Thread: Istanbul in September: Tell me where to go!

Glad to hear you're staying in Sultanahmet. So close to Blue Mosque, too--smart choice. You'll be able to see the mosque and Hagia Sophia at night. Easy access to trams--get your Istanbulkart! Did the hotel offer OW pickup at IST? I'd love to know what hotel you chose--I'm planning to take Boss for a few days sometime. Probably when I run out of spices! Take a look at that Steves' book and I'll ask my niece which restaurants we visited as a result--2 were really great--one was very low key; the other tres tres IST and AI. The AI menu place takes 10% off extravagant meal, wine, homemade hootch--nice patio--so romantic for the little lady! You'll be able to have your laundry done nearby. I highly recommend doing a Turkish bath experience, also.

Ok! I've done some more research and have my itinerary a lot more refined. Here's what I'm thinking now:

Tuesday, 2SEP: Arrive at IST. mrs767er, yes, my hotel does offer a one-way transfer from the airport with a 3-night stay. We're staying at the Basileus Hotel near the Blue Mosque. Our flight doesn't get in until 17:05, so I estimate we'll be at the hotel around 18:30-19:00 depending on customs. After dropping off our stuff at the hotel, go on a walk along the Golden Horn, basically between Karakoy and Sirkeci stations. Bed early, big day Wednesday!

Wednesday, 3SEP: Venture around Sultanahmet. German fountain, Hippodrome, columns in the area, Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Park, Hagia Sophia, and possibly Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum if we're running ahead of schedule and have the energy. Before I talk about the other things I have planned for this day, keep in mind that most of this is in the "walk by, take a picture or two, move on" category. After that, spend a couple hours at Topkapi Palace, and finish the day (at least during open hours) at the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market. Enjoy some nightlife (if you think as a couple in our mid-20s that means going to night clubs and partying, you'd be wrong. Generally like the more laid back scenes)

Thursday, 4SEP: Go to Galata Tower for some of those photo opportunities I can never resist. Then catch a ferry from Kabatas to Buyukada. Look around the island, but mostly unwind a bit. I may look for a few things to consider here, but overall it will probably be a bit more unstructured. Ferry to Kadikoy (Asian side). Walk along the coast there, get a bite to eat, say that I set foot in Asia during this trip. Ferry back to Kabatas. Take funicular to Taksim Square, hope there aren't any massive protests going ( ) and walk down Istiklal St. Really, anything goes here as well. Spend the evening similar to the evening before.

Friday, 5SEP: Hope loads are looking good. Try to go back to USA, but if we end up spending a night in EU, maybe DUB or CDG or something, well, that's not so bad either! Let's just say I've got a HUGE list of flights out of IST, generally on TK, and another list of flights from cities outside of North America to get back to NA.

Sounds grand and well thought out. I think you'll find Topkapi is very time-consuming. I understand some artifacts might not be viewable? We ended up discarding it (and we had 5 full days!) I wouldn't waste time at Istikal/Taksim unless you want to see Prada type stores and all the usual EU "designer" shops. The funicular is pretty cool tho--from historical viewpoint. Very short but fascinating. Be forewarned that both spice and grand bazaar get very crowded in afternoon, but so does every major site!If you're wiped out after arrival, just wander to lower S-Met or Dayulani (sp?0 for street eats. Plenty to be had all over. Best night life is finding a rooftop terrace and seeing the Bosphorus and the mosques at night.
You chose well, grasshopper!

Well, despite my normal travel habits, I actually put some rough times in my schedule that I didn't put in that post. Usually I take things as they go, but I wanted to make sure my schedule would actually be feasible. Anyway, I set aside 3 hours for Topkapi Palace, so I don't think it will be a problem if there's a lot to see!

I would loooove to go to a rooftop terrace somewhere. Can you suggest any? Or are they pretty easy to find?

Brian make sure to visit the Sultan’s bath (Topkapi Palace) . Gilded iron gates surrounds the bath to protect the sultan from assassins.
“Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.”

Originally Posted by spongebue

Well, despite my normal travel habits, I actually put some rough times in my schedule that I didn't put in that post. Usually I take things as they go, but I wanted to make sure my schedule would actually be feasible. Anyway, I set aside 3 hours for Topkapi Palace, so I don't think it will be a problem if there's a lot to see!

I would loooove to go to a rooftop terrace somewhere. Can you suggest any? Or are they pretty easy to find?

They are all over S-Met, near your hotel. I think you're located at the lower part but not sure but if so, go up toward Arasta Souk and you'll see them. They have hawkers out on the streets at night. Just ask the desk--there are lots near the Blue Mosque--every price range--if nothing else, have a beer or a wine and take in the view. You can look around near the Azade Hotel and several are open. Up the street are some restaurants w/cisterns, too. Just stop in a hotels and ask for rates, then ask about the neighborhood. You can't imagine how people can be.

Originally Posted by Migflanker

Brian make sure to visit the Sultan’s bath (Topkapi Palace) . Gilded iron gates surrounds the bath to protect the sultan from assassins.
“Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.”

Do you wear one in the bath, Mig?

Originally Posted by mrs767er

Do you wear one in the bath, Mig?

I know I sure do.

Originally Posted by mrs767er

Do you wear one in the bath, Mig?

I’ll never tell.