Did anyone take city tours or explored on their own. I will only have 3 days and don't want to waste time figuring out transportation. Advise me please.

Hi, I replied in a different query recently that we stayed in Hotel Angel's Home in Sultanahmet, and really liked it. It is a small boutique hotel within just a few blocks of the major sites, yet a quiet neighborhood at night. I don't think it's a 4 star, but maybe a 3 star? Not sure. We also did airport pickup through them, but a taxi would have been fine. Beautiful buffet breakfast every morning on the rooftop deck, with the Bosphorous in one direction and the Blue Mosque in the other.

We went about 6 or 7 years ago, and had a fantastic experience. Loved the people, food, sites, culture. Stayed 5 days and packed a lot in, but would have loved a few more days. We will definitely return!

Enjoy!

Ugh. go to Riga.

I am going to Istanbul too in spring break. Can't wait. I am looking forward to more responses to this post. My friends were there few weeks ago and they are in love with this city

So go - stay in the (as described online) "slum" area that Sarai stayed in (heard it was a good deal). Buy stuff from the huge mismatched piles in the streets. Take pictures of the caves where homeless people may have hidden bodies. I would suggest not even looking at the starving dogs all over every park, with open festering wounds - as that is really hard to take. In other words, have fun - it's Istanbul. A great city.

Anonymous wrote:She died in Istanbul "touristing." It is a dangerous place for women -- as evidenced by the research of several international organizations. I was grabbed by random men on the street (boobs and butt). And we stayed at a 5-star restaurant near the main mosque. Hooray -- we were greeted to loud morning prayer howls broadcast at 5 AM PLUS cockroaches running all around the room. There are stray dogs with open festering wounds wandering all over Istanbul. The food places are disgusting, except for the Four Seasons. The sales stalls are huge piles of stuff -- you want shoes? Here's a big ass pile of shoes, unmatched, all sizes, all colors, why don't you find a pair (while one person pickpockets you and 16 carpet salesmen harass you). A foul place... really. Other parts of Turkey - great. Istanbul? FOUL.

Wow, this could not be more opposite of my experience. I've traveled quite a bit to lots of different places so I'm used to cultural differences, but honestly I found Istanbul to be lovely, charming, and quite safe for a big city. The people are gregarious, esp the salesmen, but they are harmless, and anyone who's traveled a bit or lived in a big city will know how to nip any weirdness in the bud. And the food is amazing! I have no idea where PP ate or stayed but if it was close to the blue mosque (sultanahmet) it is definitely not one of the hip, vibrant neighborhoods with the more desirable hotels (other than the four seasons, which is the only nice hotel in that area). That's like getting a hotel room in southwest DC and declaring you don't like DC . (I know SW has come a long way but you get the drift.). You could have a bad experience anywhere if you don't know the right places to go, but I loved Istanbul and can't wait to get back!

Anonymous wrote:She died in Istanbul "touristing." It is a dangerous place for women -- as evidenced by the research of several international organizations. I was grabbed by random men on the street (boobs and butt). And we stayed at a 5-star restaurant near the main mosque. Hooray -- we were greeted to loud morning prayer howls broadcast at 5 AM PLUS cockroaches running all around the room. There are stray dogs with open festering wounds wandering all over Istanbul. The food places are disgusting, except for the Four Seasons. The sales stalls are huge piles of stuff -- you want shoes? Here's a big ass pile of shoes, unmatched, all sizes, all colors, why don't you find a pair (while one person pickpockets you and 16 carpet salesmen harass you). A foul place... really. Other parts of Turkey - great. Istanbul? FOUL.

None of the above means people should be discouraged from visiting this great city. What you like or dislike does not determine other people's interests. You cannot expect to find USA wherever you go. I agree there are risks but would not agree it is a dangerous place. As with any travel, you need to be watchful of your surroundings.

She died in Istanbul "touristing." It is a dangerous place for women -- as evidenced by the research of several international organizations. I was grabbed by random men on the street (boobs and butt). And we stayed at a 5-star restaurant near the main mosque. Hooray -- we were greeted to loud morning prayer howls broadcast at 5 AM PLUS cockroaches running all around the room. There are stray dogs with open festering wounds wandering all over Istanbul. The food places are disgusting, except for the Four Seasons. The sales stalls are huge piles of stuff -- you want shoes? Here's a big ass pile of shoes, unmatched, all sizes, all colors, why don't you find a pair (while one person pickpockets you and 16 carpet salesmen harass you). A foul place... really. Other parts of Turkey - great. Istanbul? FOUL.

Anonymous wrote:NP here. Were you within walking distance of the Aya Sofia, Blue Mosque, etc. ?

IIRC, those are on the Asia side of the Bosphorus, but the European side might be better for a hotel.

You can't blame "Istanbul" for her death. Isolated incidents can happen in any city. Beside that there are other rumors surrounding her death. This can be covered in another topic. Leave this to posting alone requesting hotel suggestions in Istanbul.

Anywhere besides where Sarai Sierra stayed.

How many days are good to cover all important sites in Istanbul. I know some people will say 10 days or month to get the flavor of Istanbul, but as working guy I do not have luxury to spend 10-15 days in one city.

NP here. Were you within walking distance of the Aya Sofia, Blue Mosque, etc. ?

We stayed in Besiktas, which is a very popular "local" neighborhood with lots of shops and restaurants. The hotel we stayed in (the W) is probably out of your price range, but I definitely think you can find something good for under $200. Another option would be to stay in the Sultanahmet area, which is closer to a lot of the major attractions you will want to see, but much more touristy and a bit sketchier, particularly at night.

My dream trip to Istanbul is coming up. A lot of planing needs to be done. Checking with experienced travelers for their advise on hotels in Istanbul. Is it possible to get 4+ star hotel under $200. I have no idea about the city. Please suggest me the central area and possible good hotels.