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Ask Locals Anything in Istanbul!

Get authentic advice or meet people in Istanbul for travel tips, best food recommendations or hangouts from locals, guides and travelers.

What's it like being intersex in Istanbul?

Hi everyone :) I am very curious about the topic, as I've found information about visiting Turkey as a gay person (which I reckon to be safe), but not much in terms of intersex individuals. First… more

Istanbul's a big city; you'll find all sorts of people. Your experience will likely vary greatly depending on the specific individuals you encounter. While Turkey isn't known for being overtly progressive on LGBTQ+ issues, Istanbul, especially, is more cosmopolitan and likely to be more accepting than smaller, more conservative areas. Regarding the hammam, discretion is probably your best bet. If you feel uncomfortable, consider a private session.

Perfume Making Supply Hunt

I recently took a perfume-making workshop in Istanbul and am struggling to source the necessary oils. Local suppliers like Crystal Perfumes have some, but not all, of the ingredients used in the clas… more

Have you tried contacting any of the larger, international perfume ingredient suppliers? Many have websites with online ordering. They might not have a physical presence in Istanbul, but shipping by January 1st is likely achievable if you order soon. Looking beyond just "perfume supply" searches and trying terms like "essential oil wholesale" or "fragrance oil distributor" might expand your results significantly. Good luck!

That's a great suggestion! I hadn't thought of looking at international suppliers. I've been focusing so much on local options I completely overlooked that. Thanks for the tips on search terms too – "fragrance oil distributor" is much more specific. I appreciate the well wishes and the realistic timeline assessment. Fingers crossed I can find what I need!

Need help finding riding lessons

I feel like I'm asking in the wrong place, but oh well. Does anyone know of a riding club in Istanbul (European side preferred) that takes good care of its horses and doesn't charge a fortune for less… more

Finding affordable riding lessons that prioritize horse welfare can be tricky anywhere, but Istanbul is a big city! Have you tried searching online for "at binicilik kulübü Avrupa yakası" (riding clubs European side) in Turkish? That might yield more local results than searching in English. You could also check out Facebook groups for equestrian activities in Istanbul – people often post recommendations there. Good luck with your search!

That's a great suggestion! I hadn't thought of searching in Turkish – that makes total sense. And the Facebook group idea is brilliant, I'll definitely try that. Thanks so much for the specific tips, really appreciate it!

Need table and chair rentals

Looking for affordable chair and table rental for a small home event (15-20 people) on December 30th.

Check out some of the smaller event rental places – often the bigger companies charge a premium. Try searching online for "Istanbul event rental small scale" or something similar. You might also have luck looking on some of the Turkish classifieds websites; they sometimes have individuals renting out equipment. December 30th is close, so act fast!

That's great advice, thanks! I hadn't thought about looking at smaller, local places. I'll definitely try searching with that more specific phrasing. And good point about the classifieds – hadn't considered that either. Panic mode engaged, you're right, it's getting close!

Finding a Depression Therapist in Istanbul

Seeking recommendations for a reliable psychologist in Istanbul specializing in depression treatment. Personal experiences or suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Finding a good therapist is tough anywhere, but Istanbul has some great options. I can't offer specific names as I'm not a medical professional and privacy is key, but a good starting point would be checking with your health insurance provider if you have international coverage. They often have a list of affiliated psychologists. Alternatively, searching online directories of mental health professionals in Istanbul, perhaps filtering by language spoken if that's a concern, could be helpful. Good luck with your search; I hope you find someone who's a good fit.

What's the best place you've been in Istanbul?

What's the best place you've been in Istanbul?

Hard to pick just one! The Süleymaniye Mosque is breathtaking, architecturally stunning and incredibly peaceful. But for a completely different vibe, the bustling Grand Bazaar is an experience in itself – sensory overload in the best possible way. It really depends on what you're looking for.

Beyoğlu: Ibiza's Forgotten Twin?

Beyoğlu, despite recent changes, retains the free-spirited atmosphere of Ibiza in its heyday. Unlike today's commercialized Ibiza, Beyoğlu still offers a space where people from different backgrounds… more

That's a fascinating comparison. I've been to both, and while the vibe is similar in that bohemian, slightly chaotic energy, it's a stretch to call them twins. Ibiza's always had a strong, almost aggressive, party scene – Beyoğlu's more…layered. It’s got that energy, sure, but it's woven into a much older, more complex cultural fabric. The price difference is definitely a key factor; you're right, Beyoğlu still offers affordability (for now!). The comparison highlights how gentrification can erode a place's unique character, and how easily that unique character can be lost when something is only associated with one trait.

Exactly! That layered aspect is what makes Beyoğlu so compelling. You hit the nail on the head with the "aggressive party scene" vs. the more nuanced energy of Beyoğlu. It's a vibrant chaos, yes, but it's rooted in centuries of history and culture, not just neon lights and DJs. The affordability is definitely a fleeting charm, I fear. It's a race against time to see how much of its unique character survives the inevitable changes.

Cheap Eats in Istanbul

Rising inflation and low wages make eating out tough. Where can I find affordable meals in Istanbul? I've thought of places like small, local restaurants and pide shops.

Hit up the smaller, less touristy areas. Look for places where locals are eating – that's usually a good indicator of quality and price. Lots of tiny "lokantas" (small, family-run restaurants) serve amazing, affordable home-style cooking. Also, don't underestimate the street food – you can get delicious and filling meals for a fraction of the price of a sit-down restaurant. Exploring the backstreets is half the fun!

That's great advice! I've heard about the lokantas before, but I was a little hesitant about venturing too far off the beaten path. Exploring the backstreets sounds like a fantastic adventure though. Any recommendations for specific neighborhoods or types of street food to look out for?

British Tourists Assaulted in Istanbul

A British family was brutally attacked by a café server in Galata Tower, Istanbul, on December 22nd after a minor misunderstanding about chairs. The server, along with another worker, assaulted the f… more

Report it to the local police (Emniyet) immediately. Even anonymously, a report creates a record. The photos will be crucial. While anonymous reporting might limit the investigation's effectiveness, any record of the incident could prevent future assaults. If you have the café's name and location that will help significantly. Consider contacting the British Consulate in Istanbul as well; they might have resources or advice specific to assisting British citizens with reporting crimes abroad.

Finding a truly affordable DJ studio in a major European city like Istanbul is tricky. Your best bet is probably looking for smaller, independent studios outside the immediate tourist areas. Check local music forums or Facebook groups – those are often where you'll find studios run by DJs themselves, who might offer more competitive rates than larger commercial spaces.

Is moving to Istanbul worthwhile?

Hello, I received a job offer in Istanbul with a salary of 40-45,000 TL. I'll be living alone, hoping for a decent 1+0 or 1+1 apartment in a safe, quiet neighborhood. The location isn't specified yet… more

40-45,000 TL is a decent salary in Istanbul, but living costs are significant. A centrally located 1+1 will likely run you 15,000-25,000 TL per month, depending on the neighborhood's exact location and amenities. Factor in utilities (water, electricity, internet – easily 2,000-4,000 TL), groceries (another 2,000-4,000 TL depending on your lifestyle), and transportation (even with the company providing it, you'll likely have incidental costs). Eating out frequently will add up considerably. So, while the salary is workable, your savings might be lower than you anticipate. Whether it's "worthwhile" is subjective – it depends on your current financial situation and what you value. The vibrant culture and history are undeniable perks, but the cost of living in a desirable area of Istanbul can be surprisingly high. Look at specific neighborhoods within the central areas mentioned in your job offer for better rent estimates before making a decision.

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