Author Topic: Istanbul  (Read 5289 times)

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Offline Andrew H

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« on: October 13, 2010, 22:22:14 PM »
We are flying up to Istanbul next week after leaving Ovacik.
Anybody got any suggestions what  we should see ?where to eat? tours? etc
this is our first time there but only have 3 days.



Offline busybee

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« Reply #1 on: October 14, 2010, 06:04:27 AM »
We went for 3 days and saw Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Bascillian Cistern and Ayi Sophia and a shopping centre.  We stayed in a hotel near the beginning of where the tram starts and they were all within walking distance. Personally I dont think you need a guide but I'm sure there will be plenty volunteering!

Offline starman™

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« Reply #2 on: October 14, 2010, 06:50:52 AM »
Would try to find time for the Dolmabahce palace, Ortakoy and the islands.

Offline ECHOSTAR

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« Reply #3 on: October 14, 2010, 07:57:20 AM »
you really need a couple of weeks

Offline tribalelder

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« Reply #4 on: October 14, 2010, 08:06:25 AM »
Buy a guide book and follow your nose.  Avoid the guide touts unless you wan't to end up in a carpet shop.....they are very plausable and very good at what they do:(

Offline Jacqui Harvey

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« Reply #5 on: October 14, 2010, 08:37:09 AM »
We had five days in Istanbul, still was not enough.   Definitely do no miss the Topkapi Palace which is fabulous, even though we visited I would go back to see it again, an amazing place and you can get lunch or a snack there at a restaurant overlooking the river.   There is also a gift shop in the ground which was the cheapest shop we found, run by the government, full of geniune Turkish items, all with prices on them.
Avoid the Grand Bazaar, hated it, huge place like a maze where everyone was in your face trying to sell, gave us a headache.   Blue Mosque was also beautiful, don't try and see too much, plan to go back as Istanbul cannot be rushed.
One place we ate at was an Hotel "The Orient Express" which had a roof top restaurant where there were wonderful views of the city looking down to the water, the bridges and all the cruise boats.  We were lucky enough to see a firework display from this vantage point.  The place is open to the public.  Food and service was very good, book and ask for a table near the front.  
As Tribalelder says, buy a guide book, our hotel gave us a map and a guide book free.  It's very easy to find your way around.


Offline Andrew H

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« Reply #6 on: October 15, 2010, 21:12:24 PM »
Many thanks for all the information as you say wont try to see too much but some of the places sound great.Did anybody go on a boat trip?

Offline mike A

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« Reply #7 on: October 15, 2010, 23:19:43 PM »
"Did anybody go on a boat trip?"

Lots, a trip up the Bosphorus or a ferry to Buyukada to me is a must do. 8)

Offline kayakebab

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« Reply #8 on: October 16, 2010, 08:05:34 AM »
Aya Sofia Topkapi Palace The underground cystern are must sees. If you dont mind crowds go to Istiklal Street just to be amazed at how many people there are & to see the old trams and some great lokantas too.
Grand Bazaar is an experience & some cheap kebab places there.
Everywhere is fab & trams make it so easy to get around quickly & cheaply.

Offline davybill

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« Reply #9 on: October 16, 2010, 12:32:28 PM »
a trip on the ferry to buyukada is great no cars and lorrys,just go round the island on horse and carriage.




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