| Page Views: 4,152 Last Visit to Istanbul: September, 2003 | Istanbul! by Paul2001 - last update: Jun 21, 2005 |
I have a keen interest in history and enjoy exploring cities that are rich in history. Therefore I was really looking forward to visiting Istanbul knowing that it was capital of not one but two of history's greatest empires. I must say that Istanbul did not disappoint at all. This is a city that anybody with just the most fundamental interest history should find very exciting. However there is more to Istanbul than just history. Few cities rival Istanbul for architectural gems as this is the home of the magnificant Aya Sofia and the Topkapi Palace. However Istanbul architectural and historical attraction alone are not what make Istanbul such a popular destination for travelers. Istanbul's location on the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara make her also one of the most visually stunning cities that I have visited.
For all of its size and crowds, over 11 million people reside here, Istanbul is a surprisingly managable and unthreatening city. This is largely because of the locals who are amongst the friendliest people I have ever encountered.
You might run into some problems while visiting Istanbul. Traffic is frustratingly slow. The tourist attractions can be staggeringly crowded because of the many bus tours and cruise boats that stop here. However, for me anyway, these were only minor complaints that did not spoil the fantastic four days that I spent here. |
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| Pros: | "Great Architectural Attractions. Cruising the Bosphorus" | | Cons: | "Can Be Very Crowded. Chaotic Traffic. Pollution is a Problem" | | In A Nutshell: | "A City Rich in History and Culture" |
Paul2001's Istanbul Travel Tips
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 Comments for Paul2001 about Istanbul | | | | |
Secondglance Wed Apr 22, 2009 20:06 UTC
Great photo and review! | Zvrlj Mon Dec 10, 2007 15:16 UTC
Great and very useful tips & photos. We'll be in Istanbul in a 20 days for the first time. You helped us a lot :-) Greetings from Kragujevac, Serbia | albaaust Sat Sep 29, 2007 07:10 UTC
Are you saying that the military museum has a bit on Gallipoli Paul. Would it be worth us visiting as Aussies? | JLBG Tue Jan 9, 2007 22:18 UTC
Istanbul is high on my wish list! Thanks for this informative presentation! You have superb photos in Hagia Sophia. Topkapi is of course a name that makes to dream! I guess that the difficult thing is to be there when there are few tourists! |
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