Istanbul > Istanbul Experience

Advantages: everything is cheap and good!
Disadvantages: no one speaks good english, strange(pervers) religion, infernal trafic

...if you are going to Istanbul by car I suggest that you leave your car somewhere outside Istanbul and travel durring your stay by bus, tramvai, ships. The trafic is infernal, by entering this city by car you risk turning your vehicle into a piece of junk. Also if you seek cearfuly you will find great hotels to stay in at 15-20 Euro- in the center! You just have to plan your trip in time and going to Istanbul can become a wonderful, cheap vacation! ... Read review

Advantages: Great shopping, Interesting sites
Disadvantages: Very Busy

...husband and I stayed in Istanbul for about 6 days last December on our way to Diyarbakir. We stayed in Hotel Devran, just off the main street in Taksim. It was small and probably not well known with tourists. It was very basic but clean and the staff were very friendly. It was only about 35ytl (around £14) for both of us per night. I loved Taksim, it was great for shopping and had some really nice restaurants and cafes. It was really easy to get ...
...they are definately on my to do list for next time. I really enjoyed Istanbul and will definately be going back someday soon. It was one of my favourite places in Turkey. I would totally recommend it but not for a summer holiday as it's definately not a beach resort ... Read review

Advantages: Lots to see, friendly people
Disadvantages: Very exhausting, wheelchair users will have big problems in getting around

...As I had visited Istanbul before my relocation and loved the city, I always made sure that this stop-over was not only going to happen there, but would also last a minimum of 3 days - rather then the usual 30 minutes pit-stop it would take to reach the UK, or anything between 1-8 hours, as in my case, to reach Germany. With my husband being Turkish-Cypriot and having friends in Istanbul we didn't have to bother with accommodation. "Lucky you" I ...
...To get around in Istanbul is fairly easy. If you have a centrally located hotel you can do quite a bit by walking. Make sure to wear very comfortable shoes, as the pavements are very uneven (a real killer with high-heels) and full of pot-holes, big enough to bury a cat inside. The pavements are also very high, so crossing the road can be a bit of a climb and, if like us, you are travelling with small children, who still need a buggy, be prepared ... Read review

Advantages: Weather, lovely views, friendly people, food terrific
Disadvantages: Culture shock, sunburn,

The burning hot sun made me head for the cool refreshing waters of the pool immediately. What a relief to see the beach bar open so I could head there next for a beer. The sea splashed its waves along the shoreline. The views were breathtaking and I almost had to pinch myself to see if this was a dream. As I wandered into town later that day, it was a dramatic culture shock. A few beggars lined the street and as I turned the corner I saw shop after ...
...heaven. Out came my purse and before I knew it I was heading back to the hotel heavily laden with bags of gifts for the family back home. Another dip in the pool and several drinks later I closed my eyes. Nothing could beat this calm and wondrous place. I was in heaven. The food was fantastic and the drinks were cool and inviting just like the cool depths of the sea or the pool which is where the majority of my time was spent. Well worth a visit. ... Read review

Advantages: Feels very different with only a 3 hour flight
Disadvantages: Not very restful - not a family holiday destination

...the Venice one immediately. ISTANBUL - A UNIQUE PLACE For one thing, it's the only city in the world that spans two continents. Indeed, if it wasn't for the fact that one third of its people live in Asia, it would knock London off its 'Europe's Largest City' pedestal by a few million souls. In truth, the city is in three parts, two in Europe and one across the entrance to the Bosphorus in Asia. The two European parts are separated by a stretch ...
...Sea Of Marmara, and Asian Istanbul beyond completed the panorama. PLACES TO GO - PEOPLE TO SEE I don't suppose many first-time visitors to Istanbul would come away without a visit to The Blue Mosque. This is a magnificent structure, the second largest outside Mecca, I'm told, and daring to equal it with 6 minarets. To be honest, I found the interior rather disappointing. We went on a dull day, so sunshine wasn't pouring through the stained glass. ... Read review