Istanbul in November

[CarbonMan]

I forgot to mention a traditional hammam (Turkish bath)! I've never tried it but just the thought of it makes me cringe!

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I AGREE

After watching the video, I'm quite certain that I will not be visiting a hamman - I cannot stop relating it to a manual car wash. I've tried an onsen in Hakone a couple of times and that's about as far I'm mentally prepared to go.

[Kyo]

Although that video is rather dated (the entrance now has a booth on the side where you select your treatment), that's a very accurate depiction of what happens. Yes, the suds-in-your-face take some time to get used to, but everything else is rather good. You'll come out feeling invigorated.

I would do it again, and again, and again... ad libitum

[cplh]

Thanks for all the links.

Planning a trip to IST myself in Spring next year, now that SQ flies non stop on lie flat seats!

gosh - that's good news! when did SQ give up those horrid regional J seats? now there is no excuse for delaying another trip to istanbul........really love Ciya, the Bosphorus and walking over the hills of the Old City (each has a mosque) to the Kariye

[jhm]

I must admit that before my first trip to Turkey last year my (stereotyped) image of Turks was big burly rough wrestler types, e.g. the film Midnight Express.

However, what I found instead was that Turkish people (with the exception of the odd taxi driver) were all really friendly and nice. Istanbul is so atmospheric and photogenic - the view of the Bosphorus as the sun sets - magic! The food is great and inexpensive. The PH IST is a gem but the location is so so.

I liked IST so much that I went back twice again in the same year but still haven't explored lots in and around Istanbul. It's one of my favourite destinations. I'd happily go back again any time!

[B727]

Very nice suggestions and links for Istanbul under this thread.

Considered going end of the month for the Akbank jazz fest http://www.akbanksanat.com/web/525-1...festival/jamzz , alas, my schedule did not permit

[SQflyergirl]

Although that video is rather dated (the entrance now has a booth on the side where you select your treatment), that's a very accurate depiction of what happens. Yes, the suds-in-your-face take some time to get used to, but everything else is rather good. You'll come out feeling invigorated.

I would do it again, and again, and again... ad libitum

This is where me and the girls went: http://www.cagalogluhamami.com.tr/

[Kyo]

This is where me and the girls went: http://www.cagalogluhamami.com.tr/

Yep, I went there on my 2nd visit.

First time I went to another one, gotta check the piccies on my laptop at home to get the name.

You still in touch with Kemal?

[SQflyergirl]

You still in touch with Kemal?

No, haven't seen him online in ages. Last trip in June I just hired one off the taxi rank and asked him to take us around for the day.

[calvinoeh]

Loved my brief stop in Istanbul! - trip report here.

It's beautiful and plenty to see and do. Somewhat "chaotic" and I mean that in a good way - not "sterile" like some cities. Kind of reminds me of Bangkok.

It's pretty easy to get around so I don't think there's a need to hire a tour.

SQtalk DO???

[CarbonMan]

Thanks, everyone for their tips. Finally booked a quiet place on the fringe of the Sultanahmet area. It's a boutique hotel called Millennium Suites. Looking forward to this short break. But before that ... two months of work travel.

[phaleesy]

If you can find the viewpoint where you can take a picture of the Hagia Sophia with the sea behind it,

Silly me. It's the Blue Mosque I meant!

[CarbonMan]

Silly me. It's the Blue Mosque I meant!

Hmmm .... having looked at where the Blue Mosque is, I will probably need to find a tallish building. Interesting challenge indeed.

[jhm]

Hmmm .... having looked at where the Blue Mosque is, I will probably need to find a tallish building. Interesting challenge indeed.

Or according to the PH IST concierge (very friendly and knowledgeable except perhaps in relation to this) a helicopter ?

[phaleesy]

Hmmm .... having looked at where the Blue Mosque is, I will probably need to find a tallish building. Interesting challenge indeed.

Or according to the PH IST concierge (very friendly and knowledgeable except perhaps in relation to this) a helicopter ?

Yes, she told me it could only be taken from a helicopter. The guys at the bar told me to photoshop the sea into the background!

[Nick C]

Will be visiting IST for the first time in Dec before heading to Europe. Considering the Crowne Plaza in the old city. Is this a convenient location?