Istanbul in September: Tell me where to go!

I know I've talked about this briefly before, but I think starting a thread to create a general TODO list and otherwise discuss my plans may be a good idea. Basically, I'll be spending some time with distant in-laws in Norway, and the wife and I would like to explore more of Europe afterward. At first Spain was a big contender, but since we've both been there before, we decided to try something new. But we'd also like to stay in Europe so we don't spend too much time in airplanes. Looking east, Istanbul came to mind. My friend/former coworker has spent a lot of time out there, and absolutely LOVES that city. Others that have been there seem to all have good things to say about it, too. My dad thought I was "out of [my] flippin mind" when I told him about that idea, but seems to have relaxed a bit more. Though if anyone has any comments about safety, I'm all ears.

Anyway, when we travel, here's what I tend to look for:
Food and drink - anything unique and specialized to an area, I'm in. This is one of my favorite things about traveling. Willing to try new things within reason, though the wife is the type that hates to eat anything that's looking back at you.

Transportation: walking and public transit are great. Taxis not so much. Car rental is an absolute no-no.

Interests: Find me places where I can take some good pictures. Views of the city as a whole are awesome, but individual places are also great. Nothing that costs an arm and a leg. Shopping is absolutely of interest as well - but again, I'm a cheap person, so no upscale malls or anything. Some kind of a beach would also be great.

Here's my general plan outline, not set in stone except for arrival and departure:

Monday:
Arrive in IST later in the day, even later yet to the hotel. Probably take it easy.

Tuesday:
Explore Asian side of city

Wednesday:
Go to Princes' Islands. This is probably where the beach will come into play. Thinking Buyukada?

Thursday:
Explore European side of city, stay somewhere with decent transportation to airport for midday flight back to USA. In other words, along the M1 metro line.

Friday:
Fly back to USA (or possibly Canada :) )

I'm also weighing options with hotels, either having a "home base" hotel or a different hotel for each region. On one hand, it would be nice to have a familiar place to stay at every night and not totally live out of a suitcase. On the other, it might be nice to not have to spend too much time just to go back to the hotel room, and see some of the nightlife of these different places.

Ok now, give me your thoughts. 76'er, you must have been to IST at some point!

I totally missed this post--must be due to non-nonrev chatter threads.
OK--Skip Princes Island/beach experience: IST is not a beach destination. Spend your time wandering around the city. Use Istanbulkart for transport.
I'd minimize your Asia time--take the 12TL ferry (pay attention to departure times) recommended on TA IST forums. BorusTheTaurus and Enigma2007 are your best friends. Also Busy-Retired has a great perspective on IST. Stay away from Istikal Street--Prada yadda yadda...
The Guide to Istanbul's Public Transportation System - Istanbul Forum - TripAdvisor

Do not miss the spice bazaar--best stuff is booth 51. Plenty of other goodies tho. Best meatballs EVER--Tarihi Sultanahmet Koftesi. Right down the street is Mada goat milk ice cream--plain is the BEST!! We tried wet burger--YUK. Loved doner kebab same street(Divanulo?) on tram route Cemberlitas. The street food is fascinating--try the sweetbreads, spit roasted and wrapped w/intestines if you dare--it actually looks tasty and I like sweetbreads. Take good guidebook like Rick Steve's (current one written by 2 others) for self touring. Grand Bazaar is pretty fun--you can bargain for goodies!
I recommend Sultanahmet for small hotels. So many--PM if you want more advice--give me price range, etc.
There is SO MUCH to see--stick to what you really want to see/eat/do or wander around--either will work! Hope that info helps. I am so happy to see someone else soaking up IST.

Thank you, I knew you'd come through for me! :)

After talking with the Father-in-law and the wife, it's now looking like we may stay in Norway one extra day to see Oslo (the rest of our time will be in smaller cities where relatives/ancestors live/come from) so the trip will be reduced to Tuesday-Friday, with us arriving Tuesday evening and heading straight to the airport Friday morning. But I figure Tuesday night, Wednesday, and Thursday should still be a good visit, especially for someone normally used to day trips. I would also like to see Buyukada for a little bit, the serenity and scenery just seem so intriguing. But not a full day or night, just a couple hours.

Here's my new (probably slightly half-baked) itinerary...

Tuesday: Arrive on TK1752 around 5:00. Did I mention I'm planning on buying real tickets? ;) ... work our way back to a hotel (will figure out which later on, but it will be the same hotel the whole time). Wander around the city a bit, get dinner/street food, get to bed a little early to rest up. Maybe try a nargile somewhere.

Wednesday: Roughly 50/50 time spent at Buyukada and Asian side. While I have been to Hong Kong, I don't want this to be like when I was in Gibraltar and saw another continent (Africa) but never went! I'm sure there will be a few things worth seeing, and if we go back to the European side early, I'm sure that will be fine as well.

