahmet neighborhood. I stayed in the Sultanahmet neighborhood during my recent visit to Istanbul and I enjoyed walking past the Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia every evening and seeing the fountains at play and the illumination of the area. I also found it very convenient to take the tram and the ferries/cruises plying the Bosphorus and Golden Horn. Another area that I enjoyed staying in was Sirkeci which is very near to all the above mentioned sights. I also stayed in Karaköy and while my hotel was less than a 5-minute walk from the Galata Tower, I found all the uphill and downhill walking, and climbing all those steps in the streets leading to the tower very draining. So, that was the area I would refrain from staying in if I were to visit Istanbul again. Another neighborhood I stayed in was Üsküdar and while that was convenient to seeing the sights on the Asian side, I preferred staying in Sirkeci and the Sultanahmet neighborhood. So, I'd like to remind people who watch this video that there is no 'one size fits all' area. Remember that the area I like or the area that this KZbinr likes might not be what you like. Do your research and pick the area that best fits your needs!

[@GetataxiGetataxi]

I thoroughly enjoyed sirkice it’s so close to sultanahmet. We stayed in sirkice and would travel to sultanahmet. I prefer the historical places and the hustle and bustle of the streets. It was so nice. I loved it

[@mariacha4550]

Bardzo rozsądna opinia. Będę w Stambule za tydzień. Pozdrawiam z Polski.

[@abesterlife]

Thank you for this video, all of your information and the maps and drawings, they really help👍😀

[@christopherfernandes4401]

Thank you. This was very helpful. I have visited Istanbul in 2019 and found the hotel very expensive. Yes, I was in central Istanbul. I just wish I had seen your video before. I am planning another trip just to Istanbul for a week in March. Appreciate your advice.

[@levinawalsh2015]

Thank you So Much for the information. I had No idea, but you have Explained it Very Well. You now have a New subscriber. Greetings from Ireland ☘✌.

[@granthurlburt4062]

Notice 80% of experienced travellers here completely disagree, including me. In the fall it wasnt busy or noisy. I spent 7 days nr Sultanahmet and would again.

[@stmark4181]

I LOVE this video. THANK YOU for posting this. I'm currently researching how to get around and where to stay in Turkey.

[@IstanbulHacks]

Thanks for watching :)

[@stmark4181]

@@IstanbulHacks Watching Part 2 right now.

[@patrycjaw8323]

I've stayed there twice and absolutely LOVED it and I'd stay there again.

[@IstanbulHacks]

I’m happy you had a good time :)

[@cortisify]

Thanks for the video tour. It was very helpful. Any hotel recomendations?

[@IstanbulHacks]

I don't know about hotels here sorry

[@youcefsalah-eddinebellili4440]

The most helpful video I have seen ,so far . planning to visit Turkey. Thanks a lot , brother

[@BanglaBloke]

Am planning to visit in Jan-2024, any good airbnb in Beyoglu or in Kadikoy? Please suggest

[@ShaishavVora]

Which are the best places for shopping? Not high end boutique shops but local value for money shopping

[@IstanbulHacks]

Maybe shopping centres

[@javidaziz912]

best video ever. detailed description in a short time.

[@IstanbulHacks]

Glad you liked it

[@hassanashwas6719]

I did the exact same thing. I got to walk around local neighborhoods with no tourist. It was calm and clean. The best way to see a country is to avoid tourist areas because they are not a goo representation of the people or the life

[@ToquzOghuzKhaganatekhan]

Yes there are always be touristy scams , all fake , all bars alcohols with lots of Natashas

[@ToquzOghuzKhaganatekhan]

And You will not be able to hookup with these natashas

[@ToquzOghuzKhaganatekhan]

Do sports daily and go after different girls

[@ToquzOghuzKhaganatekhan]

If I want quick sex I can pay and much ease

[@kakamel7175]

This info is very helpful for the tourist, Thanks dude! I am exciting to visit next March.

[@IstanbulHacks]

Thanks for watching :)

[@Rose-od4lp]

Thanks alot for this. I now feel informed enough to go ahead & make hotel/outing decisions! Much appreciated 🙂👍🏻

[@woodykim1961]

thank you so much for your helful information. We are planning to visit Istanbul in March 2023.

[@aasresume]

5월, 이스탄블 처음 4일여행, 이 비디오 보니, 술탄에 호텔 잡으려던 계획, 많이 혼란 스럽습니다. 낮에는 움직이고, 호텔은 잠만 잘것이라, 큰 호텔이 필요 없을텐데, 안전하고, 깨끗하기만 하면 되는곳 찾고 있습니다. 지금 여행하실것 같은데, 조언 부탁 드립니다.

[@talhakhan1362]

Excellent way from map to make it more understandable. Good work 👏

[@WilliamConnolly-sm5hh]

Thank you so much for this video. I am going to Istanbul and I thought this video was very helpful.

[@kanzakhan7306]

How to go basphorus side? And where to take cruise for princes island?

[@cubatea]

thanks very much. We are going next week and can't wait. This is great advice.

[@IstanbulHacks]

Hope you have a good time 😊

[@mahinnadarajah4369]

Hey, great content!!!....What is a good spot for brunch in Taksim square area?

[@IstanbulHacks]

For Turkish breakfast I would go here Van Kahvaltı Evi (0212) 293 64 37 goo.gl/maps/bkeWBUWEb5iHGogx6

[@TA-jy5fn]

The most descriptive video! The way you explained using the map is perfect 👍🏼

[@IstanbulHacks]

Thanks for watching :)

[@fanucci9504]

The most informative and honest video about Istanbul I watched so far. I'm visiting Istanbul end of this mond, wish me fun👍😁 and thank you

[@IstanbulHacks]

I hope you have a great time, thanks for watching

[@valeria5]

I just came across this video sir you have given the most and best helpful information about where to stay in Istanbul and how to get around. My dream is to visit one day Istanbul and i will definitely use your guide.Thank you !!!

[@IstanbulHacks]

Good luck :)

[@antoniomorais1503]

Great video. Do hotels/taxis/restaurants accept US Debit Card ?...paying in Dollars ? Thank you !!!

[@IstanbulHacks]

You can use your card but don’t pay in dollars (cash) just exchange your dollars when you come here, I have a video about this. Thanks for watching

[@eb2289]

Wow ，super useful. I ‘be just been Antalya for a week . Love the food there . Will go back again in the future.

[@darinaveleva4368]

Hi planning on visiting Istanbul this summer and really want to shop for gold and leather goods, what is the best area for that?

[@Gheorghe99]

Thank you so much for your video. I will be in town for 5 nights vacation and I have to choose between Hilton Istanbul Kozyatagi or DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul - Piyalepasa - which one would be best for sightseeing and good restaurants? Thanks again!

[@IstanbulHacks]

Kozayatagi is too far, don’t stay there

[@Gheorghe99]

@@IstanbulHacks Thanks so much - really appreciate you taking the time!