Location: Istanbul, Turkey, Europe (Pop.neighbrhd of Cihangir, min's from sites, close to Taksim) View Map
Accommodations: Apartment, 3 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 1 Bath (Sleeps 5)
Keywords: Apartment, flat
I am a travel writer who looks for the best places in the world in which to live. I love my "Cihangir 1 Flat" and I think you will too.
The neighborhood of Cihangir is one of Istanbul's most popular. It is Bohemian in nature with most of its residents writers, artists or in the film industry. This is the place to come if you prefer to avoid heavily touristed areas where you will be hounded by vendors. The streets are cobblestone and the architecture turn of the century. Oft compared to Montmarte in Paris. Sidewalk cafes and boutiques abound. You are a short walk to public transportation and 10 minutes walking to the center of Istanbul's entertainment area (Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue).And just moments by tram to the old city of Sultanahmet.
A recent Guardian article says:"Istanbul's small district of Cihangir ranked among the best places to live...'This is an Orhan Pamuk kind of neighborhood. You'll still pass woodturning workshops, button warehouses and old ice-cream parlors en route for that dark urbane bookshop. It still feels old and ancient and unretired and a bit shaby," said the article. "There are still whiskery grocers who'll deliver figs to the door. The dervishes still whirl up the hill at the Galata Lodge. Only now there's a great rooftop bar or 6 with views over the Bosphorus (I'd consider moving here for the vviews alone) and a good modern art gallery at the bottom of the hill. What with culture and economics so sifed to the east, this feels like where the world begins." The Guardian January 23, 2012
The 3 bedroom flat is comfortable and cozy and very sunny with a breathtaking views enjoyed from almost every room in the house, especially the large balcony. The balcony is large enough to entertain on, even to sleep on. Watch the fireworks over the Bosphorus bridge every night. Watch ships from around the world glide by on the Bosphorus. Wood floors and tile throughout. Enjoy art on the walls, books on the shelves...in other words, move in, unpack, and enjoy!
BONUS: Included is a free 1-hour session with our personal concierge who can help orient you to the neighborhood and help you with logistical matters like purchasing tram tickets. She's also available as a personal tour guide for the insiders view of what to see and where to go.
Word of advice: This flat is very quiet and I have promised the other residents that you will be too. The management is quite watchful and rules about not disturbing the neighbors is strictly enforced. A maximum of 5 guests are allowed in this flat. My other flats are more suitable for parties.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : Two air conditioners plus ceiling fans throughout apartment
- Linens Provided : Luxury
- Washer
- Dryer
- Covered Parking : 2 blocks from house. Pay parking garage
- Off Street Parking
- Beds
- King Bed : nice quiet room, comfortable bed, walls lined with storage closets
- Queen Bed : A beautiful bedroom surrounded by wrap-around views of the Bosphorus, includes chaise for reading and a desk.
- Double Bed : Quiet small bedroom in the back next to bathroom
- Twin/Single Bed (2) : One is in a window alcove with a picture postcard view separated from main bedroom by curtain. The other is in an alcove in the living room, also with a view
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : large fully furnished. Includes dishwasher. Marble counter tops.
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator : Large with large freezer
- Dishwasher
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill : on large balcony with stunning Bosphorus views
- Balcony : Large, peaceful overlooking the ships on the Bosphorus and the Asian shore. Expansive view from mouth of Bosphorus beyond Bosphorus Bridge. Nice marble dining table and iron chairs
- View/Location
- Ocean View : An expansive view of one of the world's most strategic waterways - the Bosphorus. Sit in Europe and look across the water at Asia. Look down the Bosphorus at the glittering Bosphorus Bridge, Dolmace Palace and much more. Quiet, with only the sounds of the boats and the call to prayer from across the city
- Water View : Amazing Bosphorus views. Makes you feel like you too are on a boat plying this famous strait. A view to the Asian continent.
- Monument View
- Communications
- Telephone : Local outgoing and international incoming.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Wood floors, marble floors, art on walls, quality linens. Antiques. One bedroom entirely lined on one end with windows overlooking the water. Living and dining also have fabulous views. And then there's the balcony...A cozy, sunny flat 5 steps down from street level. Located on hillside so views are unobstructed.
