Monthly Breakdown for Solo Travellers, Sweet Tooths, and Slow Explorers

The main reason I wanted to visit Istanbul was the Grand Bazaar — all the videos made it look like a dream. But in the end, the real highlight wasn’t the shopping. It was the vibe. Wandering through neighbourhoods on the Asian side, hopping ferries, and just slowing down. It’s a city that invites you to meander.

💰 Expenses Breakdown

🛏️ Accommodation: SGD2,100
→ I stayed on the Asian side in Kadıköy, just a 5-minute walk from the ferry terminal. It made reaching places like Eminönü and Karaköy super convenient — and the neighbourhood felt more relaxed and local.
🍽️ Food: ~SGD50/day
→ Seafood was incredibly fresh and local dishes were easy to find everywhere. The only downside? The sweets — beautiful, delicious, but kinda pricey.
🚇 Transport: SGD150
→ Get a transport card (Istanbulkart) and top up using a credit card at selected stations. Ferries were my go-to — scenic, straightforward, and surprisingly chill.
💄 Grooming: SGD100
→ Kept it light. Just small bits here and there.

Total: ~SGD3,900 (excluding activities)

📌 Good value for what you get — especially if you enjoy slow travel and ferry views.

🏡 Where to Stay in Istanbul

✔️ Kadıköy (Asian side) — Local vibes, walkable, and less touristy. Great ferry access and unexpectedly festive during December.
✔️ Karaköy (European side) — A bit more polished with high-end shopping, cafes, and stylish stays. Great if you prefer a touch more luxe.

🏠 Airbnb, Hotel, or Something Else?

✅ Airbnb pros: Easy access to both local and central areas, especially near ferry routes.
✅ Long-term rentals save 20–30%: But you’ll need a local contact or extra time to search.

📌 If you’re staying under 3 months, Airbnb near a ferry terminal gives the best flexibility.

🍽️ Food and Dining in Istanbul (SGD50/day)

Seafood lovers, you’re in for a treat — fresh, flavourful, and widely available. The street food is solid too, but the local sweets really shine. Try Hafız Mustafa 1864 if you want something beautiful, rich, and gift-worthy. (Just… prepare to pay tourist prices.)

🚕 Transport Costs (SGD150 for the Month)

✔️ Ferries were my favourite. Not only do they take you across the Bosphorus, but they also serve drinks and snacks on board.
✔️ The routes are round trips — so even if you’re confused, you’ll end up back where you started.
✔️ Metro and buses work fine too, but the ferry experience is something special.

📶 Internet and Workspaces (SGD25)

✔️ WiFi in my Airbnb was reliable.
✔️ Most cafes had okay connections — not the best for heavy work, but enough for general use.

📌 Not super nomad-optimised, but manageable for a chill month.

🎟️ Where I Spent My Time in Istanbul

✔️ Eminönü — Home to the Grand Bazaar, Egyptian Spice Bazaar, and several iconic mosques. Touristy, yes. But still worth seeing at least once.
✔️ Karaköy — Great for modern cafes, boutique hotels, and bougie shopping. A nice contrast to the older parts of the city.
✔️ Kadıköy — More local, less crowded, and surprisingly charming during December with its Christmas lights and market buzz.

🌟 Final Thoughts: Was SGD3,900 Worth It?

✔️ The pace, the views, and the food made this a really balanced solo trip.
✔️ Istanbul surprised me — less for the big sights, more for the day-to-day moments.
✔️ Would come back just to ride the ferries again.

📌 Stepped out for fresh air. Got secondhand smoke instead. Smoking culture here is no joke — it’s everywhere. Prepare your lungs (and hair).

🙋‍♀️ Who This City is For

• Slow travellers who love water views
• Sweet tooths with a high sugar tolerance
• Those who like history… but love vibes more