This was definitely one of the best Airbnb experiences we've ever had, probably the best. First of all, communication with Elif was very efficient – she always replied quickly and gave very easy-to-follow instructions on the check in and other questions. Secondly, this apartment has what I think is the best location there could be in Istanbul if you want to experience the city to it's fullest. You can easily walk or get by public transport quickly enough to all of the sights in the European side, the ferries to Asian side and the Islands are also in walking distance, but also you get the prettiest streets with art galleries, designer stores, vintage and a great assortment of restaurants and bars (many serve take-away and in good weather you can enjoy the food at nearby steps with great Bosphorus views!) as well as a lot of very good (3d wave) coffee places – and all this in the 10 min walking distance from the apartment!
As for the apartment itself: it is a unique place – not a generic airbnb experience. You have to walk up to the second floor (there is no lift), but there are so many steps waiting for you on the hills of Istanbul that these two flights you won't even notice. Inside, you get very high ceilings, huge and very cozy master bedroom with a hammok-type chair, a room-turned-huge-walk-in-closet, great designer bathroom with very nice water pressure, and a spacious kitchen-living room with a mezzanine. Upstairs (on the mezzanine) there is a sofa (it could be turned into a bed, but not a very comfortable one, there are fine extra mattresses for sleeping there though), and a second bathroom with a washer and a dryer (keep in mind that this bathroom doesn't have a fully closing door, just a curtain). The kitchen deserves another mention: there is a huge gas stove, and it's really equipped for any type of cooking - there are a lot of pots&pens&plates etc., a large fridge, a dishwasher. Also it's very conveniently and beautifully designed – you would even enjoy that there are reasons to cook during lockdown (buy supplies at a great Carrefour gourmet 5 min from the house). Finally, the balcony. It was the greatest surprise for us: it's not just spacious and has comfortable furniture, but it faces sunset and has an amazing view over the city towards Galata tower and the mosques of Sultanahmet. Just the view from the balcony is reason enough to stay here!
All in all – we do recommend this place if you wish to have a really great Istanbul experience.