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Best of "cheap & chic" in Istanbul

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The guide photo is the view from the famous Pierre Loti Hill... For more like this and even better take a look at the following list of things to do, the places to eat great food at and places to easily have fun.

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Author: aisha

Day 1 - Istanbul

The best of cheap & chic options are a list of restaurants, bars and things to do within a limited budget, yet with exquisite taste of the city of Istanbul and its traditions.

As such, the list below has been divided into 3 sections. The first 4 items on the list are places, where you may get a taste of great Turkish food -listed in the order of preference of the author.
Kanaat appears first on the list, as at Kanaat, the visitor is able to eat food almost as good as home-cooked food. Very traditional and very historical...

Starting with the House Cafe are two options for going out at night. House Cafe Tunel is located at one end of the Asmali Mescit Street, which is a bar street with a variety of bars with varying degrees of popularity and prices.
Baykus is founded both in Beyoglu and in Cihangir. Cihangir is the upcoming bar street with various bars that are very lively with moderate prices and filled with young actors and actresses.

The remaining items on the list are the best budget things to do while in Istanbul. Pierre Loti Hotel is a budget lodging option, but it appears on the list also as a must-do item when residing in Istanbul. To reach Pierre Loti, go to Balat first, which is at Halic. You can reach here easily by bus or taxi. For directions in Istanbul, you may also visit: http://harita.iett.gov.tr/#
From Balat, rent a fishermen's boat (round trip costs around 20 euros) or take the ferry (one-way trip costs around 2-4 euros per person) to Eyup. At Eyup, climb up to the Pierre Loti Hill and watch the sunset from here. The famous Pierre Loti Hill is name after the well-known poet and author Loti, who was enraptured by Istanbul. He came here often to watch the beauties of the Golden Horn of those days. Take the ferry back to Halic and enjoy fish & bread at some buffet or cafe underneath the bridge.

The famous Istiklal Caddesi is another item on the list. Just stroll down this pedestrian street and stop here and there as you like. Shop inside the passages for second hand clothing and antiques.

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