We cannot start this feedback without stressing how much Balat made our holiday a success. Istanbul is huge and with over 20 million people often overcrowded, so coming back to Balat with its quiet, laid back atmosphere after a day in town was near to life-saving. Moreover, the area is, in our experience, the most charming and genuine among the ones we visited in our week in Istanbul, miles away from the impersonal hustle and bustle of Beyöglu. Perhaps not the easiest in terms of transport, as the road to the bus station at Eminönü is often traffic-mad, but this can be easily and pleasantly solved using the boat service – the pier is 5 mins from home, and the boat takes you to Karaköy in 15 mins. You can also go straight to Üsküdar and the lovely Kuzguncuk, which is a recommended day trip on the Asian side, and it also takes you in minutes to another highlight of our stay, Eyüp Sultan.
As for the apartment we must first of all mention that Tugba and Aytaç were always very responsive. The apartment is bright and very quiet, the neighborhood safe and with an atmosphere of its own. We considered it a good value for price and recommend it to whomever wishes to experience what’s left of a more traditional Istanbul.