THE BUDGET TRAVEL CHALLENGE

The Connected Traveler

With a smartphone in each hand, Arianne Cohen tests the limits of online networking in a foreign land. No guidebooks. No language skills. Only social media and mobile apps. The destination: Istanbul.

By Arianne Cohen, December 2009/January 2010 issue  |  Subscribe to the magazine

• I was able to figure out the tram by using the Google Maps "transit" search.

TRANSPORT

Funicular
istanbul-ulasim.com.tr, $1

City-run ferry
011-90/212-444-4436, ido.com.tr, ferries crisscross the waters around Istanbul from nearly every port; 65-minute ferries leave the Kabatas port and dock at four of the Princes Islands, $2

LODGING

Ayasofya Hotel
Kucuk Ayasofya Caddesi, Demirci Resit Sokak No. 28, 011-90/212-516-9446, ayasofyahotel.com, from $86

FOOD

Der Die Das Café
Süleyman Seba Caddesi No. 34, Akaretler, Besiktas, 011-90/212-227-9700, Turkish coffee $4

Ortaklar Iskender Kebap
Peykhane Caddesi No. 41, Eminönü Belediyesi Yani, Çemberlitas, 011-90/212-517-6198, lahmacun $6.75

Ciftesarmasik Café
Mumhane Caddesi No. 41, Karaköy, 011-90/212-243-5654, eggplant stew $3

Karaköy Güllüoglu
Katli Otopark Alti, 011-90/212-293-0910, karakoygulluoglubaklava.com, baklava 75¢

Gulhane Sur Café
Sogukçesme Sokak No. 40, 011-90/212-528-0986, hookah $8

ACTIVITIES

Bosporus ferry tour
011-90/212-444-4436, ido.com.tr, tour $13

Topkapi Palace
011-90/212-512-0480, www.topkapisarayi.gov.tr, $13, harem ticket $10

Blue Mosque
Sultanahmet Square, 011-90/212-518-1319, free

SHOPPING

Arasta Bazaar
Arasta Çarsisi No. 107, Sultanahmet, 011-90/212-516-0733, arastabazaar.com

Coskun Bazaar
Sogukçesme Sokak No. 40, 011-90/212-528-0986

RESOURCES

Hip Travel
Meclisi Mebusan Caddesi No. 31, Murat Han Kat, 011-90/212-293-8356, hip.com.tr

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Note:This story was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
 

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