Balat is a vibrant, busy, historical, interesting neighborhood. Good street markets, handy groceries, wonderful cafes that turn into auction houses at night. You can walk endlessly in these streets, or hop the bus and be in Taksim or Sultanahmet in minutes. Tugba and Aytac’s flat is comfortable and has what you need for an easy stay. They also live in the building, and they are most accommodating and receptive. Staying here is so much better than paying five times as much for a hotel.