Ibrahim's apartment was the most comfortable and cleanest we have ever stayed in and we have stayed in many. If we had the opportunity to redo our stay in Istanbul, we would not have stayed in Beyoglu (European Side) for 5 days then 3 days in Kadikoy (Asian Side) at Ibrahim's apartment. We would have stayed the entire time in Ibrahim's apartment because it was centrally located. From his apartment, it is an 8 minute walk to the Kadikoy pier to pick up a ferry to Eminonu on the European side.
The ferry ride is 15 minutes and pleasurable. From the Eminonu pier, you can walk easily over the Galata Bridge up the hill to the Grand Tower area with its cute shops and restaurants or continue up to Istiklal street which is the 5th avenue of Istanbul with a ton of good restaurants just off the main drag on Navizade Sokak. An absolute must while in the city. Also from Eminonu pier it is an easy walk through the fish markets, spice bazaar and Grand Bazaar. From there it is a hop skip and jump to the Aya Sofia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace (don't miss the Harem, separate entrance fee - 15 TL, better than Palace). The walk back to Eminonu Pier is about 25 minutes from Sultanahmet Square or you can grab the omnipresent taxi back to the pier for 10TL or US$5. Each ferry ride across the Bosphorus costs 1.5TL. Since Ibrahim has a transportation card available for his renters, you save 7 US $ or 14TL from having not to purchase the card. All you have to do is put the card in the machine at the piers and slide in a 20TL bill and be credited with that amount which is good for 13 trips back and forth across the Bosphorus. By staying at Ibrahim'syou have the best of both worlds. You get to enjoy the peace and quiet and nice restaurants in Kadikoy where Ibrahim's pad is located and the easy ability to jump on a water bus to the European side. Another plus to staying at his place is the fact that he stocks the refrigerator with food for you such as juice, milk, eggs, bread, butter, cheese and fruit. Hell of a deal. The only negative is the apartment is located on the 5th floor requiring you to walk up four floors in a spiral stairwell. Think of it as a good leg strengthing exercise. Candace and Rayl