Some people might believe that Turkey is a backwards country, a haven for terrorists and suspicious of strangers. The truth could not be more different. Turkey is a beautiful and relatively safe land, and its people are famed for their hospitality. As a secular country, they are very open and understanding toward foreigners’ different customs. They are also very sincere and generous toward their guests as their culture considers a stranger at one’s doorstep as “God’s guest.”
(Read the experience of a Singapore traveller with Turks here).
Do you also have the misconception of their lodgings as old and rundown? It may then be surprising to you that Turkey has plenty of modern lodgings. In this post, we have compiled a list of apartments we found on Airbnb that are not only cozy but also shout Instagram-worthy! Best of all? They are wallet-friendly!
1. 120 Years Old Studio Apartment Close to Galatar Tower
Credit:airbnb.com.sg
This 120 years old studio apartment is located very near Galata Tower, one of the city’s most striking landmarks, and the popular Istiklal Avenue, a pedestrian shopping street. Its central location offers historical sights, great shopping opportunities, and mouth-watering local and international cuisines. Besides its ideal location, we love the white brick wall and the window frame! With the sunlight coming in, we think it is the best spot to snap away!
Price: $78 per night
Book here
2. Chic Boutique Apartment in Taksim
Credit:airbnb.com.sg
This apartment is similar to the previous one except that it is more homelike with the warm colors of the furnishing. It is two minutes from Taksim Square (Beyoglu), five minutes from Firuzaga Mosque and Kabatas Ferry Terminal and ten minutes from Karaköy. It is also very close to Cihangir where you can find some street cafes. Cafe hoppers, you know where to head to!
Price: $78 per night
Book here
3. Simplistic Rooftop House
Credit:airbnb.com.sg
Have you always wanted to try staying on the rooftop? This one-bedroom apartment is situated at the top of a building, giving you access to a nice terrace with street view. The interior design is rather simplistic but it has got everything you need, including an open-concept kitchen. Like the 120-years old studio apartment introduced previously, it is located near Istiklal Avenue. We love how bright this apartment looks!
Price: $85 per night
Book here
4. Secret Garden
Credit:airbnb.com.sg
Our eyes lit up when we saw this listing! It is hands down the most “Instagrammable” apartment on this list. The white furnishing is definitely a sought-after feature for the Instagram hipsters. This top floor apartment has a beautiful garden to let you experience city life and nature at the same time. Although it is a little bit farther away from downtown than the previous listing, it is still only 15 minutes away from Taksim by bus.
Price: $53 per night
Book here
5. Retro Top Floor Apartment
Credit:airbnb.com.sg
We love the retro look of this apartment! A very cute and cozy top floor apartment that faces away from the street which is ideal for light sleepers. It is conveniently located with cafes and restaurants in its vicinity and 5 minutes of walking distance to downtown areas. You may also take the tram to historical places like the Topkapı palace, Sisterns and Haga Sophia.
Price: $85 per night
Book here
6. Old Greek House with a European Style
Credit:airbnb.com.sg
We absolutely love the couch by the windows! It is a great spot to do some people watching or chill over some local snacks. You may want to consider inviting your friendly neighbours over for a chat. It is located in the Besiktas district, which is one of the largest centres in Istanbul. It is also a lively neighborhood with students from the universities nearby. Restaurants and cafes are very accessible – about 5 minutes of walking distance. You will have hard time deciding as there are many varieties of food for you to choose from!
Price: $85 per night
Book here
7. Historical Stylish Downtown Flat
Credit:airbnb.com.sg
This beautiful historical flat is newly renovated but with its original features – exposed brick walls, marble stairways, and a cozy bay window retained. It has a central location – yet on a quiet and safe street; away from the noise but within walking distance to everything. You do not have to worry about your hungry stomach in the middle of the night as there are some 24/7 markets round the corner. One of the largest outdoor street markets is only a few blocks away on every Sunday. We love the Japanese vibe of this apartment and the dining table by the window. It looks like a perfect spot to Instagram local delicacies!
Price: $78 per night
Book here
8. Contemporary Modern Apartment with Rooftop Terrace
Credit:airbnb.com.sg
This contemporary modern style apartment is located in the French Street (Cezayir Sokak) of Taksim. However, do not hold your expectations too high for this street to look like a mini France. That aside, the food there tastes great! There is a rooftop terrace in this building with many tables and chairs. We suggest you to takeaway some food from the street and dine at the terrace instead.
Price: $98 per night
Book here
9. Stylish Studio with Concrete Walls
Credit:airbnb.com.sg
How can we leave out concrete walls for the popular industrial look in the Instagram community? It is small but comfortable with a central location. One plus point it has is unobstructed window view of the Galata Tower.
Price: $70 per night
Book here
10. 130 Years Old Greek House with a Tinge of Country Style 
Credit:airbnb.com.sg
This 130 years old greek house is not only Instagram-worthy but also Tumblr-worthy! We fell in love with the country style of the interior design. It is located in Balat and only 10 minutes away from all historical peninsula and Taksim by bus or tram. This neighbourhood also has plenty of historical houses, cafes, and organic food bazaar on weekends. You may wish to try the Turkish bath that is only 20 steps away. In addition, it is a short distance away from the Golden Horn – a major urban waterway and the primary inlet of the Bosphorus in Istanbul, a great place for you to catch the breathtaking sunset.
Price: $34 per night
Book here
You may also like to check out this blog before traveling to Turkey: http://turkishtravelblog.com/
Remember to share and bookmark this post for your future adventure to Turkey for an experience of home away from home!
