ISTANBUL TRIP COST, but service quality?

Summary

The video captures a traveler's experience in Istanbul, highlighting the city's unique blend of Asian and European cultures. It discusses the affordability of local food and transportation options, emphasizing the benefits of using public transport over taxis. The traveler shares insights on the quality of services in hostels, comparing them with those in other countries, and reflects on his budget-friendly shopping adventures. Overall, the video serves as a guide for budget travelers, showcasing the vibrant life and affordable living in Istanbul.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video begins with a comparison between the standards of facilities and services in Istanbul and other countries, particularly in terms of hospitality and food quality.
• 😀 Istanbul offers two types of public transport to travel from the airport to the city center: a more expensive 'Havas' airport bus and a cheaper local bus option, with a significant price difference.
• 😀 A basic local vegetarian meal at a restaurant in Istanbul costs around ₹100, and complimentary bread is provided with most meals.
• 😀 The video also highlights the experience of traveling around a residential area of Istanbul, rather than tourist spots, to explore daily life.
• 😀 Public transport is relatively affordable in Istanbul, with options like the metro and buses providing economical alternatives for tourists, although some tourists opt for more expensive options like airport buses.
• 😀 Water prices in Istanbul are lower in certain markets, offering more affordable options compared to other stores or supermarkets.
• 😀 The script emphasizes that while public transport in Istanbul is inexpensive, the quality of hostels, especially in comparison to other parts of the world, is often below expectations.
• 😀 The narrator reflects on his experiences in hostels, noting that many have lower standards for cleanliness, services, and facilities compared to places like Southeast Asia.
• 😀 The video also discusses the narrator's experiences with different accommodation options in Istanbul, including Airbnb and shared apartments, and how the quality of these accommodations varies.
• 😀 The narrator advises that budget accommodations do not necessarily mean low-quality services, as it is important to maintain expectations of cleanliness and service, regardless of price.

Q & A

What transportation options are available to travel from the airport to the city center in Istanbul?

There are two main options: the more expensive Havabus service and a local bus that is cheaper. The Havabus directly connects to specific locations but is more costly.

What is the cost of using the local bus compared to the Havabus?

Using the local bus costs 16 lira, while the Havabus costs around 62 lira.

What is the standard of services in hospitals in Istanbul according to the speaker?

The speaker feels that the standard of services and facilities in hospitals in Istanbul is somewhat lower than expected, especially considering the city's size and historical significance.

How does the speaker describe the cost of local vegetarian meals in Istanbul?

The speaker mentions that a local vegetarian meal can typically be had for less than 100 rupees in most restaurants.

What items did the speaker purchase in the local grocery store?

The speaker bought walnuts, lentils, and bread among other items, noting the difference in prices compared to India.

What factors did the speaker consider when choosing accommodation in Istanbul?

The speaker considered the quality of service, reviews, and overall cleanliness when selecting hostels, noting that expectations were not always met.

What observation did the speaker make regarding public transport in Istanbul?

The speaker observed that public transport is affordable and efficient for budget travelers, emphasizing the importance of knowing how to navigate it.

How does the speaker compare hostel experiences in Istanbul with those in Southeast Asia?

The speaker finds that while Southeast Asia offers clean and well-maintained hostels at low prices, similar standards are not always available in Istanbul, even for higher-rated establishments.

What additional information does the speaker provide about public transport?

The speaker notes that there are transfer options that can further reduce travel costs between cities, making public transport an economical choice.

What is the significance of the Taksim Square mentioned in the script?

Taksim Square is a central location in Istanbul that represents the European side of the city, highlighting the speaker's travel route between Asia and Europe.