How to Plan an Extended Stay in Istanbul? Everything You Need to Know

Planning an extended stay in Istanbul opens the door to an in-depth experience of the city's mesmerizing atmosphere. The complexity and diversity of this ancient city also requires the right way to manage the accommodation process. Here, you will find everything you need to make the most of your stay in Istanbul.

Choosing the Right Neighborhood for Your Extended Stay: Exploring Istanbul's Diverse Districts

Istanbul is a fascinating city with its historical texture, cosmopolitan structure and neighborhoods, each with its own character. When planning your long-term stay, deciding which neighborhood to stay in will directly affect your Istanbul experience. The city appeals to different expectations with its bustling districts and quieter neighborhoods that preserve the local atmosphere.

Finding Long-Term Accommodation

If you are looking for a long-term stay in Istanbul, there are a few important factors to consider when choosing where to stay. The city has a wide range of accommodation that caters to different budgets and needs. Determining which type of accommodation is most suitable for you will make your experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

Cost of Living in Istanbul: Budgeting for an Extended Stay

With its cosmopolitan character, Istanbul offers both luxurious and affordable living options. However, if you are planning a long-term stay, you may need to create a detailed budget considering the cost of living. Basic expenses such as accommodation, transportation and food make up the bulk of your spending in the city. Therefore, understanding the costs of an extended stay in Istanbul will allow you to budget more effectively.

Fixed Expenses

Accommodation costs in Istanbul vary considerably depending on the neighborhood and type of accommodation. It is important to research average hotel prices in advance and set an appropriate budget for your accommodation.

Food costs in Istanbul depend on what you prefer. There are as many affordable local restaurants and street delicacies as there are luxury restaurants in the city. Istanbul has an extensive public transportation network and public transportation is quite affordable. Istanbul is also a city filled with social activities and entertainment. Determining the budget you will allocate for these activities in advance will allow you to experience the cultural life of the city in a more enjoyable way.

Getting Around in Istanbul

Istanbul may seem complicated at first glance with its large and dynamic structure, but thanks to its well-developed public transportation network, exploring the city is quite easy. Making good use of transportation options for longer stays will make your daily life more comfortable and affordable.

Transportation Tips

The most common ways of transportation in Istanbul are metro, metrobus, bus, tram and ferries. You can reach almost every part of the city with public transport. It is a great advantage to get an Istanbulkart to make transportation more affordable. Istanbulkart is a card that is valid in all public transportation vehicles of the city and is a must have for long stays. You can easily top up your card online or at physical filling points and benefit from discounts on public transportation fares. Istanbul's extensive metro network offers fast and convenient transportation on both the European and Anatolian sides. Especially for those who want to avoid heavy traffic, the metro is one of the best ways to save time. Metrobus is also one of the most important transportation lines in the city; it provides 24-hour service and offers fast travel by avoiding traffic. In addition to public transportation, taxis are also widely used in Istanbul. However, using taxis can be costly at times due to long distances and traffic. Alternatively, car sharing apps offer both an affordable and comfortable option.

Cultural Integration and Language Tips for Tourists

An extended stay in Istanbul goes beyond experiencing the city as a tourist and offers the opportunity to adapt more deeply to the local culture. In this process, some cultural awareness and language skills are beneficial to integrate into social life and to communicate more effectively with locals. Knowing Turkish is one of the best ways to connect with locals and make daily life easier. Although many people in Istanbul speak English, learning basic Turkish phrases will help you get things done faster.

Healthcare and Medical Services for Tourists

For those planning a long-term stay in Istanbul, it is important to know about medical services. Istanbul offers a variety of health solutions for locals and foreigners with its advanced health infrastructure and quality medical services.

There are many health institutions in Istanbul, including state hospitals, university hospitals and private hospitals. Especially large and internationally recognized private hospitals offer high standards of healthcare for tourists.

