The area around Galata is charming, with cobblestone streets, fun tourist shops. and. sophisticated boutiques and innumerable coffee shops and bistros. Easy to get around on public transit. Make a point. of learning how to manage it. Traffic is intense and taxi rides can take a long time day or night. A $10 bill is the best option, With Uber, drivers negotiate. Unbelievably steep streets paved with cobblestones, Bring good shoes! Being fit is highly recommended! Haga Sofia on Hippodrome a must. Also laser show at Basilica Cistern. Grand Bazaar intense and crowded. Can find bargains, but be wary. Not my thing, but. others in. our group loved it.Very ancient, Masking not common there. We had a city guide for a day. Recommend that. We were there a week in May. for a wedding with adults. Fabulous and reasonably priced. Lovely weather; a few rainy days. Being there in heat and summer tourist season could be a different story.
Our Airbnb host Dodo at Urban Bridge was gracious and so helpful ! He got us into fabulous restaurants and gave lots of helpful hints. Our apartment on Ekkrem Caddesi street was modern and well equipped including washer dryer, pleasant kitchen, including coffee and water bottles and a water cooler, necessary because water tastes awful. Two modern bathrooms with huge showers. Neigborhood cats and some dogs everywhere. All fed by everyone. If you are highly allergic could be a problem. Charming though. Overall, a fabulous city populated by friendly people.