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jakeblues · 12-13-2012, 03:28 PM

So I'm off to Istanbul next month, a city that I know nothing about.

Any Turkish Pentaxians out there? Anyone done any traveling and have some hot tips on places to go and things to do (especially ones that are off of the beaten path)?

Jasvox · 12-13-2012, 04:39 PM

I am not Turkish, but I have been to Istanbul a number of times. Of course you will want to see the Agia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar and the spice bazaar, Dolmabahce Palace, perhaps take in a visit to a hamam (I have been to a few, but only remember the name of the Cemberlitas Hamam which was quite nice, but I am sure the locals will tell you it can be touristy). I love to have nargile while there and since I am usually there off the boat, I head over to Tophane where you will find a dozen or so nargile bars. From there, you can easily walk toward the Galata Tower for excellent views and a very cool old neighborhood. From there, walk up hill and until it levels out along Istiklal Avenue, a pedestrian street that takes you along toward Taksim Square. Turn left or right off Istiklal and you can find some really cool neighborhoods for good food, bars, night life, etc. For an off the path, historical and photogenic half day, spend some time walking along the Theodosian walls ( Walls of Constantinople - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia )

Have fun!

Jason

Jasvox · 01-10-2013, 05:08 AM - **1 Like**

You're welcome.

Jason

jakeblues · 01-11-2013, 11:48 AM

Originally posted by Jasvox

I am not Turkish, but I have been to Istanbul a number of times. Of course you will want to see the Agia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar and the spice bazaar, Dolmabahce Palace, perhaps take in a visit to a hamam (I have been to a few, but only remember the name of the Cemberlitas Hamam which was quite nice, but I am sure the locals will tell you it can be touristy). I love to have nargile while there and since I am usually there off the boat, I head over to Tophane where you will find a dozen or so nargile bars. From there, you can easily walk toward the Galata Tower for excellent views and a very cool old neighborhood. From there, walk up hill and until it levels out along Istiklal Avenue, a pedestrian street that takes you along toward Taksim Square. Turn left or right off Istiklal and you can find some really cool neighborhoods for good food, bars, night life, etc. For an off the path, historical and photogenic half day, spend some time walking along the Theodosian walls ( Walls of Constantinople - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia )

Have fun!

Jason

This was really helpful. Awesome. I'm working on booking hotel right now!

Jasvox · 01-14-2013, 05:20 AM

Have fun, its an excellent city to visit.

Jason

Jasvox · 01-18-2013, 08:38 AM

Originally posted by jakeblues

This was really helpful. Awesome. I'm working on booking hotel right now!

By the way, Istanbul is full of scammers...be careful when walking around if alone and NEVER carry on a conversation with a complete stranger who then offers to take you to a place for a drink, coffee, rug showroom, etc. The drinks especially can get you into deep trouble and cost you upwards of $1000 to get out of. I have seen all these scams first hand, but here is a video from a series based on scams in different cities of the world and of course, Istanbul made the list:

You Tube

Jason

Jasvox · 01-24-2013, 07:13 AM

For some reason this thread was moved to the Gatherings, Photo Trips, and Groups section...even though its not really a meet up or photo ops topic. Funny enough, the General Talk forum from which this came is full of like topics and remain there. Oh well.

Jason

Jasvox · 01-28-2013, 08:03 AM

Police In Istanbul Try To Trace Missing Staten Island Woman

Jason

jakeblues · 01-29-2013, 12:47 AM

Originally posted by Jasvox

By the way, Istanbul is full of scammers...be careful when walking around if alone and NEVER carry on a conversation with a complete stranger who then offers to take you to a place for a drink, coffee, rug showroom, etc. The drinks especially can get you into deep trouble and cost you upwards of $1000 to get out of. I have seen all these scams first hand, but here is a video from a series based on scams in different cities of the world and of course, Istanbul made the list:

Scam City Istanbul Part 2 of 3 - YouTube

Jason

Thanks a bunch. I watched this whole series.

We're leaving the day after tomorrow!

