A Girl in Istanbul

An experienced female traveler guiding you through the City of Istanbul

Who is your Istanbul guide?

About me

I’m Olga,
a girl in her 30s and a huge fan of Istanbul City
and the Turkish lifestyle.
I’m the author and creator of A Girl in Istanbul
and happy to be your guide in Istanbul
while you’re planning your best trip here!

Where to Stay: My Hotel Picks

My absolute favorite accommodation recommendations, broken down by neighborhood to fit your specific travel style.
Find my honest, detailed neighborhood guide here ->

⏱️Short on time? ⭐Here are my Favorite Hotels in Istanbul:⭐

First-time visitor, wants the classics → Stay in Sultanahmet
⭐My top pick: 🏨 Seven Hills Hotel – Special Category: Check availability

Wants atmosphere + nightlife + easy access to everything → Stay in Beyoğlu / Galata
⭐My top pick: 🏨CVK Taksim Hotel Istanbul – Check availability

For modern Istanbul, local vibes, Asian side → Stay in Kadıköy
⭐My top pick: 🏨 DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul – Moda → Check availability

Wants Bosphorus views, upscale feel → Stay in Beşiktaş
⭐My top pick: 🏨 Çırağan Palace Kempinski -> Check availability

Wants character, boutique stays, off the tourist trail → Stay in Balat
⭐My top pick: 🏨 PETRION Hotel → Check availability

On a tight budget, doesn’t mind fewer tourist amenities → Stay in Yedikule / Samatya, good value for longer stays.
⭐My top picks:
🏨 Queen Seagull Boutique Hotel – Yedikule: Check availability
🏨 Mar Suite – Samatya: Check availability

My Top Istanbul Experiences to book:

Skip the tourist traps and steal my hand-picked list of the best Bosphorus cruises, food tours, and must-see spots.

For First-Timers: Must-See Attractions I wouldn’t skip:
from $99
-> Book your tours here

Entrance of the Dolmabahce Palace in Beyoglu neighborhood, Istanbul

Bosphorus Cruises & Boat Tours:
My Top Picks: $10 – $180+
-> Pick your Bosphorus Cruise here

A private Yacht for a Bosphorus cruise on the pier in Istanbul

For Foodies: My Top Food Tours in Istanbul:
from $40
-> Book your tours here

Turkish delights at the Spice bazaar, Istanbul

Professional Photoshoots:
$60 – $160+
-> Book your dream photoshoot here

Flying Dress professional photoshoot Rooftop Istanbul

→ Browse all my Top Istanbul Experiences

Istanbul Travel Guide

What’s going on in Istanbul lately

Plan your next trip to Istanbul – read my latest guides: