Istanbul Guide, map and photos. boo.com members recommend hotels, restaurants and attractions in Istanbul

this hostel is THE BEST one in Istanbul for sure. The staff are amazing also. But I found Istanbul to be run down and left back in time. It has a couple of mosques, nothing new, the city centre has horrible shops with everything made in China, very very low quality. The cinemas are decent. Its...more this hostel is THE BEST one in Istanbul for sure. The staff are amazing also. But I found Istanbul to be run down and left back in time. It has a couple of mosques, nothing new, the city centre has horrible shops with everything made in China, very very low quality. The cinemas are decent. Its fairly easy to get around. Eating out sucks, only if you like shwarma...boring. There are a couple of decent healthy restaurants on the main strip in the centre of the city. They have security guards, and look nice, thus you know they are good. close

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by Jtrace – posted on Apr 13, 2008

3

Istanbul is definitely a fresh air when compared to the rest of Western Europe. The people are friendly (almost too friendly, always wanting a slice of your business) and the sights are breathtaking. There's always something to see in Istanbul. Things I didn't like included: - being...more Istanbul is definitely a fresh air when compared to the rest of Western Europe. The people are friendly (almost too friendly, always wanting a slice of your business) and the sights are breathtaking. There's always something to see in Istanbul. Things I didn't like included: - being considered Japanese everywhere I went (locals calling "Konichiwa!" at me) - the constant demand for attention from local store owners - the lack of good food; kebabs are everywhere, but Turkish cuisine, as far as I'm concerned, doesn't existclose

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by richardshih3218 – posted on Feb 29, 2008

4

Been there before thru summer period and to be completely honest, these parts seems to be more likable when the sun hits your head by constant 35\'C temperatures. However the old quarters are still so old fashioned (midlle ages) and so cute that I feel I\'ll have to go back again just...more Been there before thru summer period and to be completely honest, these parts seems to be more likable when the sun hits your head by constant 35\'C temperatures. However the old quarters are still so old fashioned (midlle ages) and so cute that I feel I\'ll have to go back again just to have that incredible feeling of the city...close

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by portkayaman8497 – posted on Dec 29, 2007

8

Istanbul is a cultural delight....top ten on my list are the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque...definitely the Basillica Cistern...the Spice Bazaar, Grand Bazaar, Galata Tower, a trip down the Bosphorus, a trip Taksim and finally, DO NOT miss out on the Turkish Bath at...more Istanbul is a cultural delight....top ten on my list are the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque...definitely the Basillica Cistern...the Spice Bazaar, Grand Bazaar, Galata Tower, a trip down the Bosphorus, a trip Taksim and finally, DO NOT miss out on the Turkish Bath at Cemberlitas...WONDERFUL! And all this in 4 days!close

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by gabby4uhere2483 – posted on Nov 11, 2007

1

even tho it was cold and wet, i loved it here. the mystique of istanbul kept me there way longer than i should have been. they have amazing kebaps - not at all like english kebabs. theres so much to see, and i had so many funny nights getting drunk . the people here are fantastic, friendliest...more even tho it was cold and wet, i loved it here. the mystique of istanbul kept me there way longer than i should have been. they have amazing kebaps - not at all like english kebabs. theres so much to see, and i had so many funny nights getting drunk . the people here are fantastic, friendliest ive ever meet. unless they want you to buy something. then it gets a bit irritating but its not as bad as i expected it to be. its great to chill out and smoke a water pipe and play a bit of backgammon on lazy days too! close

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by karen--4928608 – posted on Nov 10, 2007

5

Bridging Asia and Europe, Istanbul exudes exoticism and modernity, romance and splendour, complexity and contradiction. Istanbul revels in the city’s creative dynamism, from its glorious Turkish baths and coffee houses to artisan shops, from its trendy rooftop bars to traditional restaurants...more Bridging Asia and Europe, Istanbul exudes exoticism and modernity, romance and splendour, complexity and contradiction. Istanbul revels in the city’s creative dynamism, from its glorious Turkish baths and coffee houses to artisan shops, from its trendy rooftop bars to traditional restaurants where you can sip a apple tea.close

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by emily – posted on May 1, 2007

27

This place is beautiful, affordable, educational... a real and honest experience of a country that's both comfortably modern and yet steeped in thousands of years of history and culture. The people are the friendliest on earth, with no strings attached - shopkeepers are still cheerful if you...more This place is beautiful, affordable, educational... a real and honest experience of a country that's both comfortably modern and yet steeped in thousands of years of history and culture. The people are the friendliest on earth, with no strings attached - shopkeepers are still cheerful if you don't buy, and even little kids say hello and offer you their biscuits! and most people speak English. Wonderful!close

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by meihan – posted on Apr 28, 2007

8

I'm not really sure it's worth spending a week or so in Istanbul, but it's third time I'm visiting it for four days and am more than happy to do that regularly. Note: LP Instanbul really suxx at least as an eat-out guide. Don't hesitate to try whatever else you find...more I'm not really sure it's worth spending a week or so in Istanbul, but it's third time I'm visiting it for four days and am more than happy to do that regularly. Note: LP Instanbul really suxx at least as an eat-out guide. Don't hesitate to try whatever else you find our there!close

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by pasha541 – posted on Apr 18, 2007

5

In Istanbul you can find two cities in one - modern Istanbul and old Constantinople... So look up the (Christian Orthodox) Ecumenical Patriarchate (in Fener/Fanari) and a selection of the Byzantine churches in town. - Did you know that they still refer to the city as Constantinople in...more In Istanbul you can find two cities in one - modern Istanbul and old Constantinople... So look up the (Christian Orthodox) Ecumenical Patriarchate (in Fener/Fanari) and a selection of the Byzantine churches in town. - Did you know that they still refer to the city as Constantinople in neighbouring Greece?close

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by Chmsch – posted on Apr 9, 2007

2

It's a must see city. It has marvellous mosques and centurys of history. Their people is very kindly and we don't have any problem at night, it's secure. And there are a lot of activities to do, we stay 4 night and don't stop. I think one more night would be better. What a...more It's a must see city. It has marvellous mosques and centurys of history. Their people is very kindly and we don't have any problem at night, it's secure. And there are a lot of activities to do, we stay 4 night and don't stop. I think one more night would be better. What a experience the turkish bath!close

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by francescbach2950 – posted on Apr 5, 2007

2