If this is your first time in Istanbul, I highly recommend staying at Faruk’s place! The two patios with the beautiful breeze made the stay even more pleasant. Faruk really goes above and beyond for his guests, he helped coordinate my airport transfer and assisted me throughout my stay. He’s very responsive and does his best to address concerns right away. The place is centrally located and for a city person like me it was very convenient! Remember Istanbul has a LOT of hills and steep streets, but you get over it after a couple of days. But the Tophane train station is within walking distance and there are numerous things to do in the Beyoğlu and Cihangir area that’s least touristy than being in Old Istanbul. But this was one of my most pleasant stays and would recommend anyone to come here next!