I visit Istanbul many time a year but have never used Airbnb but decided that this time I would try it out and I wanted to stay on the Asian side. I always visit the Asian side several time during my stay as its Istanbul’s best kept secret and one of the best things about it is you’ll probably be one of a select few tourists. I hade been to Bostanci several time before as it at the far end of Badagt street. If you don’t know this street it’s some of the best shopping you’ll find in Istanbul outside the ever-growing number of US style shopping malls. Bostanci also has its own Metro stop with another soon to arrive and great ferry connections to the European side and the Princess Islands. The small islands just a small journey on the cost of the main land is another must see on your trip to Istanbul. Hire a bike for next to no money and cycle around the island and if you’re a little worried about traffic well there isn’t any apart from other bikes and the odd horse and carriage. I came across Mert and his Apartment and it’s in the perfect spot for a stay on the Asian side of Istanbul. Around 10 minutes walk from the ferry to his home and very easy to find with great ferry, bus, dolmus and a not so close but not too far Metro stop. So getting around to and from either airports and then around Istanbul is very easy whatever time of the day. And to mention after one of my evenings spent on the European side I jumped in a taxi and it only cost me around £20 and living in London that’s cheap if you know how big Istanbul is! Just before I departed London Mert contacted me with all the information I could have wanted and he was very responsive and helpful to all my questions. I arrived late and because he wasn’t working he came to meet me when I arrived in Bostanci even though I knew where I was going just to make sure I made it to his home quickly. Mert made me feel very welcome to his home and lived up to what you have heard about Turkish hospitality. He showed me around his home making sure that I was confident with using the bathroom and anything I might need to use in the kitchen and living area. The rooms was a very good size and clean with a table that had several small guides and brochures with everything you could imagine to do in and around Istanbul. Although no guide is yet to give any information about the Asian side about from a small section giving a small suggestion to visit Kadikoy if you have time! Bostanci as an area is very clean safe and local so don’t expect to see any tourist. But you will see and get to experience a different...