Orkun 's apartment was an unbelievable place! Every morning and evening we made use of the balcony and fabulous view. His apartment is very spacious, you forget you're renting. It was also extremely clean and comfortable just as pics show. There were mini local style stores in both downhill and uphill locations within seconds that sell necessities from fresh produce to household or personal supplies. We usually ate lunch out on Istiklal street which is far enough to give you quiet yet near enough for a short 10-13 minute walk depending on your pace. We appreciated the washer/dryer combination for laundry as the weather was cold and wet many days. There are two doormen who keep watch of the building entry from their basement office security cam and are so kind and helpful. Just Google translate any question on your phone into Turkish and they are willing to give pointers or help with apartment issues such as a light bulb we needed changed or help with washing machine /dryer as the instructions were in Turkish.
Istanbul is mostly an assortment of very old buildings and neighborhoods with good uphill/ downhill slopes to walk. But this is the old charm! We used Uber and taxis sometimes, but make sure u watch the meter in the taxis. Taxis pass in front of the apartment every day almost every minute! Just hail them down.
I recommend anyone that appreciates a beautiful, spacious contemporary apartment with magical balcony views, yet old charm neighborhood and convenience, to stay here at Orkun's. He is also very accommodating to anything you need. There are air conditioners throughout the apartment for warmer seasons and the heating for colder times.
This was our third time to Istanbul in several years, and the best stay!