Samet and Zeynep were wonderful hosts and hostesses during our stay in Istanbul.
The apartment is tucked away in a dead end street, 1 ½ block from the Galata Towers. The apartment is not the Ritz or a holiday inn express. The building is older and the interior has a unique design and decor. It is a bit rustic with old wooden floors with an excellent located apartment. Public transportation is excellent in Istanbul. One can take the T1 train which is just a 6 minute walk away to Eminonu which is only two stops. Taksim square is about 1.4 km away and one can walk on the commercial street of Istiklal CD to the square.
A nice Carrefour market is only 800 meters away.
Remember first to buy an istanbul card and you can upload more to the card along the way. I recommend just buying one card for two people who can use it.
Going to the Grand Bazaar is a treat, remember to go to the side streets. The T1 train takes you there , 7 stops from Tophane station which is 6 minutes from the apartment.
Going to the Asian side ( Kadikoy ) is quite easy, I would recommend taking the ferry from Karakoy ferry station which is a short 12 minute walk from the apartment or take the T1 and its one stop.
I recommend going to the Tarihi Uskudar Sifa Hamami, a Turkish bath for both men and women. This is a local establishment and it's CLEAN. It’s 50 minutes away. Take the T1 line towards Kabatas station which is two stops and the end of the line. Connect to the Dentur Uskudar Kabatas Hatti ferry and when you arrive, you have a quick 10 minute walk to the Sifa Turkish bath. ENJOY.
Back to the apartment, It has a rustic personality and has all that one needs, a small kitchen with a hot plate, a tiny bathroom with shower, a living room and bedroom with a queen size bed. One will get used to the small bathroom, remember, you are experiencing living in Istanbul like a local and not a 5 star hotel. .
Samet and Zeynep surprised us with a nice bottle of red wine and cheese. I give them a five star for being a great host and hostess. They are very responsive and helpful.
I met many new friends in Istanbul and Samet and Zeynap are on the top of the list. I recommend this apartment. Yes, I would recommend staying here. Overall, Turkish people are friendly and extremely helpful, like Samet and Zeynep.
Purchase your air ticket to Istanbul and staying in a central place in the Beyoglu district will not disappoint. You will bring home many excellent memories to share with others.