Calis Beach and Fethiye Turkey Discussion Forum

Turkey Related Subjects => Places to Visit => Topic started by: Nikos on April 21, 2006, 11:12:08 AM

Title: Istanbul
Post by: Nikos on April 21, 2006, 11:12:08 AM

Off to Istanbul for a long weekend next week.  Booked for dinner at the Galata Tower and will be lucky enough to see the Mevlevi Whirling Dervishes.  Any other places that anyone could recommend visiting?

Thanks
Nick

Title: Istanbul
Post by: KKOB on April 21, 2006, 12:14:44 PM

Try to be on the outside viewing gallery of the Galata Tower when the call to prayer is made. There's a fantastic wall of sound from all the mosques that sweeps across Istanbul.

Title: Istanbul
Post by: jwood on April 21, 2006, 12:31:24 PM

The Grand Bazaar

Title: Istanbul
Post by: Scunner on April 21, 2006, 13:28:24 PM

Ikea

Title: Istanbul
Post by: Cavfan on April 21, 2006, 14:38:24 PM

The spice bazaar, maidens tower

Title: Istanbul
Post by: philrose on April 21, 2006, 14:43:34 PM

Topkapi Palice(SP?), Blue Mosque, Cisterns (as featured in From Russia With Love. You'll run out of time far quicker than of places to visit

Title: Istanbul
Post by: haluk on April 21, 2006, 15:33:48 PM

Dolmabahce palace, Ortakoy on a sunday, Kilyos beach, buyuk ada, istikal caddesi in Taksim, Koc museum in Haskoy.

Be careful of the back streets around Galata tower, if you take the wrong turn going down hill you will be in the er um red light street.

Title: Istanbul
Post by: KKOB on April 21, 2006, 16:30:35 PM

Do you have to stop there until you get a green light ?

Title: Istanbul
Post by: haluk on April 21, 2006, 16:38:36 PM

You stop there untill you go through the metal detector and show your ID to police. (friend told me)

Title: Istanbul
Post by: Cavfan on April 21, 2006, 17:25:25 PM

istikal caddesi in Taksim- is a must as haluk says , I couldnt remember the name of it but we stayed around there when we went and its very interesting. How long are you going for - a month?

Title: Istanbul
Post by: ronzeus on April 21, 2006, 19:13:35 PM

The racecourse.

Title: Istanbul
Post by: wickwilly on April 21, 2006, 19:24:25 PM

Try taking a gypsy ferry from Eminonu to Sariyer. They stop all along the Bosphorus and you can explore then catch the next one. A great way to see some fabuluous properties and buildings.

WW

Title: Istanbul
Post by: Nikos on April 24, 2006, 18:55:31 PM

Some great suggestions there.  Thanks.
Nick

Title: Istanbul
Post by: Linda on April 25, 2006, 00:14:29 AM

Some great suggestions - I just love Istanbul - Sultanahmet for the wonderful views from every direction - the Aghia Sophia/Blue Mosque/Topkapi (the Topkapi harem is a must) and so much more - touristy yes but the views from every angle forgive all that - for nightlife - great bars/restaurants are Mozaic and Shah bar  ;)

Istikal Cadesi is completely different a hive of activity, the Galata Tower and Pera Palas hotel are nearby amd are a must see and like a step back in time. So many great Turkish restaurants to choose from but if you want a 5 star treat for half the UK price go to Changa (kust off Taksim square) - fusion cuisine at itd best - rated one of the top 50 restaurants in the world in 2003 - so good we went twice  :)

The Gand Bazaar is a must see even is you dont end up buying - I can recommend the Donna Kebaps or the Fez Cafe for sage tea and the best carrot cake in the world (a got the tip from the Guardian restaurant critic)

Enjoy Istanbul, savour the atmosphere - I guarantee you will want to return  :)