I want advice about Istanbul in Mid March and the ease of public transport, hostel s for a single woman?

Question

how many days? day trips to near by region?

Answer 1

Istanbul is a fantastic city.

You can feel at home, and quite safe - just be sensible and try not to give offence by entering mosques wearing just shorts!

For accomodation, I'd suggest you stay in one of the international hostels in the old city, I stayed there and it was superb, you will automatically be with other travellers you can meet and see the sights with. The best one is the Antique Hostel near the Four Seasons Hotel (private with ensuite costs around £17 GBP a night with air-con, free breakfast and internet access!)

Also, the long-distance buses in Turkey are excellant, a far cry from the UK. They're all air conditioned.

The best advice I can give you if you want go further afield is to join the Fez Bus tour - thet way you will be with other like-minded travellers who also want to discover the country and not just see the inside of hotels!

see my links below for all the info you need.

So, buy yourself a Lonely Planet or Rough Guide to Istanbul / Turkey, get phrasebook, read up on the place, and GO!

Happy Trails

Philip

Answer 2

As a single woman living in Istanbul, I recommend the Stone Hotel as a decent hostel. ( http://www.stonehotel.net) The staff are friendly and helpful and the view from the terrace is great. It's only two blocks from the Hippodrome in historic (okay, and very touristy) Sultanahmet and a short walk to the tram which can take you to most places you'll want to go. A number of single women from all over the world stay there, so it is easy to find someone to walk around with. The staff can arrange day trips for you to see the city, go to the Prince's Islands, to Troy or whatever strikes your fancy. I live just around the corner, so feel free to contact me with any questions.
Don't worry about safety. Just as with being in any large city, you need to be alert. A word of advice, have a purse that you wear across your shoulder.

Re comments on cars and trams and dairy products. Many people I know here are not poor and yet they do not own cars - automobiles are quite expensive and the price of gas (petrol) makes me blink and parking is a logistical nightmare. The trams are clean and a efficient way of getting around; business people do use them on a daily basis. Goat cheese and yogurt and ayran (a yogurt drink) are pretty much staples here. Milk (mostly in boxed form) is sold at every market.

Answer 3

Mid March , hmmm If you ask me April and May is a better time to visit Istanbul ( cause its warmer and spring!! ) Anyhow March is good too.. Istanbul is fabulous through out the year.

As a tourist Better use taxis or metro hmm the Trolley too. Buses can get a little crowded time to time. Public transport is safe however try to avoid 5pm-8pm since its when Work Periods end and you get this amazing crowd of people wonderin around to get home lol and tht funny busy traffic tht blows your nerves out ahah anyhow I'm sure u ll be having a good time. People r great, Istanbul is terrific. Stay around in hotels about Taksim Beyoglu.. Cause its Central to anyplace worth visiting.

Have Fun

Answer 4

I agree with the other guys who've answered. I've spent a lot of time there (work) and I feel occasionally insecure, even though I'm male. They are not by nature rude, aggressive or anything else but you didn't grow up in their culture and will stick out like a sore thumb. Everybody owns a car except the very poor - if you try to use busses or trams you will, ipso facto, be rubbing shoulders with the very poor. These guys will probably not speak much english.They have no trains.

A hint on ettiquette.
Dairy products are not part of the average Turkish Diet. If you eat cheese or drink milk from a cow, they can smell it on you and to them it's rancid and unpleasant. You ever talked to a guy who got smashed the night before on dark rum and then ate a garlic pizza? putting milk in your tea is just as bad to them. (but they won't tell you, they'll just talk about you behind your back)

Even though Turkey is a secular state, the predominant religion is Islam. Learn enough about it to avoid inadvertently causing offence and do not for crying out loud behave like a bra-burning feminist.

Read up on a guy called Ataturk.

If you see stray dogs be aware that they are feral - even the ones that look cute and cuddly at first. If the animal doesn't have a large plastic tag in it's ear, it hasn't been vaccinated (some charities/individuals treat the strays then let them go again). If it hasn't been vaccinated, it may be rabid. Find out what the "current" colour code is (they change the tag-colour every year for easy recognition)

Answer 5

You can feel at home ! Istanbul is safer than most big western metrocities, much more safer than New York for example. You can stay 5-7 days. You may also visit Cappadocia, Pamukkale or Ephesus for a few days in March. For some bugget packages see: http://www.travelagencyturkey.com/

Answer 6

I have visited Turkey for twenty three years and lived here for the last three.I would definately not recommend this country for a visit by a single female as attacks on women are on the increase in all areas,Istanbul is very bad for handbag and telephone thefts from the person.I NOTE SOMEONE SAYS tURKS DONT EAT DAIRY PRODUCTS THE WORD YOGHURT IS TURKISH AND CHEESE IS A LARGE PART OF DIET.

Answer 7

Highly not recommend a trip to Turkey, Istanbul alone for a girl, a single western girl on a bus alone in Turkey, you are asking for trouble

Answer 8

You've gotta be careful when you travel alone in Istanbul. Much better if you could get some one to accompany you , that way it is much more fun.

Answer 9

ask at a Tourism Information Office when you came to Istanbul.This way is very easy and comfort.

Answer 10

go for it go to istanbul you will love it