Sights · Galata
Galata Tower
The medieval stone tower above our neighbourhood. Go at opening time to skip the queue, or just admire it from the square with a simit.
7 min walkOpen in Maps
Explore Istanbul
A local guide written by our team. Walking times are from the hostel.
Sights · Sultanahmet
Hagia Sophia
Fifteen centuries of history under one dome. Dress modestly and avoid Friday midday prayers.
15 min on the T1 tram from KaraköyOpen in Maps
Sights · Beyazıt
Grand Bazaar
Sixty-odd covered streets of lamps, leather and carpets. Haggling is expected — start around half the asking price. Closed on Sundays.
T1 tram to Beyazıt–KapalıçarşıOpen in Maps
Sights · Eminönü
Spice Bazaar
Walk across the Galata Bridge for sumac, pul biber and lokum. The side streets outside are cheaper and more fun.
18 min walkOpen in Maps
Neighbourhoods · Fatih
Balat
Steep streets of painted houses, antique shops and old churches and synagogues. Go on a weekday morning for quiet streets.
25 min by bus along the Golden HornOpen in Maps
Neighbourhoods · Asian side
Kadıköy & Moda
Take the ferry for the best cheap view in the city. Kadıköy's market streets are for eating; Moda's seafront is for sunset.
20 min ferry from Karaköy pierOpen in Maps
Neighbourhoods · Beyoğlu
Karaköy
Our waterfront: street art, third-wave coffee, old warehouses turned galleries and fish sandwiches by the pier.
6 min walkOpen in Maps
Restaurants · Karaköy
A neighbourhood lokanta
Point at what looks good in the steam trays: beans, stuffed peppers, rice and stews. Lunch for the price of a coffee elsewhere. Ask reception for today's pick.
5 min walkOpen in Maps
Restaurants · Kadıköy
Kadıköy market meze
The market streets around the fish stalls are full of small places serving regional Anatolian dishes. Go hungry and share plates.
20 min ferryOpen in Maps
Cafés · Beyoğlu
Turkish coffee near İstiklal
Thick, sweet-or-not coffee cooked in a copper pot and served with a glass of water. Ask for 'orta' if you want it medium sweet.
12 min walkOpen in Maps
Cafés · Galata
Galata bakeries & simit
Grab a warm simit and çay for breakfast on the go — the bakeries around Galata start before sunrise.
4 min walkOpen in Maps
Nightlife · Beyoğlu
Meyhane streets of Beyoğlu
Long tables, rakı, meze and live fasıl music. Start late (after 9pm) and order slowly — the evening is the point.
14 min walkOpen in Maps
Getting around
Istanbul is easiest by tram, metro and ferry. One card covers them all.
Istanbulkart
One card for tram, metro, bus, funicular and ferries. Buy and top it up at the yellow machines at Karaköy station; you can share one card between friends.
T1 tram
From Karaköy to Eminönü, Sultanahmet and the Grand Bazaar. Every few minutes, 6 min walk from the hostel.
M2 metro
Şişhane station is 8 minutes away. Two stops to Taksim, and on to the business districts.
Ferries
Karaköy pier for Kadıköy and Üsküdar. The cheapest Bosphorus view you'll get.
Airports
Havaist buses run from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Taksim; Havabüs from Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). Or book our transfer.
Taxis
Use a taxi app or ask reception to call one. Make sure the meter is on.