Thursday: European side - bazaars and usual attractions. Still need to fill in the blanks, but I'm sure a good guidebook will help out here.

Friday: Back to airport to make our way back home. On a trip like this, I'd like a couple days to work with glitches + jet lag, plus a couple days at home would be nice so I don't have to go to work *that* quickly on Monday.

Oh, and I forgot to ask, when were you there last? How did you feel re: safety? My father is a retired cop, always concerned about that stuff. From what I can tell, it's no different from any other European city from a tourist's standpoint. He's calmed down a bit from his initial reaction ("are you out of your flippin' mind?") but it would still be nice to hear from someone who has been there first-hand.

Bue--I was just there--early June for my 60th Bday. Seriously, take the ferry and visit Asian side,; there is a HoHo ferry--there is TOO much on the Old City peninsula. Stay anywhere Sultanahmet--Apricot, Angels Home, Broken Columns, etc are all decent small properties. Root thru booking.com for best deals--plenty to be found and you can email props directly. Sirkeci area is ok too for transport--just lacks the charm of Sultanahmet. (many small hotels have rooftop terraces). Gotta leave for CVG/DTW flt for funeral. Will send more from SkyClub if I can find it.

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Originally Posted by spongebue

Oh, and I forgot to ask, when were you there last? How did you feel re: safety? My father is a retired cop, always concerned about that stuff. From what I can tell, it's no different from any other European city from a tourist's standpoint. He's calmed down a bit from his initial reaction ("are you out of your flippin' mind?") but it would still be nice to hear from someone who has been there first-hand.

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Tell the cop to stand down--very safe city as long as you don't hang in dark corners of the city...even pickpockets are more prevalent in other EU cities!

PS--don't forget the online $20 visa!

You'll likely get to hotel by 7 pm. If you choose S-met, there is a large open air restaurant/nargile lounge that has entertainment. Don't recommend eating there and they don't serve alcohol. We saw a dervish performer and the music is always good. Prob lots of smoking places when you wander around other areas. You should try raki sometime, too.
Many S-met sights can be done in half day, add walking to Grand Bazaar. Spice market is great and near ferry port to Asia. There is also a special mosque next to both that has beautiful tile work--quite impressive.
After a closer look at Buyukada, I see you, you romantic little devil!! Everything in IST has a certain romantic mystique. Learn about Roxelana and impress the little woman, too. Ignore those carpet guys, museum "guides" and restaurant hawkers. Have a wonderful time.

Yeah, I heard about raki. I think whether I like the stuff or not, I'll have to bring a bottle or two home. I love having a good variety of things in my "bar" (more of a cabinet, but shhh) and this would definitely be unique! Which reminds me, I should probably pick up a bottle of Akvavit in Norway...

Thank you so much for all your help! I'll be sure to get pictures, feel free to remind me to post. And if/when I'm in CVG next (should be an easy sell as long as Jungle Jim's is still there) I owe you lunch! :)

Oh man, this is really weird. Since there are only 2 flights a day OSL-IST, and most connection options really aren't that amazing, I actually... b-b-BOUGHT tickets! First time in years buying a 100% airline unrelated confirmed ticket. But the price wasn't too bad, and it'll be nice to go within Europe and not worry about that one flight. Save the jumpiness for getting back to USA.

Bue--you might want to read this: I know the author meant Princes' Islands:
Princess islands other than buyukada - Istanbul Forum - TripAdvisor

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Originally Posted by spongebue

Oh man, this is really weird. Since there are only 2 flights a day OSL-IST, and most connection options really aren't that amazing, I actually... b-b-BOUGHT tickets! First time in years buying a 100% airline unrelated confirmed ticket. But the price wasn't too bad, and it'll be nice to go within Europe and not worry about that one flight. Save the jumpiness for getting back to USA.

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You bought tickets? Get off this web site. This is for non revs only. You are a positive space passenger. You handed over revenue for tickets. This is a NON REVENUE forum only. Moderators...k-k-KICK this man out.

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.”

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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?

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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.

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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.”

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Do you wear one in the bath, Mig?

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Originally Posted by mrs767er

Do you wear one in the bath, Mig?

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I know I sure do.

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Originally Posted by mrs767er

Do you wear one in the bath, Mig?

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I’ll never tell.:cool:

I think your hotel is near Little Ayasophia. I understand it's worth a look since the renovations are complete. Try to find a good street map of the area. Even tho it won't really show the topography, you can get an idea of relative locations. Places are not as far apart as they might seem but they can be very hilly to access easily.

Actually, it's just a little southwest of the Blue Mosque: https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Basil...anbul&t=m&z=17

Ran across a website that might be useful. Istanbul restaurants - Telegraph