Well equipped apartment on a superb location and with a great host. Many great restaurants, bars and shops (Istiklal street) nearby and Galata tower on walking distance - if you don't shy away from walking (at least once before taking the metro/tram thereafter, from nearby Taksim square) it is also nice to cross the bridge on foot and go up to Gulhane park, Topkapi palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue (Sultanahmet) mosque.
The neighborhood is bustling and vibrant so don't expect complete silence - which I expect is hard to find in the city centre anyway. Would absolutely recommend the place to explore Istanbul from.