[Michael K.]

A week from right now I'll be on my way to Istanbul for about a week's stay (flying out on Monday and getting there Tuesday, leaving the following Monday morning); I'm presenting at an academic conference, which is going to take up about two of my days there, but I should have at least two full free days to check out the city. I'll be staying in the center of the city, right along the Bosphorus, and along with a couple of the 'name' sights I'd like to see (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque) I'm interested in hearing about anything else that might be worth checking out (I'd love to get to a match there since my weekend is free, but I guess the Turkish season has come to a close)....

[cossack]

Michael, be sure to go the the Roman underground grotto in Sultanahmet (not far from all the rug merchants) and also the Cembirlitas bath. You also may fancy one of the fish sandwiches down near the piers and a cruise to the Asian side. I had a fabulous time in Istanbul and even extended my stay.

[amerifolklegend]

Istanbul was Constantinople
Now it’s Istanbul, not Constantinople

[nicodemus]

To check out some of Byzantine Istanbul (there's two words that don't go together):

http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/W...iyeMuzesi.html

http://www.allaboutturkey.com/ist_muze.htm

Also, the headquarters of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which is the Patriarchate given the highest esteem in Eastern Orthodoxy is in Istanbul. He's not the equivalent of the Pope (as each country or a small group of countries will have their own Patriarch), but Constaninople's patriarch is accorded a "primacy of honor" as Constaninople was the Imperial City. They've got a wonderful museum (or so I've heard) and have some amazing churches to see.

http://www.patriarchate.org/

[DCU9ted]

Just make sure you dont get thrown in the Turkish jail......

[AFCA]

Istanbul is great. Best food in the world.

[Own Goal Hat-Trick]

dont wear anything leeds and watch yourself

[Excape Goat]

Originally Posted by cossack

Michael, be sure to go the the Roman underground grotto in Sultanahmet(not far from all the rug merchants) and also the Cembirlitas bath. You also may fancy one of the fish sandwiches down near the piers and a cruise to the Asian side. I had a fabulous time in Istanbul and even extended my stay.

Do you meant by the Grand Bazaar? If yes, that is a good recommedation. Cembirlitas bath(I think that was the name of it) was right outside Grand Bazaar. One of the exit of Grand Bazaar led to the University of Istanbul. I enjoyed strolling around that section of town where you can find many book stores althrough most books were in Turkish. I enjoyed the atmosphere of a college campus.

Since you got two days, Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace; Grand Bazaar, Kariye Camii and Dolmabahce Palace prety much took all your time. I spent almost a week in istanbul. I did not have time to finish everything. I went to the war museum.... that was the only sideshow I got to visit in Istanbul. I spent most of travel by walking.

If you visit Topkapi Palace, you must visit the Harem. It was nice, but very different from what I expected. I watch too many porno movies!!!

[Randy36]

We spent 6 days in Istanbul and stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel at Sultanahmet, well situated for visiting the old city sights, museums and bazaars. Our room had a balcony with an inner courtyard view and views of the Blue Mosque and Bosphorus. The staff were friendly, attentive and very helpful. If you decide to dine in the hotel be prepared to splurge as it's quite expensive. We did not dine there as we wanted to sample the local cuisine. It's a great hotel but not recommended for budget travellers.

The Blue Mosque is worth a visit. The location adjacent to the sea is an added attraction. The landscape and gardens surrounding it are beautiful. Inside the lovely tiles, soaring dome and chandeliers are most impressive.
We took a ferry cruise on the Bosphorus and it was worth the experience. The total trip took 6 hours and was most enjoyable. The Hagia Sophia Museum is located in Sultanahmet across from the Blue Mosque. We had a tour guide who gave us a detailed account of the history. It was built about 535 A.D. The architecture is magnificient. It's definitely worth a visit. The Kariye Museum (The Chora Church) is a beautiful Byzantine church and the mosaics are fabulous. It should not be missed. The Topaki Palace is a must see with its beautiful gardens, magnificient architecture and fabulous history. We visited the treasury, armoury, fountains and the Islamic relic section. An audio guide was a help to obtain a better understanding of the history.

The Ciya Sofrasi restaurant is difficult to find but worth the effort. I had the meat balls with sour cherries and my wife enjoyed lamb in saffron sauce. For dessert we had the pistachio filled pastry with a lovely sauce. The Lavas brad is also worth sampling if available. Very good service, reasonable price and highly recommended. The Sultanahmet Fish House is located in the heart of Sultanahmet just a short distance from the Blue Dome. We enjoyed the fish special washed down by some good local wine. This is a charming seafood restaurant and we recommend it.

Istanbul is a beautiful historic city and we really enjoyed our visit!

[Randy36]

YouTube - istanbul- lovely city

YouTube - istanbul- lovely city