AnnaMinusLaura: Istanbul

How To Get From The Airport To The City Centre

There are busses leaving from the airport, however, taking the metro is actually more handy. You definitely won't get stuck in a traffic jam and especially on your way back to the airport, you will be punctual for your check-in.
Also, a jeton for using the public transport is only 4 TL (around 1.30€).

Accommodation

Hostels are even in central spots quite cheap. We booked our hostel the same day we arrived and was quite okay, but you will definitely find a better one, so there is no need to recommend it.
However, if you rather want to stay close to the main touristic attractions, you should stay in the Sultanahmet neighbourhood. But it really is touristic and thus restaurants and cafés there are quite pricy - not exactly in European terms, but for Turkish standards.

If you want to have nice and cheap cafés, restaurants and bars around, so you do not have a long way home after partying, you should take a hostel in the Beyoğlu/ Taksim area. It is also there - more precisely in Sahne Sokak - where you can find the best nightlife in town.

Exploring Istanbul

Hagia Sofia

I think that Hagia Sofia is not really a secret spot, but you should definitely see it. Also, if you have a museum card, you can actually skip the - usually very long - queue.

Blue Mosque

Same for the Blue Mosque - not a secret spot, but definitely a must-see.

However, as a woman you have to cover your hair. If you do not have a (head-) scarf, you will be provided with one.

Galata Bridge Area

The area around Galata bridge is simply stunning!
To genuinely being able to enjoy it, you should get a balık ekmek (fish sandwich) at one of the stalls next to the Bosphorus.

(courtesy of Nicol)

Ferry Ride

It is possible to get from Eminönu ( just next to Galata bridge) to the Asian side by ferry. Since it is part of the public transport system, you just have to use a public transport jeton which is 4 TL.
However, the ferry ride is not only a mean of transport, but also gives you a wonderful view of the city from the Bosphorus.

Kadıköy

It is really lovely to walk around the Asian side where you can find a lot of small and cosy cafés, bars and shops. This part is also way more genuinely Turkish and less touristic than the European part.
It is quite nice to take a walk around Moda Beach - the view on the European part of Istanbul is just wonderful!

(courtesy of Nicol)

Just discover the city without a map and without having any destination

Whenever I visit new cities, I never plan beforehand what I am going to do there in particular .But I am not a person either who sits down in the morning and plans a route for the day. So just start walking through Istanbul without having a destination - and you will find some of the most beautiful spots in the city.

(courtesy of Nicol)

Food and Restaurants

Hafiz Mustafa

Hocapasa Mahallesi Muradiye Caddesi No: 51

Cake lovers should definitely stop by at Hafiz Mustafa; they have the most delicious cake I've ever eaten.
If you go to the store at the adress mentioned above, you can sit at the window,enjoy your cake and Cay while having a nice view of Istanbul and the Bosphorus.

(courtesy of Nicol)

Happy Moon's

Caferağa Mah. Bahariye Cd. Nazmibey Sk. No:5

Happy Moon's is actually a chain, but the photos were taken at the above mentioned branch.

Their burgers are soo delicious, the atmosphere in their restaurants is so cosy and the prices are cheap.

( I would recommend to rather pay a little bit more for your burger and get it with homemade patty - they are super tasty!)

Kikero Falafel

Sahkulu Mah. Serdar-I Ekrem Caddesi No:1

If you love falafel, you should definitely stop by at Kikero Falafel. Their falafel wrap is soo good and you can even enjoy it with a rooftop view over Istanbul.

(After being to Israel, I've actually became quite picky with Falafel and this is also why I recommend you this restaurant and not the other one we've been to)