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J
John_UK
@catpetlove9
Level 1 · New Traveler
📅 Joined Sept 2026
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Community topic
Tried Turkish street food after midnight in Taksim: Islak Burger is a game changer! 🍔🔥
16/09/2026
Community topic
Found the ultimate hidden view of Istanbul away from the tourist crowds! (Süleymaniye area) ☕🕌
16/09/2026
Community topic
Best 1 Euro experience in Istanbul: The Karaköy to Kadıköy ferry at sunset! 🚢✨
16/09/2026
Community topic
Avoid restaurants with no printed menus near Sultanahmet! Total bill scam
16/09/2026
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Food & Drink·Istanbul
Tried Turkish street food after midnight in Taksim: Islak Burger is a game changer! 🍔🔥
Hey everyone, last post from me for a while! Last night I hung out around Istiklal Street and Taksim, and around 1 AM I noticed these long lines of locals gathered around small food stalls. I decided to follow the crowds and try some local street food instead of going to a proper restaurant.First, I tried the "Islak Burger" (Wet Burger). I was a bit skeptical because it looks like a soggy, steamed hamburger drenched in tomato sauce. But wow, the garlic flavor is incredible and it costs next to nothing! I ended up eating three of them.After that, I saw people standing around trays eating stuffed mussels (Midye Dolma) with lemon. The guy just keeps opening them and handing them to you until you say stop. Absolutely brilliant concept for a late-night snack.Honestly, Istanbul’s street food scene is 10/10 for a budget backpacker. Quick question for the locals: Is it safe to eat these street mussels during the hot summer months, or should I be careful about seafood from street vendors? Cheers for all the help on my previous posts
2 replies
Open question →Travel & Discovery·Istanbul
Found the ultimate hidden view of Istanbul away from the tourist crowds! (Süleymaniye area) ☕🕌
Hey everyone, John here again. Today I decided to escape the massive crowds in Sultanahmet and went on a walk behind the Grand Bazaar towards the Süleymaniye Mosque. If you want to feel the "real" historical Istanbul without the commercial tourist traps, this is the area to go.I randomly wandered into some old, crumbling trading courts (locals call them 'Han'). They look centuries old, and you can see local craftsmen working inside. It felt like stepping back in time.But the best part was the area right behind the Süleymaniye Mosque. There are some local rooftop cafes there. I sat at one, ordered a traditional Turkish coffee, and the view of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus was absolutely incredible—and it cost me less than 3 Euros!I highly recommend spending an afternoon just getting lost in these backstreets. Quick question though: I saw a massive building called "Büyük Valide Han" on the map but the rooftop access seemed closed. Does anyone know if it's still possible to get up there for photos, or is it permanently shut? Cheers!
2 replies
Open question →Travel & Discovery·Istanbul
Best 1 Euro experience in Istanbul: The Karaköy to Kadıköy ferry at sunset! 🚢✨
Hey guys, I wanted to share something positive after my transport worries earlier. Today I took the public ferry from Karaköy to Kadıköy around 6:30 PM just as the sun was setting, and honestly, it was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever experienced.Before boarding, I saw some locals buying these round sesame breads (I think they call it 'Simit') from a street cart for like 15-20 TL. I bought two, got on the open deck of the ferry, and as soon as we started moving, dozens of seagulls started flying right next to the boat! Feeding them while watching the Sultanahmet skyline and the Maiden’s Tower in the golden hour was unreal.If you are on a budget, please don’t waste 30-40 Euros on those touristy Bosphorus dinner cruises. Just get an Istanbulkart, pay less than 1 Euro for the public ferry, buy a Simit, and sit outside.
2 replies
Open question →Food & Drink·Istanbul
Avoid restaurants with no printed menus near Sultanahmet! Total bill scam
Hey guys, I need to vent and warn everyone visiting the Sultanahmet area right now. My friend and I went to a place near the tram line that had a big sign outside advertising "Homemade Local Food".The guy outside was super friendly and told us to just come inside and pick whatever we wanted directly from the open food display. Stupidly, we didn't ask for a physical menu with prices because he made it sound like a cheap, casual cafeteria. We just had a very basic lunch—some stew, rice, and two teas.When it was time to pay, the waiter refused to give us an official machine receipt. He just wrote a random number on a small scrap piece of paper: 2,780 TL (around $55 USD) for a simple lunch!! When I argued and pulled out my credit card, they said "Sorry, our card machine is broken right now, cash only".They completely exploit the fact that you don't know the local prices and don't have a menu to prove them wrong. Is there any way to report these kinds of places to the Tourist Police? I feel absolutely robbed and it ruined my day.
2 replies
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