Istanbul, what to expect?

[RebeccaAx]

I've just booked a flight to Istanbul and I will be staying in the Sultanahmet area although I don't know what to expect. If anybody has ever been, please give me some tips as I haven't been hearing the best of things!

Rebecca.

[JT]

What have you heard bad?

Its a city same as any other in the world so be aware there as you would in UK cities.

You are in a tourist area and will see 1000's of them walking around

[Katiehutchinson_1991]

never been myself Rebecca but as few friends have been
one of my friends fiancee works in istanbul so she goes all the time
she says its a lot more expensive than icmeler especially for the likes of alcoholic drinks
and its just more like a huge city
hope this helps im sure you will have an amazing time
xxxx

[JT]

Hehehe Katie you make me laugh sometimes hehe.

I am not laughing at you more with you as you say it is more like a big city hehehehe that city has over 13 million people, more like a country than a city

[mazz]

Wonderful! It's an amazing city you'll have a fabulous time!

I went about 4 years ago and stayed in Sultanahmet - it's the perfect part of the city to stay to see the likes of the Blue Mosque (amazing, especially lit up by night!), Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace (you'll need a full day to see all of Topkapi!), the basilica cistern and there's a brilliant tram service running through Sultanahmet so you can easily get to the Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, the Bospherous and other places which lie just outside of Sultanahmet.
I did just one organised tour when I was there which was a day cruising the Bospherous, followed by a visit to Pierre Loti cafe which has fantastic views over the Bospherous (just a shame it rained that day!)

Make sure you buy a decent guide book and try and plan what you're going to see before you go... it's a huge place (yes JT, more like a country than a city!), with such a vast mix of people, wonderful smells, noise and bustle - it's an experience and a complete contrast to the sleepy summer resorts!

As with any other big city keep your wits about you and you'll be fine.

As I said it's the most amazing place, you'll get neck ache from looking upwards as everythings so high! I'd love to go back again, I spent a week there which just wasn't long enough!

Mazz

[Katiehutchinson_1991]

thanks john
i know its a little more than a big city
its weird to think how so many people fit into such a small area
can imagine lots of high raised buildings
xxxxx

[Zena]

Hi

We have been to Istanbul 3 time now before flying down to Icmeler to complete the rest of our holiday, the place is absolutely amazing. We stayed in the Sultanamhet area all 3 times. Do be brave and find out how to use the tram as it really gets you about the city well. That said all of the historical places to be visited in the Sultanamhet area are within walking distance. We only stayed for 4 nights at a time as we were on a 14 day holiday and needed the 10 at Ich. We found it quite inexpensive to eat as we used the street vendors, the fish sandwiches (Balek emlek, i think) down at the Galatta Bridge are to die for. An evening meal on the mentioned bridge is a must also. Efes was between 4 & 7 lira.

One thing we did which i would highly reccmmend is a visit to see the Whirling Dervishes, absolutely mesmorising. All the hotels have info stands to help you.

Writing this i am getting quite jealous....you WILL have an amazing time and WILL re-visit trust me

John (cummo)

xxx

[Madkitty]

we're off ourselves in a couple of weeks- cant wait!

[sandybeach]

Also visiting Istanbul this month for the first time, flying out from Gatwick on Jan 22nd.

[Madkitty]

Also visiting Istanbul this month for the first time, flying out from Gatwick on Jan 22nd.

how long are you going for - we go on 27th!

[sandybeach]

Also visiting Istanbul this month for the first time, flying out from Gatwick on Jan 22nd.

how long are you going for - we go on 27th!

I am going for a week, really looking forward to it. Hope the weather stays fairly dry.
Sandy

[Katiehutchinson_1991]

wow looks like there is a lot of people going to istanbul
hope everyone lets us all know what it was like on their return i might fancy going in the future
always been somewhere i would like to visit
xxxx

[blondie]

Same here, Katie - it's definitely at the top of my "must see" destinations!

[Katiehutchinson_1991]

yes me too will just have to persuade my boyfriend to take me there one day as he does live in izmir so not too far away
xxxx

[RebeccaAx]

You're all most kind, thank you so much for all of these comments. You have certainly made me feel a lot better.
Only 4 more weeks to go! To everyone else who will be going also, have a great time.
There will be pictures uploaded when I get back so you can see I've gone with your advice visiting everywhere.
Thanks again.

Rebecca.

[Katiehutchinson_1991]

cant wait to see your pictures Rebecca
bet your getting so excited now i know i am
xxxx