can anyone offer travel tips on Istanbul?

Answer 1

Istanbul is an amazing city. It is the place where two continents meet, both geographically and culturally. Above all, it is a city with a great energy, very dynamic and lively.
When you go there, you must see Higha Sophia, The Blue Masque and Topkapi Palace (all in the European part of the city, in the quarter called Sultan-Ahmet, at a walking distance one from another), Dolmabahce Palace (at the European bank of Bosphorus), Taksim Square and Istiklal Cadesi (street) in the very center of the modern city, modern quarters like Beyoglu, Sisli and Besiktas as well, Golden Horn (a small gulf snicking the European part of Istanbul) and of course Bosphorus (including cruising, that will enable you to have a spectacular view not only of Bosphorus itself and its gorgeous bridges, but also of splendid palaces at its banks)... and much more!!! Keep in mind this is just a beginning...
Have a pleasant trip and a good time!

Answer 2

I just answered this question (look at my answer profile), but I wanted to add that you need to keep an eye on your wallet where-ever you go, not just Istanbul. Actually, you are far more likely to get robbed in Edinburgh than Istanbul (a recent study - google it if you want more info - I don't have time to).

However, if you want to feel safe, bring a decoy wallet, and fill it with old cards, etc. This actually worked for me: I was pickpocketed in the tourist areas at the Yenikapi train station.

Have a great time! (Visit Buyukada! Topkapi, the Underground Cistern, Aya Sophia, Blue Moasque, Grand Bazaar, ...)

Answer 3

that's going to likely be chilly in December, yet on occasion the elements in Istanbul is insane so it will be outstanding then. also, Turks overheat the insides of homes, so that you need to convey outerwear equipped to iciness, yet also convey clothing equipped to summer. there is not any authentic recommendations for custom - that's a huge, cutting-edge city. examine up on the traditional scams concentrated on travelers in Turkey. in case you imagine someone is being creepy, do not hardship about walking away or telling him to bypass away. you do not aspect out your funds and so on., that can dramatically impact the position you may want to/might want to stay and devour. you need to really attempt mezes and raki once you're there, gozleme, ayran, Turkish breakfast, and contained in the iciness they are going to have sahlep that's scrumptious. The Chora church, in my opinion, is better effective than the aya sofia (yet no longer as enormous). you may want to bypass there, then see the city walls, then bypass as a lot as Eyup (that's a touch conservative portion of Istanbul) to work out a suited view of the city - or take a deliver journey there or back for a unprecedented view. The Eyup mosque is a pilgrimage website - the biggest in Islam that non-Muslims can get into, so as that's fairly cool. yet another day in Sultanahmet might want to comprise the Aya Sofia, Blue Mosque, hippodrome+different statutes contained in the sq., the Basilica Cistern (my well-liked) and the Topkapi palace. that's cool to bypass to the Asian aspect basically to work out it (fairly diverse than the european aspect of Istanbul), yet there are not as many vacationer places there. yet another day going to the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar, searching on the recent Mosque, walking in the technique the Eminonu bridge (over and lower than), walking through Tophane and probably smoking nargile in case you want, then as a lot as Istiklal to stroll to Taksim sq.. i might want to bypass the Dolmabahce palace, yet that's because i don't love searching at loopy ornate issues - yet in case you had to bypass, you need to. possibly a replica of Lonely Planet might want to help you out when you're there.

Answer 4

I don't have tips but I live there
when you came, İf you need to know something, or need an advise ... just contact with me by yahoo messenger ...

Answer 5

Keep an eye on your wallet