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Kid Friendly
- Activities
- Shopping
- Sailing
- Boating
- Parasailing
- Biking
- Fishing
- Antiquing
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Lots of sidewalk cafes and boutiques in neighborhood. See article about Cihangir neighborhood below. A 10 min walk to Taksim Square - the center of Istanbul's entertainment and dining center. And only 10 min by tram to Sultanahmet. No one will harass you to buy a carpet in this charming neighborhood with its turn of the century buildings and cobblestone streets. Where Istanbul's film industry folk and foreigners live. Oft compared to Montmarte in Paris or Soho in New York. A quiet sunny flat. The neighborhood from recent travel magazine article: "Istanbul's small district of Cihangir ranked among the best places to live...'This is an Orhan Pamuk kind of neighborhood. You'll still pass woodturning workshops, button warehouses and old ice-cream parlors en route for that dark urbane bookshop. It still feels old and ancient and unretired and a bit shaby," said the article. "There are still whiskery grocers who'll deliver figs to the door. The dervishes still whirl up the hill..."
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
$235 per night for 1-4 guests. Each additional guest is $15 more per night
Christmas,New Year's, and Easter holiday period $265 per night,
5% discount for 7+ nights, 10% discount for 10+ nights, 20% 3wks,ask about monthly
Includes a 1-hr session w concierge, wifi, telephone, cbl tv, all utilities, taxes
There is a 1-time $70 cleaning/prep fee
January 5-Mar 15 is $220 per nt for up to 4 guests, each additional $10 more nt.
Optional airport transfer for $45
Prices in usd, Also accept Euros and Turkish lira.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Expansive Bosphorus.Vu, 3+ BR, Lg. Balcony, Best Cntrl Nbrhood
Year Purchased: 2006
Why the Owner Chose Istanbul
Istanbul is my favorite city in the world. It is colorful, vibrant, full of history and the melodious sound of Middle Eastern music and the call to prayer, delicious food, and best of all, the Turks themselves. Turks are the most hospitable people on the planet. If you stay in a hotel in this city, you might not ever learn this fact, which is the biggest reason I rent flats. Once you've "lived" in Istanbul, however briefly, you will never regard Turks in the same way again. This is a country and a city, in the "middle", which is where I like to be philosophically and geographically. What happens in Turkey will determine the future of Middle Eastern relations with the Western world. A very exciting place to be! As for the neighborhood...Cihangir is the "home" of Istanbul's writers (including Irhan Pamuk!) and artists and foreigners from around the world. Sidewalk cafes and boutiques give it a refreshing ambience all its own. I love how removed I feel from the hectic city, while simultaneously near all its amenities and sites.
The Unique Benefits at this Apartment
You almost feel as if you are on the Bosphorus along with the other boats from the living room, dining room, master bedroom and large balcony. Peaceful, quiet and flooded with northeastern light. Our Cihangir 1 flat is cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Your views include not only a broad view of the Bosphorus, but a view of the colorful Bosphorus Bridge (check out how the colors constantly change at night), a nightly fireworks show, Dolmace Palace, picture postcard Ortakoy and of course the continent of Asia across the Bosphorus. There is a wonderful mosque about one city block from the house called Cihangir Camii with a beautiful small park containing benches which overlook the Bosphorus and Sultanahmet.
stairs down to the tram which will whisk you to the Old City or to the ferries. You can also walk to Taksim Square and take the funicular down.
great bohemian neighborhood with fabulous turn of the century architecture and sidewalk cafes
tour the Bosphorus or take a ferry over to Asia. An experience not to be missed.
Ornate palace that you can see from the flat. Great tours thru the palace daily.
Istanbul's most famous bridge. Watch it light up from the balcony and master bedroom of this flat. Firework displays nightly in spring thru fall.
One of Istanbul's most famous landmarks and the center of modern Istanbul. Also the place where it's most famous pedestrian walkway begins, the 2-mile Istiklal Avenue lined with over 1000 restaurants, bars, music venues, and modern shopping. Huge nightlife and great people watching.
