The apartment looks like on the pictures, it was smaller than I expected but that did not matter as it was clean, well-equipped and well-maintained too. It is not big but for two people who are looking for a nice and cozy place to stay it is just right. I especially liked the colors of the apartment and that everything was in such a good condition.

We enjoyed having such a good kitchen for cooking and we also liked watching DVDs on the DVD player.

The only thing I missed was a little garbage bin in the room, but this is just a suggestion :) .

The communication with Peter and Özkan was always kind and friendly, already before our arrival and during our stay as well. They are very open and nice people, you should definitely not hesitate to ask, if you have any questions.

We are not new to Istanbul, so we enjoyed to see another side of this big, vibrant city. Balat is a unique part of Istanbul, where not many tourists go, although it is already an insiders' tip to explore this area I think. I always felt safe, when I was walking through the streets. I did not walk alone in the dark, but with my boyfriend by my side I did not feel uncomfortable walking the streets at night either. I enjoyed that there were not many cars in the little alleys and streets, the children playing outside and all the little corner stores and different stores down in the main street (especially the Tarihi Taş Fırın and the Şok grocery market).

One thing I was really happy about was the possibility to go running! I just went down the streets and crossed the big street till I reached the Golden Horn and then I started running (to the right towards Sultanahmet) at the playground and soccer field. You can run along the water for the whole time (the sidewalks are mostly off from the main street) till you reach the first bridge (if you cross this street and go on you'll reach Eminönü). I just ran on the bridge to the other side of the Golden Horn and at the end of it, I just turned around and ran all the way back to where I started, equals about 5 km. So, if you're a runner, you have an easy possibility to get a run in. I would recommend to not dress to boldly. I ran on my own and felt safe and comfortable always.

We enjoyed our time in the Old Istanbul Stay (13 days) and would definitely recommend it to other people, who want to explore another side of Istanbul and live in a more quiet, nice neighborhood, which is still close enough to Sultanahmet and other touristic places!