NFT: Been to Istanbul?

tripadvisor.com forum to Istanbul..

Istanbul is a fun city. Go out to experience the nightlife. It's fun and modern.

A boat ride up the Bosporus was fun but not essential. The market there was a tourist trap.

There were these stalls throughout the city selling mussels stuffed with rice. Delicious snack.

The mosques are impressive but no shoes = awful smell. There is a large palace whose name I forgot but is right along the Bosporus that is incredibly lush and beautiful/

Overall just a fun and interesting city. Keep an open mind and step off the beaten path a bit and explore in addition to the normal sites.

going to want to be on the European side of the city. I'd recommend not staying on the golden horn (where most tourists stay). You can take day trips to see all the sites there, but the better nightlife/dining is elsewhere. I stayed in Beyoglu, and it was a perfect location.

Carpets. Especially near the Blue Mosque. They will be friendly, talk to you, and even invite you to their house for food and drink then they will begin the hard push to sell you a rug.

Also be aware of the kids who come andnask to shine your shoes. One will shine the other will try to lift your wallet.

Istanbul is a lot of fun. Definately to the Bosphorous cruise especially up to the Black Sea if you can.

I just went to ATMs while there. It's really easy and safer than carrying a ton of money.

Never been on the Bucharest to Istanbul line. September and early October are your best bets

a must see. Istanbul is the only city in the world that is on two continents and definitely stay on the European side. One of the favorite cities that I've visited. Much more cosmopolitan than I would've anticipated. Food was good and the people were very friendly.

of recommendataions, but you will love it.

are you going to Bucharest? Unless you are continuing to Budapest, I'm not sure what's there for you. Much like Sofia, it is a capital city without a lot of charm in a country where there is much beauty and interest in the small villages and small cities.

Beautiful women, smelly men..

Go visit the Grand Bazaar. Been there since 1492. Go see the Galata Tower which was the fire watch tower on the European side. Topaki Palace is a must see, it will amaze you the money they wasted to just try to one up the previous rulers palace. Eat Donar and Iskander. The Basillica Cistern is a pretty interesting visit, also the Archaeology museum is really cool.

There is a walking plaza on the European side filled with high dollar stores that on a saturday is great for people watching. Also smoke a hookah under the bridge at night with a view of the Blue Mosque..Stunning.

Credit cards generally give you the best rate of exchange. Most of them charge a 3% fee for foreign transactions, but some don't. Call them and check if any are less than 3%.

use the ATM's to get cash. You'll save on the fees, which are excessive.

Went to the 'Bul last year.

Some insider tips.

Cemberlitas Hamam is where you want to get your Turkish bath.

Stay in Beyoglu.

Looking for something cool to do that's off the beaten path?
Go to the Adalar.

Also I went to EuroLeague hoops game, got a ticket from a scalper for about 10 bucks.

In comment 11823724 FatMan in Charlotte said:

Quote:

use the ATM's to get cash. You'll save on the fees, which are excessive.

Plus keep the receipt, it will show you have millions of dollars (its in Turkish money)in your account if you request a balance