Where to stay in Istanbul?

I don't know why Mother Courage tells people not to stay on the Asian side, but we absolutely loved the Kadikoy area and lived there for six months.

THAT is exactly why, Chris. Living in a place for six months isn't the same as a short stay - especially if it's your first time. In fact, after visiting Istanbul for many years (first time was 1969)and much as I love walking in and exploring the Asian side, I still find Sultanahmet a useful area to stay. (and that's without 'pushing' any particular hostel, as I gather you've been doing.)
For first-timers there's simply no contest between being able to walk to a site in 10 -20 minutes and taking a 15 minute ferry plus 10 minute tram ride just to get amongst those iconic and ancient sites.

:) ah, but I loved Kadikoy the moment I arrived, and there are plenty of hostels there full of people who also love it. And I actively seek out excuses to take the ferry, can't get enough of it. (Not so keen on the tram though, although you can walk from the ferry porst esaily enough.)

We spent the weekend on the European side, for some friends' wedding, and we've been on sight-seeing trips with visiting friends. I also travel all over the Asian side for work, and really much prefer it. There's a "vibe" on the European side I just don't like, although I do remember enjoying it the first few times I was here - 1987, twenty years behind you but still long enough that I count myself as an old-timer too!

Anyway, horses for courses. If I had my way, I would never leave my island these days, except for the fun of riding the ferry!

And nope, didn't push a hostel. We have an Air BnB listing, which I included, but I then flagged it and sent a note to the mods letting them know I had done it so they could delete it if inappopriate. Now I know the rules.

We have an Air BnB listing, which I included, but I then flagged it and sent a note to the mods letting them know I had done it so they could delete it if inappopriate.

Profound apologies, Chris. :>)

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