Istanbul - Site seeing suggestions

oatybiscuit

Hi,

I'm travelling to Istanbul on 8th of March and back on the 12th. Will have 3 full days. Staying quite central.

Looking for ideas on things to do, sites to see etc. Also any helpful tips and anything/places I should avoid.

Also has one else been there around that time of the year? What's the weather like? I'm dreading that it's going to be cold wet and windy like the UK!

Thanks!

totallybored

The Grand Bazaar, buy some scarves and lanterns. Then the spice market and buy far too many spices (take a Tupperware box with you to put them in). Get the ferry to the Asian side and have a picnic of kebab chip sandwiches on the rocks with a view of the Bosphorus and Blue Mosque. Go to the fish stalls opposite the spice market on an evening and buy fish sandwiches. Buy more lanterns. Drink beer. French Street is pretty in the summer for drinking but it might be a bit cold. There is a street full of fish restaurants off the main shopping street that is quite cheap and has loads of rooftop bars. Taxis are cheap and so is the tram etc.

melisende

if you are going for the history, there is so much. the Topkapi Palace is amazing, (make sure to bring cash as they didnt take credit cards when i was there is 2010). the Hagia Sofia is an immense space but easy to find a quick corner to take in the majesty of it. in the Hagia and Chora church (mosaics) you will see cats- friendly cats that will be gladly be petted and on your lap. visit the hippodrome and take in the Turkish and Islamic Artmuseum which is on the same street.
if going to the chora church, make sure you know exactly where you are going as it is a true neighbhood, where they dont speak english.
try the pistacio baklava- divine!
have a wonderful trip!

oatybiscuit

Thanks for the suggestions so far.. pls keep them coming

I should probably say that I enjoy exploring culture, food (local), shopping (again local) and architecture - will especially be keen on exploring Islamic architectural/historical sites in Istanbul...

yellowmug

Don't miss the Istanbul archeaological museum - it's amazing. If you're particularly interested in Islamic art, the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum is well worth visiting too.

Nevizhade Sokak in Beyoglu is the place for authentic local meyhanes (tavernas). You could be lucky with the weather - Istanbul is cold and wet in the winter but should be better in early March.

littlereddevil

Have a look on the trip advisor forums, loads of advice on there

oatybiscuit

Thanks for the further suggestions. Am compiling a list of places to read up on further...

Was wondering if any one has tried the bus tour services in Istanbul. Is it worth taking a tour and which tour company would you recommend?

Also any suggestions on eating out places for good, local food options? Doesn't have to ultra posh, but somewhere descent where we can experience the culture and food at descent prices and in a relaxing atmosphere with family (no kids).

Thanks.

melanzana

oatybiscuit wrote: »

Hi,

I'm travelling to Istanbul on 8th of March and back on the 12th. Will have 3 full days. Staying quite central.

Looking for ideas on things to do, sites to see etc. Also any helpful tips and anything/places I should avoid.

Also has one else been there around that time of the year? What's the weather like? I'm dreading that it's going to be cold wet and windy like the UK!

Thanks!

Hi, I just opened a thread on a similar theme.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4472569

The info on this and the other one is Great.

Maybe the mods might MERGE? Thanks.

oatybiscuit

Thanks I'll read up on that thread too. Got lots of reading up to do as I'm only just skim reading the responses atm.

Sorry I have one more question. What's the best way to get from Ataturk airport to the hotel?

The hotel address is

Best Western Plus The President Hotel Istanbul
Tiyatro Cd No:25 Beyazit 34126 Istanbul - Turkey
http://www.thepresidenthotel.com/

It'll be 4 of us incl my mum so I'm keen to take the taxi (we'll have probably 3/4 average size bags) if it's not too expensive.

Tiglath

I recommend the Topkapi Palace if it's not already on your list, but be cautious around the Muslim relics if you're female. I found the atmosphere in the Chamber quite 'fraught' (very odd feeling) and got kicked and pushed a few times by men even though I was decently covered and behaved respectfully.

fluffpot

The Basilica cisterns are AMAZING and out of the wet... but don't fall in!