Doctor X · 01-29-2013, 02:22 AM

Don't miss this:

Basilica Cistern - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Basilica Cistern, ?eftali Sokak, Istanbul, Turkey - Google Maps

You could also try a pleasure cruise on the Bosphorus. Passenger ships are found near the Galata bridge.
Also you can check the cast-iron St. Stephen church if you plan to take a longer walk along the Golden Horn:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgarian_St._Stephen_Church

12-13-2012, 03:28 PM	#1
jakeblues Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Los Angeles Photos: Albums Posts: 167	Istanbul So I'm off to Istanbul next month, a city that I know nothing about. Any Turkish Pentaxians out there? Anyone done any traveling and have some hot tips on places to go and things to do (especially ones that are off of the beaten path)?

01-29-2013, 02:22 AM	#10
Doctor X Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Bucharest Photos: Gallery Posts: 184	Don't miss this: Basilica Cistern - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The Basilica Cistern, ?eftali Sokak, Istanbul, Turkey - Google Maps You could also try a pleasure cruise on the Bosphorus. Passenger ships are found near the Galata bridge. Also you can check the cast-iron St. Stephen church if you plan to take a longer walk along the Golden Horn: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgarian_St._Stephen_Church Last edited by Doctor X; 01-29-2013 at 03:12 AM.

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12-13-2012, 04:39 PM	#2
Jasvox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 3,107	I am not Turkish, but I have been to Istanbul a number of times. Of course you will want to see the Agia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar and the spice bazaar, Dolmabahce Palace, perhaps take in a visit to a hamam (I have been to a few, but only remember the name of the Cemberlitas Hamam which was quite nice, but I am sure the locals will tell you it can be touristy). I love to have nargile while there and since I am usually there off the boat, I head over to Tophane where you will find a dozen or so nargile bars. From there, you can easily walk toward the Galata Tower for excellent views and a very cool old neighborhood. From there, walk up hill and until it levels out along Istiklal Avenue, a pedestrian street that takes you along toward Taksim Square. Turn left or right off Istiklal and you can find some really cool neighborhoods for good food, bars, night life, etc. For an off the path, historical and photogenic half day, spend some time walking along the Theodosian walls ( Walls of Constantinople - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ) Have fun! Jason

01-10-2013, 05:08 AM - 1 Like	#3
Jasvox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 3,107	You're welcome. Jason

01-11-2013, 11:48 AM	#4
jakeblues Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Los Angeles Photos: Albums Posts: 167 Original Poster	Originally posted by Jasvox I am not Turkish, but I have been to Istanbul a number of times. Of course you will want to see the Agia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar and the spice bazaar, Dolmabahce Palace, perhaps take in a visit to a hamam (I have been to a few, but only remember the name of the Cemberlitas Hamam which was quite nice, but I am sure the locals will tell you it can be touristy). I love to have nargile while there and since I am usually there off the boat, I head over to Tophane where you will find a dozen or so nargile bars. From there, you can easily walk toward the Galata Tower for excellent views and a very cool old neighborhood. From there, walk up hill and until it levels out along Istiklal Avenue, a pedestrian street that takes you along toward Taksim Square. Turn left or right off Istiklal and you can find some really cool neighborhoods for good food, bars, night life, etc. For an off the path, historical and photogenic half day, spend some time walking along the Theodosian walls ( Walls of Constantinople - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ) Have fun! Jason This was really helpful. Awesome. I'm working on booking hotel right now!

01-14-2013, 05:20 AM	#5
Jasvox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 3,107	Have fun, its an excellent city to visit. Jason

01-24-2013, 07:13 AM	#7
Jasvox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 3,107	For some reason this thread was moved to the Gatherings, Photo Trips, and Groups section...even though its not really a meet up or photo ops topic. Funny enough, the General Talk forum from which this came is full of like topics and remain there. Oh well. Jason

01-28-2013, 08:03 AM	#8
Jasvox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 3,107	Police In Istanbul Try To Trace Missing Staten Island Woman Jason

01-29-2013, 12:47 AM	#9
jakeblues Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Los Angeles Photos: Albums Posts: 167 Original Poster	Originally posted by Jasvox By the way, Istanbul is full of scammers...be careful when walking around if alone and NEVER carry on a conversation with a complete stranger who then offers to take you to a place for a drink, coffee, rug showroom, etc. The drinks especially can get you into deep trouble and cost you upwards of $1000 to get out of. I have seen all these scams first hand, but here is a video from a series based on scams in different cities of the world and of course, Istanbul made the list: Scam City Istanbul Part 2 of 3 - YouTube Jason Thanks a bunch. I watched this whole series. We're leaving the day after tomorrow!