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  • Istanbul in November

    Hi everyone, I'm planning a short holiday to Istanbul in early November - my first there. Part of my "bucket list" is to see the Sofia Mosque firsthand. It would be a 7-night trip, and as I'm a first-timer there, I need some help with accommodation, restaurants and any travelling tips. I have been using the hotel and tripadvisor sites as guides so far but it'll be great if I can hear the insider scoop from fellow forumers.

    1) Hotel - am looking for a boutiquei'sh hotel with a price range that's around S$150-S$300/night with some unique charm. Views of the Bhosphorus and/or the Sofia will be a great plus (I'm a wannabe photographic enthusiast). Walking distance to some sights, food and public transport will be very helpful.

    2) Food - any recommendations? From small bites to fine dining.

    3) Local tours - any recommendations. Not sure if I have time to get out of Istanbul - maybe for a one-nighter.

    Many thanks.

  • #2
    Çiya Sofrasi - cheap and very tasty:

    http://www.sqtalk.com/forum/showpost...4&postcount=31

    Usually said to be the best baklava in Istanbul (and better than anything I've had in Greece but not as good as the equivalent in Beirut IMO) - get some (forget about the cholesterol) and wash it down with a glass of lemonade:

    http://istanbuleats.com/2009/05/kara...l-these-years/

    The http://www.istanbuleats.com/ is a good place to look for restaurants, e.g. I went to this place which was good:

    http://istanbuleats.com/2009/04/zubeyir-the-meat-is-on/

    Comment


    • #3
      Info about hotel locations and booking a taxi from the airport in the above thread:

      http://www.sqtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=126334

      The PH and W may be out of your price range but nevertheless, I do like the GH (which should be in your price range) for its location.

      One final food recommendation - the rose water pudding place - try the yummy chicken breast pudding (their other desserts and food are also inexpensive and nice too):

      http://www.sqtalk.com/forum/showpost...0&postcount=79

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      • #4
        N_Architect's trip report
        http://www.sqtalk.com/forum/showthre...light=istanbul

        SQfg's trip report
        http://www.sqtalk.com/forum/showthre...light=istanbul

        kyo's trip report is somewhere but I don't know which one. He'd let us know when he's next on SQT.
        http://www.sqtalk.com/forum/showthre...light=istanbul

        Scam/con
        http://www.sqtalk.com/forum/showthre...highlight=scam

        Hotels
        http://www.sqtalk.com/forum/showthre...istanbul+hotel

        If you can find the viewpoint where you can take a picture of the Hagia Sophia with the sea behind it, I'd give you a muak muak. Can't seem to find the location.

        Don't forget the turkish delight from Haci Bekir. I prefer the Asian side. I like the ferry ride across. Would not mind staying on the Asian side actually.

        I wish I was going back again. IST is very photogenic.

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        • #5
          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!

          Comment


          • #6
            I love istanbul Was there in June this year, will be there November and February too... THAT's how much I love it

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            • #7
              Originally posted by phaleesy View Post
              N_Architect's trip report
              http://www.sqtalk.com/forum/showthre...light=istanbul

              SQfg's trip report
              http://www.sqtalk.com/forum/showthre...light=istanbul

              kyo's trip report is somewhere but I don't know which one. He'd let us know when he's next on SQT.
              http://www.sqtalk.com/forum/showthre...light=istanbul

              Scam/con
              http://www.sqtalk.com/forum/showthre...highlight=scam

              Hotels
              http://www.sqtalk.com/forum/showthre...istanbul+hotel

              If you can find the viewpoint where you can take a picture of the Hagia Sophia with the sea behind it, I'd give you a muak muak. Can't seem to find the location.

              Don't forget the turkish delight from Haci Bekir. I prefer the Asian side. I like the ferry ride across. Would not mind staying on the Asian side actually.

              I wish I was going back again. IST is very photogenic.
              post deleted
              Last edited by SQtraveller; 20 August 2017, 05:10 AM.

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by phaleesy View Post
                kyo's trip report is somewhere but I don't know which one. He'd let us know when he's next on SQT.
                http://www.sqtalk.com/forum/showthre...light=istanbul
                I think I did a TK 'brief' review of sorts. I didn't exactly do a IST TR, I did allude to it but it got left aside as I rushed to polish off the never-ending OSL TR


                Fortunately, since that's now concluded, I'll try to find time to work on a 'Best of' IST series - but I'm thinking to do that only after my 3rd visit there this coming November. Or I might just do it beforehand, can't commit as lack of time in general nowadays!


                To the CarbonMan's questions, I didn't stay at a boutique hotel, so I can't comment there. I'll try to compile a little list for the other recommendations but I think this thread would be better served/should be merged in a more IST-centric one (perhaps under the Destinations sub-forum)

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                • #9
                  The three of you would be in IST in Nov? Should check the dates and maybe you could have a SQTurkish Delight Do together.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    I forgot to mention a traditional hammam (Turkish bath)! I've never tried it but just the thought of it makes me cringe!

                    CLICK "I AGREE" TO WATCH THE VIDEO

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                    I AGREE

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                    • #11
                      Originally posted by jhm View Post
                      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
                      I have It's not cheap, and not entirely pleasant either. Just an experience I guess you gotta do when in Istanbul.

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                      • #12
                        Originally posted by SQflyergirl View Post
                        I have It's not cheap, and not entirely pleasant either. Just an experience I guess you gotta do when in Istanbul.
                        post deleted
                        Last edited by SQtraveller; 20 August 2017, 05:10 AM.

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                        • #13
                          Many thanks!

                          Many thanks, jhm, Kyo, phaleesy! Appreciate the effort in assembling up the links. I will certainly take some time this evening to slowly read them up.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by SQflyergirl View Post
                            I have It's not cheap, and not entirely pleasant either. Just an experience I guess you gotta do when in Istanbul.
                            Yeah I tried and yeah agree why would people find being beaten up by a big fat hairy Turkish guy nice.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              I enjoyed the experience and would do it again. Done it twice already!

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