Owner's Map of Istanbul
I am a travel writer who has lived in and traveled to over 2 dozen countries. I always stay in flats and have chosen some of my favorite places on the planet in which to provide apartments to rent to other global travelers. It's the only way to travel, as it takes you out of the tourist observer mode and puts you squarely into the "real" spirit of the Place in which you are traveling. All my flats have the following things in common:
1. located just outside the tourist zone so that you might experience the authentic spirit of Place while being close enough to the sites and transportation to get to the "tourist zone" easily,
2. beautiful views that leave no doubt where you are,
3. At least 2 bedrooms (except for my Terrace 1 flat which has one bedroom and a living/bedroom suite.
Property Photos
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- sunrise view of Bosphorus Bridge - Vacation Apartment Istanbul Turkey
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- salon with Bosphorus views - Vacation Apartment Istanbul Turkey
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- dine on balcony in Europe looking across the Bosphorus to Asia - Vacation Apartment Istanbul Turkey
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- master bedroom with expansive views
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- Bedroom #2 (of 3 bedrooms)
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- There are 3 enclosed bedrooms + this napping nook/chaise in master bedroom.
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- Large kitchen with dishwasher, marble countertops
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- view over the Bosphorus from dining/living room
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- reading nook off living room facing balcony and view
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- newly renovated bathroom
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- friendly neighborhood melon vendor
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- Cihangir neighborhood
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- Bedroom #3. Quiet and cozy
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- sunrise from the flat
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- view from master bedroom/desk/napping nook
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- another view of the Bosphorus from dining/living rooms
Traveler Reviews (11)
Beautiful & comfortable
Guest: reza
(Sandefjord , Vestfold , Norway)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08
Review Submitted: 01/19/08
I and my family saw pictures of house, we love it.it is so beautiful.If we rent it , we can write more about its positivites!
Owner response:Thank you. I guarantee that this flat will far surpass your expectations. Really nice. Warm and cozy in the winter. cool in the summer. Beautiful. Charming. Wonderful neighborhood. Walk everywhere. Feel part of this great bohemian neighborhood. Close to public transportation. A slice of Istanbul you'll never experience from a hotel room.
Recommended for:People with disabilities, adventure seekers, families with teenagers.
Wonderful stay in Istanbul
Guest: Bibo
(Cincinnati)
Date of Stay: 11/04/11
Review Submitted: 11/11/11
The apartment is bright and cheerful and has a marvellous view of the Bosphrous. The bed is comfortable and there are plenty of closets. There is a nice sitting and dining areas and a balcony with excellent views. Robin was professional and booking the apartment was easy and she answered all our questions. A driver was waiting for us at the airport and took us to the apartment where Davide was waiting and explained everything. Aleef the manager also came and was very helpful and arranged for a driver to take us at 3 30 Am for our flight back to the states. The area is a quiet residential and there are groceries and fruit merchants close by as well as cafes and resturants. I would defintely rent again from Robin when I come back to Istanbul. To go down to the main street you need to manage many steps but it was no problem though myself and my wife are in our seveties. There are many sites to visit in this beautiful city, you can reach the Domachbache palace on foot in 15 minutes. Taking the tram is easy and cheap and let you see people. The Bosphrous boat tour is a must. BS Foad, M.D
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Best that Istanbul could offer.
Guest: Farzad & Shelley
(Vancouver, BC, Canada)
Date of Stay: 05/23/11
Review Submitted: 07/17/11
My wife and I are from Vancouver, Canada. We stayed in one of Robin's apartments near Galata Tower and had my family from Iran to have a reunion in Istanbul in May of 2008. We were very happy with the look and feel of the apartment, location and her professionalism. We came back to Istanbul again at the end of May 2011 for another family reunion and stayed in another one of Robin's apartments, this time in Cihangir. The experience was even better this time - fantastic apartment, gorgeous view and another amazing location. We really felt part of the neighborhood during our 2-week stay. We would highly recommend her places. If we go back to Istanbul we will absolutely stay in one of Robin's places again.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Fantastic View, easy to access by public transport but steep hill
Guest: Alyssa
(Moscow, Russia)
Date of Stay: 02/19/11
Review Submitted: 02/21/11
We have really enjoyed our time in this beautiful flat. The view is unbeatable and the flat is very spacious. The tram stop is very close by and is a straight shot into city center. The only downside is there's a steep and long staircase between the tram stop and the flat, which was difficult for us with a small child (and would be very hard for older people or for someone with disabilities). We would definitely recommend this apartment though and would stay here again.
Owner response:Thank you Alyssa! We enjoyed having you as our guest. I just wanted to take this opportunity to point out that if one does not wish to take the steps, they can walk 10 minutes to Taksim Square where there is a funicular that connects directly to the tram. Robin
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with teenagers.
Wonderful!!!
