One night in Istanbul

PeacefulSlumber

Hello globe trotters

My wonderful hubby has suprised me with a trip to New York for my 40th birthday next week and en-route we have a one night lay over in Istanbul. We don't live in the UK before you start wondering why we are flying this funny route!

We arrive in Turkey at about 3.00 on Saturday afternoon and fly out again early on Sunday morning.

We've never been to Istanbul before and wondered if anyone has any tips on how to spend a Saturday night there?

Can anyone give me a rough idea of how much a meal for two people might cost and whether taxi's are cheap or expensive?

I've only changed £50 into Turkish Lira so far but I'm thinking this may not be enough.

Thanks guys.

xx

Kernow666

www.tripadvisor.co.uk

blindman

PeacefulSlumber wrote: »

Hello globe trotters

My wonderful hubby has suprised me with a trip to New York for my 40th birthday next week and en-route we have a one night lay over in Istanbul. We don't live in the UK before you start wondering why we are flying this funny route!

We arrive in Turkey at about 3.00 on Saturday afternoon and fly out again early on Sunday morning.

We've never been to Istanbul before and wondered if anyone has any tips on how to spend a Saturday night there?

Can anyone give me a rough idea of how much a meal for two people might cost and whether taxi's are cheap or expensive?

I've only changed £50 into Turkish Lira so far but I'm thinking this may not be enough.

Thanks guys.

xx

Taxis are relatively cheap compared to UK but they can be a bit "dodgy" with fare fiddling etc

Which airport are you arriving\departing?

Ataturk is easier to Istanbul and you can use the metro to get into town (and around it).

Blue Mosque is the must see.

Meals can be cheap or as expensive as you like.

PompeyPete

If I only had one night in Istanbul, then I'd spend it in Sultanahmet [the Old Town], which is also the main tourist area.
Ataturk Airport is close, but if you are using Sabiha Gokcen Airport, then that's on Asian side and a good hour away by road.

Kedi_Yavrusu

I would go to Sultanahmet too, it is very atmospheric there. You can get some very good value and delicious food too.

Taxis aren't expensive but as mentioned above do make sure they turn the meter on when you get in so you know what you are paying.

Don't worry about taking more lira, if you need more you can change it out there.

ttoli

I travel to Istanbul about once a month ( Hours flight away)
, certainly I'd pick Sultanahmet as the best base .
I normally stay at http://nowyefendihotel.com.tr/ , they can collect you from either airport but if you are flying into Ataturk then the tram is much quicker ( Just 1 change at Zeytinburu. 40 Min journey). From the hotel both the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar / Spice Bazaar are an easy 5 min walk, Taxi's are reasonably priced BUT INSIST ON THE METER !!! Meal for 2 in a nice restaurant from 60 TL upwards ( £15 ).

Have a lovely time

PompeyPete

Watch out for the shoe-shine scam.

With taxi drivers count the fare out into the cabbies hand, and try and give exact money as they never seem to have any change.

Make sure the retaurant you go to has a clearly priced menu, including the wine/beer menu. If you just ask for a bottle of red wine then you'll probably be given the most expensive, so be wary.

Great city, one of the best in the world.

maman

Oooh I envy you. I do hope you enjoy it and I'm sure you'll want to return for longer.


I think you'll be arriving too late to get into the Tokapi place or Blue Mosque but like others have said just have a wander around the old town. There's a great buzz about the place.


Definitely go to the Grand Bazaar as that's open until early evening. It's not so much the stuff they sell in there (and much of it is stuff) but the architecture especially the vaulted ceilings and the general feel of the place. If you do want to shop then there are some lovely handbags or something as cheap as a scarf or pashmina.


I love Turkish food and I'm happy to eat somewhere fairly simple. Plenty of restaurants along the main street between the bazaar and the Blue Mosque. Even Burger King if you want!:rotfl:

PeacefulSlumber

Thanks guys, i love the sound of the old town, I think that's where we'll head. We are flying into Ataturk airport.

bigadaj

One of my favourite cities in the world, an afternoon isn't going to allow a lot.

For me the one must see is Aya Sofia, a wonder of the world. Given your timings then might struggle to see much, the ferries across the golden horn and across the Bosporus should run late, and give fantastic views and layout of the city.

Blue264

PeacefulSlumber wrote: »

Thanks guys, i love the sound of the old town, I think that's where we'll head. We are flying into Ataturk airport.

I was there for a wedding in August and stayed at The Blue House Hotel at the side of the Blue Mosque.

http://www.bluehouse.com.tr/english/default.asp

Their roof top restaurant has stunning views of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and across the Bosphorus. It's also where certain news stations do their broadcasts from to use the views as their backdrop. For me, it's one of the best places to be when the call to prayer is made.