I really can't recommend this flat highly enough. If you are a first time visitor to Istanbul, just deciding what neighborhood to stay in can be a daunting task. While they each have their merits, I think that the Galata neighborhood is really the best bet (and I've stayed in others). From here, everywhere you might want to visit is within easy reach; some of Istanbul's key sights and best restaurants and bars are steps away. The apartment itself has a stupendous view of the Golden Horn. Even though it is very much in the thick of things, the apartment is quiet--while you may hear the ambient noise of a city of 18 million, there is no raucous street noise. Others have noted the drainage issues with the shower, and you will definitely want to be sure to lower the exterior blinds on warm days, as the afternoon sun really pours in. The windows could have used a cleaning, but I know that it just takes one rainstorm coming from Africa to cover everything with a layer of dust, so keeping large windows clean is no small task. Finally, I want to highlight what an extraordinary host Lisya was. Even though I never met her, she went way beyond the call of duty in helping me when my baggage went missing upon arrival. She contacted the airport directly and coordinated the delivery, which would have been a nightmare without her help. (Note that Istanbul street addresses are completely confounding and unreliable!)