Don't expect an old city, contrariwise it's really modern, full of life, energy, colors, perfumes.
Every year is getting more touristic, so be prepared to walk through crowds of people, sellers of everything, and all the tourists traps. Behind the confusion it's also easy to find quiet charming places, or even more messy places but at least far from the tourists.
Forget your map is best way to discover Istanbul, walk and discover by your self, don't stop just in the main attractions, give more chances to the city and you will be rewarded.
From the airport
Istanbul has two airporta Ataturk, and Sabiha.
Usually the internationals flights arrived in Ataturk, that is quite close to the city. There are many shuttle bus that will bring you to the district of Taksim. Many hostels provide a private car, useful if you arrive late at night. We paid 25 euro total.
Accomodation
All the hotels and hostel are concentrated in the area of TAKSIM or SULTANAMETH.
Taksim is the commercial area, full of shops, and a great night life, so if you decide to find an accomodation here take in consideration the noise.
SULTANAMETH is the touristic part, located in the old part of the city, with all the main attractions.
Personally i don't like the touristic areas but in this case it's really nice, many hostel with good prices, what i can suggest you is to don't book before, just go there have a look and choise the one you prefer. Had a bad experience with an hostel and the name is Anzac Wooden House, and we had to change even we paid, because many problems like we couldn't lock the door, they didn't repair and much more.
Don't worry if is high season, we checked when we were there and there were many free rooms.
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