Pharmacies in Istanbul are widespread and easily accessible. There is usually more than one pharmacy in every neighborhood and many over-the-counter medicines are readily available. It is quite easy to access emergency health services in Istanbul. In case of an emergency, you can call 112 Emergency Service and call an ambulance.

Experiencing Local Cuisine

Istanbul has a rich and diverse culinary culture thanks to its thousands of years of history and being the crossroads of many cultures. From street food to luxury restaurants, experiencing Istanbul's cuisine is the most delicious way to understand the city!

Discover Street Flavors

Istanbul's street food reflects both the city's cultural diversity and its fast-paced lifestyle. Street foods like simit, kokorec and fish in bread are usually found everywhere, affordable and filling.

Turkish Breakfast Experience

Turkish breakfast includes a rich table where many different flavors are served together. As a great way to start the day, it’s treated as a crucial part of the culinary culture.

Historical Restaurants of Istanbul

Visit Istanbul’s well-established and historic restaurants to experience the city's culinary culture. These places offer the best examples of traditional Turkish cuisine. Especially the dishes bearing the traces of Ottoman palace cuisine reflect the history of the city on your plates.

Desserts

Your culinary experience in Istanbul is not complete without tasting the local desserts. Baklava, the most well-known dessert of Turkish cuisine, is made by famous dessert shops, especially in Karakoy and Kadikoy. Milk based desserts such as rice pudding and kazandibi are also light and delicious alternatives.

During your extended stay in Istanbul, taking the time to explore the local cuisine is one of the most delicious ways to get to know the city. You can both keep up with the daily rhythm of the city by experiencing street flavors and taste traditional Turkish cuisine in historical restaurants.

Shopping in Istanbul: From Local Markets to Modern Malls

Istanbul is a city rich in shopping, with both local and international options. For those staying in Istanbul for an extended period of time, shopping is a great opportunity to explore the city's culture and meet daily needs.

Shopping in Local Markets

Istanbul has been one of the most important centers of trade throughout history and this culture is still alive today in local markets. The two most important places of this culture are the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar.

Modern Shopping Centers

Istanbul offers much more than historical markets. The city is also home to world-class shopping centers. These modern malls are popular meeting points not only for shopping but also for entertainment, dining and social activities.

Entertainment and Nightlife: Enjoying Istanbul After Dark

Istanbul attracts attention not only for its historical and cultural richness, but also for its vibrant and dynamic nightlife. The city takes on a completely different atmosphere after sunset and offers many entertainment options for all tastes. For those staying in Istanbul for an extended period of time, experiencing the nightlife is a great opportunity to fully feel the rhythm of the city. Hotspots you should explore for entertainment and nightlife are Asmalimescit, Nevizade, Ortakoy, Arnavutkoy and Bebek in the European Side, and Moda, Kadikoy and Bagdat Avenue in the Anatolian Side.

Entertainment and nightlife in Istanbul appeals to everyone with many options. From street bars to luxury nightclubs, from live music venues to chic restaurants, you can explore a wide range of venues and experience the dynamism of the city to the fullest.

Discovering Historical and Cultural Attractions

As a city full of historical and cultural richness, Istanbul offers its visitors a unique discovery experience. With its thousands of years of history, buildings bearing the traces of various civilizations and rich cultural heritage, Istanbul has a story to tell in every corner. For those staying long-term, exploring these historical and cultural attractions is one of the most effective ways to understand the spirit of the city. Visiting iconic landmarks such as the Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, Maiden's Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace will help you better understand the city's past. These landmarks will impress you not only with their architectural beauty but also with the stories they tell.

Extended Stays at The Marmara Camlica: Comfort and Convenience in Istanbul

 For those looking for an extended stay in Istanbul, The Marmara Camlica is an excellent option, offering a comfortable and luxurious experience. With its prime location near the city center and unique views, The Marmara Camlica is ideal for both business trips and holiday stays. Choosing The Marmara Camlica for a cozy experience with captivating views, hotel-like amenities, and a home-away-from-home vibe will allow you to better explore Istanbul and enjoy your stay.