Istanbul really is a great place to explore and I particulary enjoyed travelling around the Bosphorus and to the Princes Islands per Ferry. My room was in a lively area of this rambunctious city near Taksim square and with good connections per bus, tram and metro to all the tourist attractions.
Good restaurants and bars within walking distance, and tea shops to just stop and watch the world go by.
I enjoyed my stay very much, felt very relaxed with Merve and Arif und just had a great and fairly inexpensive holiday.