I didn’t believe in falling in love with a city until I went to Istanbul.

So where is Istanbul, exactly? Located in Northwest Turkey, this gem straddles both Europe and Asia and, thanks to Turkish Airlines, is quite cheap to get to.

Because of the unrest in Istanbul, my parents definitely had qualms about my girlfriends and I visiting Turkey, but after actually going, I feel silly for ever being nervous.

Istanbul’s Old City, i.e. the area near all the major tourist attractions, is beautiful and fun, and it felt safe for solo women travelers. I enjoyed my experience in Istanbul on a budget and have included my favorite things below!

Now you can cialis price australia http://deeprootsmag.org/2013/05/14/to-the-last-man-1933/ to treat erectile dysfunction. Most often, these tests are included with physical exams, and should be cialis sale uk completed at least once in their lives. Here’s an easy way to tell your health is in your own hands so it is your duty to take care of it. buy levitra no prescription If they are suffering from fatigue, cheap brand viagra find this link problems in balance and coordination, fever, tremors, weakness, changes in personality and headaches.

Things to See in Istanbul

Blue Mosque

This one is free! Women must cover their head out of respect, as it’s a working mosque, but they have scarves there if you didn’t bring your own. Also make sure that your clothing is loose-fitting and that your shoulders and knees are covered — it’s basically the same rules as the churches throughout Europe.

Be careful when you’re timing this one, as you’re not allowed in during prayer times. You’ll know when this is because you’ll hear the call — it’s broadcast throughout the city.

Hagia Sophia

Never in my life did I think I would stand in this beautiful building. You’ve probably studied this church-turned-mosque-turned-museum in a class or two, so make sure to check it out. It’s 30TL and worth every bit.

Topaki Palace

You should plan on about 3 hours here. It’s 30TL, and well worth it. It offers a gorgeous collection of artifacts from Turkish history including weapons, jewels, clothing and more. The back of the palace grounds also offer a great photo-op of the Bosphorus River, and the continent of Asia!

Basilica Cistern

This place kind of feels like a horror movie, but in the best way. It was featured in the 1963 James Bond movie From Russia with Love, and as soon as you walk down the slippery steps, you’ll understand why.  For only 10TL, you can explore the depths of Istanbul. See if you can find the famous Medusa head, hidden in the far fetches of the room.

Food to Try in Istanbul

Doner Kebab is the food to eat as a college student. It’s cheap and delicious, and eating it in its home country just amplifies these two factors. So eat kebab while you’re in Istanbul, and eat lots of it.  You can find it, and other delicious foods, at any of the restaurants in the Old Town area, so you don’t need to wander in hopes of an “authentic” dish. The food near the sites is inexpensive and yummy, and you should stick with it.

Places to Shop in Istanbul

Grand Bazaar

You can shop for anything here: scarves, spice grinders, or anything you can imagine. It’s a fun place to search for souvenirs, but make sure you never pay the sticker price for anything. The shopkeepers are always willing to bargain with you! Make it a game and see how low you can go.

Places to Stay

Side Hotel & Pension

Pronounced like see – day, this is a great place for women traveling alone in Istanbul to stay. It’s central — all the main sights are within a five to ten minute walk, and the area is very safe. It has 24 hour reception, delicious breakfast, clean rooms, comfy beds, free tea in the lobby, and a great relationship with the travel agency next door if you want to take any day trips. They also offer transfers to the Istanbul airport for a reasonable fee.

Bada Bing Hostel

Slightly outside the Old City, this hostel is still cheap, safe and fun. The Galata Tower area is trendy, and this hostel could be the starting point to your discovery of modern Istanbul.

So what are you waiting for? Istanbul is calling your name!