Istanbul, like every major city, is full of tourist traps, but it can be a really inexpensive holiday destination if you do your homework before going. Look for a cheap flight to the city, a budget hotel with decent standards and cheap places to eat out and you’ll be set for a wonderful time in this city that has become so famous for bridging Europe and Asia, the east and the west, the historical and the modern.
Budget accommodation
If you want to be at the heart of modern Istanbul, look for accommodation on Taksim Square as this is where you will find all the more modern buildings, shops and restaurants. It is also home to the Cumhuriyet Anıtı (Republic Monument), which commemorates the establishment of the Turkish Republic.
If, however, you are more interested in the historical side of the city, you should stay in a hotel near the Blue Mosque where you will also find the Hippodrome of Constantine and the Hagia Sophia in an area declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Getting there and around
Ataturk is Istanbul’s main airport and it is located just 10 km from the old city centre. You can get to the centre of the city either by taxi or, a cheaper alternative is to take a LRT (light Rail Transit to Zeytinburnu, and then a tram to Sultanahmet. There are also buses to Taksim Square which take under an hour to complete their journey. Once you are settled in your accommodation, it’s time to get visiting the city. I’d recommend an Akbil pass if you are staying in town for a while. You will find trams and buses but just a very limited metro service as the system is only partially completed. For water travel, you will find catamarans and ferries which will take you along the Bosporus for a very low price.
Cheap eats
Istanbul is as full of chic, expensive restaurants as it is budget ones. Some of the cheap eateries leave a lot to be desired though, so it’s good to have a few reliable addresses to head to when you are hungry and your travel funds are running low.
Canim Ciğerim (Asmalimescit Mahallesi Minare Sokak 1, Beyoğlu) is a simple little joint with a mainly meat menu. The food is fresh and cheap and the waiters are friendly and efficient – what more could you ask for?
Hala (Istiklal Caddesi 211, Beyoğlu) is part of a chain of restaurants selling pasta and pancakes with a choice of cheese, meat or spinach as a filling. This place has a few good vegetarian options and makes a nice place for a quiet lunch.
And, if you are feeling brave, head down to the river’s edge and grab a fried fish sandwich right off of one of the fried fish boats tied up down by the Galata Bridge!
