Anybody here been to Istanbul?

nollag2006

A word of warning: around Taksim Square, the tram street and in Sultahmed, you will find lots of "friendly" English speaking young males who are very anxious to "help" you. This offer of help will end up in your wallet being rapidly emptied. The Istanbul sting can be very expensive, with stories of tourists being ripped off for thousands of pounds.

Having said all that 99.9% of the local people are amazing, and it is a truly beautiful city, so don't let that spoil it for you.

Don't forget to try the fish sandwiches for lunch from the restaraunts on the Galatta bridge

I lived there for a spell, so PM me if you have any more questions

nm123_2

Thanks! I'm dead excited! OH was until I mentioned that Turkey could be as cold as London at Christmas (he was imagining beaches and 30 degrees :rolleyes:)....

nollag2006

nm123 wrote: »

Thanks! I'm dead excited! OH was until I mentioned that Turkey could be as cold as London at Christmas (he was imagining beaches and 30 degrees :rolleyes:)....

I moved there in January 2006, and we had over a foot of snow!

Truthmonkey

The Akbil has now been replaced by the Istanbulkart (you can still use an Akbil but they are gradually being phased-out).

There are a few good guides if you Google the word.

Major advtange over the Akbil is that you can buy them at ticket vending machines (which have an English option) and eventually they will be usable for museum entry, parking meters etc etc.

Rockporkchop

kawan2 wrote: »

This meant that we can walk to all the tourist sights in Sultanahmet and yet not hear the early calls for prayer from the mosque as mentioned by some people who stayed at the Sultanahmet area.

Oh the early prayer calls are a real killer! Our hotel had really rubbish windows so it was as if they were actually in our room. We were exhausted for the whole four days.

Loved Istanbul though, really amazing place. The Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, as people have said, are definitely worth a visit. The toilets in Istanbul leave a lot to be desired though!

arlybarly

Just watched the 3 oclock news and Istanbul has the heaviest rainfall for 80 years and its veryyyy flooded.