ISTANBUL (this summer)?

Question

pls explain the (weather, atrractions, the locals, & Shopping)

Answer 1

Man, Istanbul is so awesome. I went last October and would you believe that it snowed! Lots of museums and mosques to visit (Hagia Sophia, for one) and as far as shopping goes, you can spend HOURS in the Grand Bazaar, which boasts being the world's first shopping mall.

As far as the locals go, I would say that everyone is cool. I didn't experience any anti-American sentiments as people who were worried that I was going to Istanbul expected. I think that people will welcome you because they want you to spend your money! Also, I'm African American so when people see me, they normally can't make the connection that I'm American until I speak or something.

The food is absolutely delicious. Very reminiscent of Greek cuisine, understandably so. I was told that it's not a good idea to engage in any political rhethoric. I met a dude from Afghanistan at the Bazaar and he was really genuine!

Also, as far as souveneirs go, you'll be able to buy some great ones. The Turkish Lira is amazing when you're used to spending Euros. Also, a lot of places that I patronized accepted Euros, Turkish Liras, or whatever kind of currency you had!

Answer 2

Hi,

Something About Shopping;

My advice to visit Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi) ;

Kapalıcarsı is a great bazaar in Nuri Osmaniye and Beyazid Mosques and Mahmutpaşa Bazaar, made up of streets of various shops sheltered by roofs and domes. Though not very regularly shaped, it holds and area of about 31 thousand square meters. It has hundreds of domes which are covered with lead and windows. The nucleus of Kapalıçarşı is a Byzantine building which is today called Old Bedesten. The section of the bazaar where valuables and jewellery are bought and sold was commissioned by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror and the main great bazaar itself was commissioned during Kanuni Sultan Suleyman, on a wooden basis. Kapalıçarşı, today has a surface of 30.7 hectares, 61 streets, 10 wells, 4 fountains, 2 mosques and over 3 thousand shops, managed to claim its present look within 250 years.

Something weather;
These days really hot and wet ...

And My advice visit that site, you can finf lots of thing about Istanbul ;
http://english.istanbul.com/?Vst=2

Regards and Have Fun

Answer 3

weather is hot during summer w/ possible thunderstorms...attractions are thruout ranging from archeological museums, old souks/markets, four seasons hotel used to be the prison, mosques, synagogues, great local food. get a good guide book & map. shopping is easy & diverse --bargining is common -- look for local markets. istanbul is a great walking city w/ various communities -- part european, old oriental, ancient & modern. many taxis, mass transit, etc...you can book inexpensive flights to go around turkey or rent a car to get out of istanbul. have fun!!