Without further ado, here are our thoughts and advice. The food was fantastic, the people friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere absolutely incredible. With so many sights to see, it's next to impossible to see all of the city in one visit, not to mention all the day trips (ie. Troy and the chimmeys). We did not have a bad meal or snack here. It's rich in carbs (potatoes, bread, rice) which is perfect for a carb-o-holic and offers great meats (mostly lamb, chicken, and some beef) for the pickiest carnivore. Vegetables on the menus are few and far between and are usually garnishes like parsley, cabbage, and a few spriges of lettuce. The food is pricey and the cost for entrees at restaurants rival those at home (Toronto). We were mistaken to think that Istanbul was a cheap city.
Get a reloadable metro card (akbil) in order to use the transit system. Not only is it cheaper, its way easier to use if you plan on going to the city outskirts or travelling later at night. Get them at the bus station at Eminenu stop.Do NOT make major purchases at the Grand Bazaar. The prices are ridiculous because of tourists who pay more than things are worth for fake merchandise. Do not go to Istanbul if you are terrified of cats or don't like them slinking around while you eat on the patio.
Best of:-Blue Mosque-Friendly cats -Euroleague basketball game-Spice Market-Bakeries/Pastrie Shops-Fresh Pomegranete juice-Our hotel guy (Cengizhan) at Anatolia Suites-Forum mall (biggest mall in Europe)
Worst of:-Tour groups. There were more tourists here than Prague, and after awhile the procession of 30 ppl following an umbrella forcing you off the sidewalk got tiring.-Prices were a bit more than we thought, and a big jump from eastern europe.
Yes please: subway style baked potato
No thanks: 3 times more than any other country for a Canadian visa!
Say it ain't so:-Jarret was twice called a lady by waiters..."Enjoy your meal ladies".
In short, Istanbul is traditional, modern, exotic and everything in between. We loved it here and will return again if we are so lucky. Its a city perfect for all ages (kids to seniors). Until later, ciao :)
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