Istanbul tips.

Insider

Insider

Well-known member
(Constantinople for the older posters)
Planning an historical site-seeing 4 night trip in September.
Any tips, specifcally hotels, of a reasonable standard, and any other advice please?
 
I would recommend stopping around Taksim Sq as it’s the centre.

We stoped at the Sofitel there and it was really really good.

On our first day we always do a red bus tour (but don’t get off) as it gives us a proper idea of the place.

Then we go to places over the next few days, having an idea if it’s worth it or not.

Also, a kebab shop every 20metres!!!!
 
Istanbul is an amazing city. You’ll absolutely love it. If you stay around the Historical qtr then the hotels are lower priced but often a bit jaded and needing modernising, but there’s more charm to them than the big US brands in the centre.

Do the obvious tourist bits (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi palace, Bosphorous cruise etc and don’t miss the Cistern as it’s fascinating.

There’s some really great little restaurants around the city walls which are low cost but great food.
The main centre is modern and no real difference from any European city so if you want branded shops and Starbucks stuff then by all means go there. As SS1 says Taksim is very easy for Brits to stay in and you’ve got the red buses too. Just depends how you want the stay to go.

I’ve got a little apartment over in Besiktas. If you are happy to leave the tourist areas there are some real bohemian areas of artisan food places and bars to hang out. If not, don’t worry the old part of the city will keep you plenty busy 👍
 
Chunkylad said:
Istanbul is an amazing city. You’ll absolutely love it. If you stay around the Historical qtr then the hotels are lower priced but often a bit jaded and needing modernising, but there’s more charm to them than the big US brands in the centre.

Do the obvious tourist bits (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi palace, Bosphorous cruise etc and don’t miss the Cistern as it’s fascinating.

There’s some really great little restaurants around the city walls which are low cost but great food.
The main centre is modern and no real difference from any European city so if you want branded shops and Starbucks stuff then by all means go there. As SS1 says Taksim is very easy for Brits to stay in and you’ve got the red buses too. Just depends how you want the stay to go.

I’ve got a little apartment over in Besiktas. If you are happy to leave the tourist areas there are some real bohemian areas of artisan food places and bars to hang out. If not, don’t worry the old part of the city will keep you plenty busy 👍
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The cisterns are ace. As is the raki
 
Insider said:
(Constantinople for the older posters)
Planning an historical site-seeing 4 night trip in September.
Any tips, specifcally hotels, of a reasonable standard, and any other advice please?
Click to expand...

Byzantium for Davepick! 😜

Absolutely fabulous city, obviously steeped in history.

Had the good fortune of visiting it a dozen plus times over the past few years through work.

Agree with Seasideone; anywhere around Taksim is a good base. The Metro is very good, easy to use and a great way to move around the city.

From Taksim,stroll down Istiklal Street (downhill) to the Galata Tower and then across the Golden Horn. Catch a boat trip on the Bosphorus (a must). Get off at Ortakoy and sink an Efes / Bomonti or two in one of the swish bars overlooking the beautiful small Mosque by the waters edge, with the bridge in the background.

Obviously the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are all a must, along with the Roman Cistern; all conveniently located alongside each other.

The Grand Bazaar is a must for souvenirs, including good quality fakes!

The food is excellent and the people very friendly in the main.

So much more to do and see; Enjoy!
 
Satriale's Pork Store said:
Byzantium for Davepick! 😜

Absolutely fabulous city, obviously steeped in history.

Had the good fortune of visiting it a dozen plus times over the past few years through work.

Agree with Seasideone; anywhere around Taksim is a good base. The Metro is very good, easy to use and a great way to move around the city.

From Taksim,stroll down Istiklal Street (downhill) to the Galata Tower and then across the Golden Horn. Catch a boat trip on the Bosphorus (a must). Get off at Ortakoy and sink an Efes / Bomonti or two in one of the swish bars overlooking the beautiful small Mosque by the waters edge, with the bridge in the background.

Obviously the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are all a must, along with the Roman Cistern; all conveniently located alongside each other.

The Grand Bazaar is a must for souvenirs, including good quality fakes!

The food is excellent and the people very friendly in the main.

So much more to do and see; Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Nothing to add, great city. Been 30 years since I was there, but been thinking about a return.
 
As a side note….

If you are going with Turkish Airlines long haul via Istanbul, they will put you up in a hotel for one night (economy) and two nights if business.

We took them up on it, breaking our trip back out to Asia and you get to choose the hotel.

Great offer - and a couple of the middle eastern airlines do the same.



Cheers

Mike
 
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