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
Explore Istanbul
A local guide written by our team. Walking times are from the hostel.
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
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.