Istanbul - Site seeing suggestions

oatybiscuit

Tiglath.. sorry to hear about your experience.

Just for some context in response to your reply, I'm a bloke and will be travelling with my mrs, sister and my mum. The ONLY guy in the group, that should be interesting

totallybored

oatybiscuit wrote: »

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.

The first time I went I booked a transfer from the airport online. Have a search of trip advisor but it was something like Istanbul transfers. Cost just over €20 but it was my first visit and I was unsure about taxis. Last time I went I took the transfer option from my hotel and they added it to my bill. Again it was about €25 which is more than a taxi but I arrived on a very busy Saturday afternoon before a holiday and the roads were a nightmare so it didn't seem too bad. I can't remember the cost of the taxi back to the airport, it might have been 30 something lira.

Tiglath

It was just that one brief experience - I had a fabulous time in Istanbul, one of the best holidays I've had, and am planning to go back.

oatybiscuit

totallybored wrote: »

The first time I went I booked a transfer from the airport online. Have a search of trip advisor but it was something like Istanbul transfers. Cost just over €20 but it was my first visit and I was unsure about taxis. Last time I went I took the transfer option from my hotel and they added it to my bill. Again it was about €25 which is more than a taxi but I arrived on a very busy Saturday afternoon before a holiday and the roads were a nightmare so it didn't seem too bad. I can't remember the cost of the taxi back to the airport, it might have been 30 something lira.

That's useful info, thanks.

My online research is suggesting similar costs. I just found that the hotel offers transfer @ 25 euros one way. I wonder how it compares to taxi charges from the airport to my hotel above. If anyone who uses or has used taxi there recently comment pls?

MrsE_2

Whenever I visit turkey I always have a Turkish bath & massage after:-)

oatybiscuit

oatybiscuit wrote: »

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.

Any suggestions for the above anyone?

zzzLazyDaisy

For four people a taxi is going to be more cost effective than transfers, just make sure you have soft holdalls so they will squish in the boot or sit on your knee.

[Deleted User]

We used the hop on hop off bus, worked fine ,would also recommend the boat trip up the Bosphorus and a must for us of an evening was Istiklal Avenue leading to Taksim square. It is pedestrianised, full of cafes & restaurants, street entertainers, Christmas lights in June!!! and a really good atmosphere, it is near the Galata tower, during the day it still has a nice atmosphere and a very old tram that boys hang on the back to get a free ride

oatybiscuit

I came back from Istanbul yesterday and I had a brilliant time while I was there! Thanks to everyone for the helpful responses - it really helped me in planning my trip.

Istanbul really is a magical city. The only thing I didn't like about my trip is that it was not long enough...:( I will try to post a travel report soon and share my experiences with you all