The street food is worth the calorie count: try a “dondurma” (chewy Turkish ice cream) The views – they make up for the steep hills. Don't leave without a proper Turkish hammam. That's one serious scrub. Cay, piping hot black tea, which you'll be offered it everywhere
Hit up İstiklal Caddesi – it’s the street that doesn’t sleep. There are dive bars and super glam bars, but not much in between. A Wet Burger is so much better than it sounds. Find one in Taksim Square. Booze is pricey. Keep things local if you're on a budget. Make sure to cross the Bosphorus to check out the Asian side too.