• The Insider
  • Planning
  • Sightseeing
  • Transportation
  • Food & Drinks
  • Going Out
  • Shopping
  • Tours
  • About
    • Contact
    • FAQ
    • Sitemap
    • Advertise

Istanbul Insider

Locals Share Their Istanbul Experiences – Seçil Erdoğan

Every month we ask an Istanbul local the same ten questions. This way you can hear firsthand what they love and hate about the city, and learn about the best places to wine, dine and shop in town.
Today Seçil Erdoğan, aged between 26-35 and active in the service sector, shares her Istanbul secrets.

Picture of street and terrace in Nişantaşı, Istanbul.
Street and terrace in Nişantaşı, Istanbul. – © Photo by BuBöylemiş

1. Where do you live, and what makes your neighborhood special?

I live with my family in a suburb but I spend a lot of my time in the city center. My favorite places of Istanbul are Cihangir, Galata, Nişantası and Bebek. In Cihangir and Galata you feel the historic beat of the city. It is fantastic to walk with a camera in these areas. Nişantası is best for shopping (unless you prefer a mall, then it is İstinye Park). Bebek is the best place to enjoy the Bosphorus on a summer night.

2. What does a perfect day in Istanbul look like for you?

A perfect day starts with a delicious breakfast in Bebek. Then I spend my time in Cihangir and Galata to visit some design shops and art galleries. At lunch have some coffee and cake in a local cafe. For dinner I’d probably go to a fish restaurant. In Istanbul we are so lucky to have so many nice fish restaurants in different areas of the city. Nowadays, I like Uskumru on the Asian side (read on for more details).

3. Where would you take first time Istanbul visitors to?

I would take them first to the old town, Sultanahmet, to visit the most famous sightseeing spots. Then, I would introduce them to Cihangir to let them experience the real Istanbul way of life. And to top it off, I’d take them for a boat trip on the Bosphorus.

Cafe, Coffee & Evening Tours

Istiklal Street/Beyoglu Half-day €75 — Coffee Tour €50 — Evening Tour €75

Easy cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance

4. Do you have any shopping preferences and/or secrets?

I do my shopping in Maçka. Yargıcı and Mapa are excellent Turkish (women’s) clothing brands for good prices. Try Desa if you’re looking for leather.

5. What is according to you the best souvenir people should take back home?

I prefer something that has Istanbul’s profile picture on it. Another nice souvenir would be Turkish coffee. There are small coffee packs for sale in most markets.

Guided Shopping Market and Mall Tours

Half-day €25-35/100+ per person/group — Full-day €60+ per person

Easy cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance

6. What is your favorite restaurant, and why?

Picture of terrace of Uskumru fish restaurant in Istasnbul, Turkey.
Uskumru fish restaurant. © Uskumru

For fish Poseidon and, my current favorite, Uskumru. To reach Uskumru, you should go to Rumeli Hısarı by taxi first. Then, call the restaurant and they will pick you up from there. Why? Because you’ll go to the restaurant by boat, a fantastic 5 minutes Bosphorus ride. The food is really delicious. Try the tomato salad and grilled, not fried, calamari. Enjoy!

For delicious mezes followed by fresh fish or various meat dishes, check out Münferit in Galatasaray, not too far from Istiklal Caddesi. They serve excellent wine and traditional food.

7. What Turkish dish should visitors really try out?

Visitors should try our different mezes. And of course the various cheeses Turkey has to offer.

Evening Food Tasting and Private Culinary Tours

Food Tasting €45-50 — Private Tours €60-85

Easy cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance

8. What is your favorite drink, and the best place to order it?

I love to have a wine in the local wine houses near Galata.

9. What is your favorite bar or night club?

I dance the night away in Anjelique, located by the Bosphorus in Ortaköy.

Enjoy Istanbul Nightlife to the Max

Dinner Cruise & Entertainment €54 &emdash; Pubcrawl €30

Easy cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance

10. What do you love and/or hate about Istanbul?

I love everything Istanbul has to offer, but hate the traffic.

Last updated on 05/07/2015

Filed Under: Local Insider Tips, Travel Tips


Best Sellers

Istanbul Shuttles & Transfers
New Airport Sultanh. ↔ Sultanahmet or Taksim €30
Sabiha ↔ Sultanahmet or Taksim €35
New Airport ↔ Sabiha €48 — more prices

Popular Tours

More Popular Tours →
  • Email
  • RSS
  • Twitter
© 2011–2021 The Istanbul Insider – Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Affiliate Disclaimer • Sitemap
  • The Insider
  • Planning
  • Sightseeing
  • Transportation
  • Food & Drinks
  • Going Out
  • Shopping
  • Tours
  • About
    ▼
    • Contact
    • FAQ
    • Sitemap
    • Advertise