City Guide Istanbul, Turkey

Love Istanbul!

I absolutely love Istanbul. There are so many contradictions! Rich/poor, conservative/modern, historical/modern and so on! There is a great atmosphere and mixture! Lots to see and to explore, great nightlife, and nice restaurants! Generally not expensive at all.

(The) Istanbul

Istanbul is an amazing city, that never sleeps. there is always something thing to do. it has a mixture of cultures and religions that date for centuries. It has plentiful shops. breath taking views of the architechture & bosphorus. the locals are friendly.

Insider Tip:if your out shoping dont be shy to haggle and if that is not getting the results you want, try the walking away trick.

Istanbul

great city. There are cats and dogs that are living in the city. They are friendly and don't bite. The city feeds them. They are well cared for.

Insider Tip:Enjoy yourself people are friendly in Istanbul.

Istanbul - fun, but don't expect to relax

A very fun city, teeming with life, very often verging on chaos (I couldn not imagine what it would be like to be a driver in this city). Incomparable sights and historical landmarks, incredible history. My biggest gripes are that so much of the city seemed to be geared solely towards tourists, in Sultanahmet someone is always in your face trying to get you to buy something or sign up for some tour or the like. Expect to be busy, don't expect to relax.

Insider Tip:Make sure to also get to the European side and visit Galata Tower, the nearby Tunel neighborhood and the party wonderland that are the outdoor mall and alleys teeming with bars along Istikal Ave

Istanbul is the place to be!!!

What a beautiful city! Highly recommend Sophia (Blue Mosque is over rated) YOU NEED TO VISIT RENA (the night clubbing place) if you have a spare 150 TL, go there for dinner and hang out in the nightclub after - one of the most awesome experiences of my life!! Good food and good nightlife! Any age is acceptable (get your fancy pants on though). The trams are the best way to see the city, they are direct and easy (once you've figured them out) Everyone speaks English, and if they don't they will still try

Insider Tip:The Spice Markets were little and not that impressive, if you walk out the back, in the opposite direction to the tram station you will find another set of 'local' markets/shops OUTSIDE. We were THE ONLY tourists for miles... I felt as If I had discovered the real Turkey. Would not recommend it for solo women travelers though as it's a little intimidating. Best markets.... no tourist shops... not much hassling from locals. The locals will rip you off (especially restaurants and taxis) - try to bargain