Pelin was the perfect host. She was very helpful and friendly, and always responded quickly to emails and texts. And we couldn’t have asked for a better base than her central, comfy, clean apartment in Cihangir, Beyoglu, a buzzy, trendy neighbourhood with no shortage of great restaurants, cafes and bars. And it’s a short, albeit steep, walk to the tram line where you can catch a quick ride to all the major sights.