Best view, best location, and absolutely BEST HOST!!! Hatice is one of the most wonderful people I have ever met! She cares so deeply about making sure her guests are happy. She has become such a good friend, I cannot even describe how kind and amazing she is. My experiences in Istanbul were beyond my wildest dreams and it is because of Hatice that it all became so special.
The view is far better than even the pictures show. You will make all of your friends and family jealous and in awe at what her apartment offers. Views of so many major landmarks! And at night the Asian side glows like a million little stars along the hilltops. You become hypnotized by all the boats slowly passing by day and night, never stopping. I looked at a lot of Airbnb’s of similar price and location and hers was by far the best value. For hotels with a Bosphorus view in Beyoglu, they start at more than three times what I paid, with 1/4 of the view. For a penthouse suite such as hers, probably about 10-15 times the price, and half or less space.
There are so many great restaurants in the area and Hatice knows some really good ones. To get to ferries and the rail network, a very short walk, faster than a taxi and way more scenic. I found my way around within two days and didn’t really need map apps to get home, even while drinking haha. Easily get to all major sites. Very close to Taksim Square and Istiklal Street. Easy access to get into the place but more secure than anywhere else I’ve been, her front door is almost a bank vault. The streets around the area are so well lit and full of people all hours of the night, you won’t worry about going out at all. But it is so quiet in her top floor, 2 bedroom apartment you would never notice. There’s actually a back balcony she didn’t even mention! I never ran into anyone in the lobby and could come and go as I pleased. In fact, when the city became a bit too overwhelming, you walk in the door and immediately forget once your eyes glimpse the panorama. I considered another Airbnb when I returned for the end of my tour of Turkey. But after meeting Hatice and seeing her place, there was no way anywhere else could be better! Finally, WiFi internet speeds must be mentioned! Faster than anywhere else I’ve been in Turkey. I ended up relying on it a lot! You will not regret it, stay here, make your memories for a lifetime and you’ll cry when you have to check-out, I did! 😊