If you want to get a side of Istanbul that few tourists get while saving money, visit Istanbul's central Beyoglu neighborhood. During the 1920s this neighborhood was the preferred gathering place of the Istanbul high society. However, during the next decades, it suffered a long decay. The drop in real state prices allowed several young entrepreneurs to start their adventurous projects and the result is a colorful renaissance!

Getting There and Getting Around

The Istikal Caddesi is the main avenue that runs in the heart of the Beyoglu neighborhood and getting there is fairly cheap. Just split a cab ride with your friends or take the street trolleys, which despite being slow, do offer a great view (great for people watching!). You can start your visit to Beyoglu at any point of Istikal Caddesi (it is a pedestrian zone that extends for more than a mile!) but start at the Tunel square. This is a very easy place for place to meet each other and it is very easy to find. If you're traveling with seniors, they can make good use of the trolleys that run on the right side of the Istikal Caddesi.

Where to Eat, Drink and Party

Around the Tunel Square you will find plenty of locals to wine and dine at reasonable prices. Some places have on site film projections or art exhibitions. Make sure to ask whether the admission for these art events is separate.Some places might charge an "understood" extra fee at the end of your meal, so please avoid any surprises. If you're looking for guaranteed entertainment, look no further than the Babylon at 3 Sehbender Sk. where you will find the best live music venue since 1999! Prices vary according to the popularity of artists but there are plenty of free early shows and upcoming artists that offer free performances. The Babylon is doing so well that it has branched out into the Babylon Lounge, where guests can enjoy a cheap meal (e.g. salads and pizzas) after enjoying a music performance.

You will find that most budget friendly places in Istanbul offer some form of pizzas and salads Another great place for cheap pizzas and amazing music is Otto at 15 Sehbender Sk. Here you can dance the night away to the tunes of the most avant garde DJs and if you feel adventurous enough, enjoy a "votka gelincik", a mix of vodka and a secret syrup made with poppy flowers.

Where to Stay

Unfortunately, there are no cheap accommodations nearby the Beyoglu district, but there is the International House Istanbul at 5 Zambak Sk in Karadolap, which is a highly recommended hostel by local and foreign visitors to Istanbul. This hostel is just 50 meters from the Taksim square, Istanbul's main square. If you don't feel like travelling that far from your hostel, the Taksim square is a great option to go out because it has plenty of bars, restaurants, cafes and clubs. This hostel is also a favorite for vegetarians because most of the vegetarian restaurants in the city are within walking distance of the International House Istanbul.