Istanbul is a city break to be done. It is a place where there is lots of sightseeing, shopping, eating, exploring and discovering. I love Istanbul and find that everytime I go I learn something new about the old city. With so much to do I promise myself each time that my next stay will for a longer period but I have yet to stay long enough to satisfy my hunger for this city.
I have stayed in two very different types of accomodation in Istanbul, on my first visit I stayed at the Pera Palace, once visited my Agatha Christie and Ataturk himself. An extraordinary hotel with all the original features in place, the hotel has a certain mysterious air to it. The rooms are like the rest of the hotel, quite charming. The Pera Place is situated in Beyoglu which is the British version of Soho or Leicester Square with lots of life to it and plenty of cafes serving hot food both takeaway and for a cheap sit down meal.
On my last visit to Istanbul I stayed at a very simple hotel in Sultanahmet which was very clean and ideal for shopping as it was easy to access all areas from there. The square in Sultanahmet is quite spectacular with the mosques and a few tourist shops and adoreable places to eat which are rather quaint and friendly.
The accomodation was cheap more importantly clean and welcoming.
The joy of Istanbul is that the variety is so grand. You can shop as simply or exquistely as you like from Capitol Shopping Centre to Bagdat Caddesi or Nisantasi and the sales are amazing usually at the end of February.
As for sightseeing why not visit Dolmabache the grand Palace where Ataturk died and experience nothing short or something spectacular and breathtaking at the way in all has been preserved. Topkapi and the Blue mosque are another must see. Don't forget the Princess Islands to which to you can take a tour guided boat trip to.
Another treat for shopping and not to be missed in the bazaar which will dazzle you with his hundreds of jewellery shops. You will find the hospitallity of the locals very welcoming but don't forget to barter for your goods!
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I went to Istanbul in 1999...I went in December, I was there to welcome the new year...it was fantastic...It has been the best experience I have had in my time so far of travelling, its so different, and I loved learning about all the cultrues and things. Istanbul is an amazing place to visit ! ! Carol x
wulise 09.03.2001 11:29
Hello and welcome to the Ciao community. This is the first opinion that I have read of yours. I look forward to reading more. Louise
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Advantages: Istanbul is a very diverse city with endless cultural sights and beautiful landscapes. Food and nightlife are excellent and very different to the rest of Europe. Disadvantages: Traffic is an absolute mess. It can be hard to find a park or green spot downtown. The souvenir dealers and "guides" in the touristic areas can be very annoying.
From_The_Continent 18.02.2001 (21.07.2001)
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Review of Istanbul (Turkey)
Mar 9th, 2001
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