Ive just booked my holiday - Istanbul

[SteveEscort]

I am going to visit my friend in Bodrum, Turkey in a week and a bit's time as I do every year but I am going a bit earlier so as there's no direct flights time of year I am doing a 3 day stop off in Istanbul and booked myself a lovely 5 star authentic Turkish hotel recommended on Tripadvisor then onto Bodrum for a week.

 

Any tips on Istanbul

[bigvalboy]

Istanbul is absolutely wonderful...very inexpensive by US standards. The ruins of Ephesus is a must see, you will need the better part of a day to see the whole site properly. Another must see are the many 'carpet manufuctures'. Turkish carpets are some of the most exquisite in the world. Should you decide to buy, make sure that the company that you deal with has a good reputation for safe shipping back to the US. I opted not to buy because of cost, most are really pricey, and the fear that it would never arrive in the States. Good luck, and enjoy your trip, the food and the people are amazing..we went in March so the weather this time of year should be absolutely perfect.

[justaguy]

Get Rick Steves’ travel book on Istanbul. It’s excellent. You want to check in advance wants closed on the days you’ll be there. Your time is limited so I would suggest you skip the Grand Bazaar. However, I had a great time at the Spice Market. Be sure to avail yourself of a Turkish bath. It’s a unique experience and one that leaves you feeling incredibly clean. I loved Istanbul and look forward to going again and again. Enjoy!

[cany10011]

Steve, you will LOVE your trip to istanbul. Was there a few years ago. A few places stand out: visit the spice market/grand bazaar, do a boat ride across the bosphorus to the asian side- have dinner at Korfez, do a traditional hamman and get massaged by a burly turk, visit galata tower for a view of the city, visit maison de tapis for vintage carpets, go to the blue mosque and aja sofia. I found the prices of carpets in ephesus pretty reasonable and found a nice silk carpet that was one tenth the price at ABC Carpet in manhattan (300 vs. 3000). It's worth buying an extra suitcase! Enjoy your trip. I'm sure you'll have fun. It's quite a sensory experience

[+ Charlie]

I watched the final tournament of the Women's Tennis Assn. televised this year from Istanbul, and the visuals of the city were remarkable. It definitely is next on my bucket list of exotic places to visit.

[JoeyBryant]

All I know is the Dance music out of Istanbul is hypnotic. Some of the best D.J. tracks come out of Turkey, I'd love to go clubbing out there someday.

[SteveEscort]

Istanbul is absolutely wonderful...very inexpensive by US standards. The ruins of Ephesus is a must see, you will need the better part of a day to see the whole site properly.

 

I've been, loved it, I've also been to Pammukkale. I go to Turkey to visit my friend every year but never been brave enough to visit Istanbul. I am staying in a luxury typical turkish hotel opposite the blue mosque so really looking forward to it.

 

Roll on 8th February