Guest: mere
(atlanta)
Date of Stay: 10/22/10
Review Submitted: 11/01/10
This apartment was exactly as advertised and better. The pictures don't do this place justice. My family was able to comfortably fit 5 adults in this apartment.We go to Istanbul every year and rent apartments every single time. The view from this apartment is simply amazing. Not only will be be renting in the future, we are letting our friends(who will be travelling to Istanbul) know we found the perfect place. The location is wonderful as you have perfect views, the convenience of Taksim, yet you are far enough away to avoid the noise. You are also very close to the Tram and ferries. Additionally, there are grocery stores, the Cihangir Cami( great reference for cab drivers) and the Cihangir cab stop in close proximity to the apartment. Upon entering the building the apartment is actually located about 5 steps down from the entrance so you don't have to climb flights of steps to enter. The apartments balcony is large and spans the length of about 3/4's of the apartment. 5 of us were able to fit on the balcony. The landmarks seen from the balcony include the First bridge, Domabache Palace, and the Princes' Islands. Finally the place was extremely clean and the area was wonderful.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Nice 6-8 guests Apartment
Guest: marcus
(dresden)
Date of Stay: 09/04/10
Review Submitted: 09/14/10
The flat is situated nearby Taksim quarter where you can find a lot of bars to go out and most of the shopping possibilities. You can also walk down to Galata bridge in about 10 minutes. The flat itself has 3 bedrooms and a lof space in the corridor and q quite nice living room. The bedrooms looking like IKEA but this doesn´t matter ;-) Furthermore there is a kitchen with all things you may need (big fridge, dishwasher). The flat contains of 2 bathrooms which is useful when you travel in a group. The landlord gave us some good advices how to use tram/metro as well as some further information about Istanbul. All of us were happy with the flat and will hopefully come back again. Greetings, Marcus
Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with teenagers.
Perfect!
Guest: Ann
(Essex, MA)
Date of Stay: 06/11/10
Review Submitted: 06/18/10
Dear Robin, We absolutely loved Istanbul! Your flat was perfect in all respects--it was so convenient to everything and such a peaceful place to return to at the end of the day. We were a group of 5, and there was more than enough room for us all. Loved the balcony and the 'sultan sofa!' I know we'll be back, and we wouldn't hesitate to rent your flat again. Thanks for helping to make this trip so wonderful. Elif was so helpful, everything worked out perfectly.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Perfect!
Guest: Ann
(Essex, MA)
Date of Stay: 06/11/10
Review Submitted: 06/18/10
Dear Robin, We absolutely loved Istanbul! Your flat was perfect in all respects--it was so convenient to everything and such a peaceful place to return to at the end of the day. Loved the balcony and the 'sultan sofa!' We were a group of 5, and there was way more than enough room for us all. I know we'll be back--and I wouldn't hesitate to rent your flat again. Thanks for helping to make this trip so wonderful. Elif was so helpful, everything worked out perfectly.
Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Perfect location for a week stay
Guest: skatc
(Parksville, BC, Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/22/10
Review Submitted: 06/06/10
Four of us stayed here for a week in April and spent most of our time on the deck watching boats run about on our amazing view of the Bosphorus. The apartment was beautifully decorated with antiques and little touches that made us feel at home. Unfortunately two of the beds seemed to also be antiques and were a bit painful to sleep on, but ok once we added an extra layer of blankets and slept on top. The location was our favorite part; away from tourists but still very central. Within twenty minutes walk to the tram to the old city, to Taksim shopping district and metro, and some of my favorite cafes and restaurants in the city. If we moved to Istanbul, Chihangir is the area we would live in. Our correspondance with the owner was flaky at best, but we were greeted by the very friendly and helpful Elif who brightened up our stay.
Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with teenagers.
exciting
Guest: me and friends
(Freising, Germany)
Date of Stay: 04/05/09
Review Submitted: 04/21/09
We stayed with six persons for a wonderful week in the apartment between April 5 and 12, 2009. We found all as described on the homepage. The flat was very clean and the hints in the house-book were very precise and useful. We loved to explore the surrounding streets (Cihangir) and to use the tram to reach all attractions in between 10 minutes. The view to the Bosphorus will follow us for a long time in our dreams. We could have spent the whole day, only sitting at the window and counting the passing ships as Orhan Pamuk recommends. Karl
Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, families with teenagers.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #126285
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