"ISTANBUL, I WILL BE BACK!!!" Istanbul by Lalique

Istanbul Travel Guide: 8,966 reviews and 18,403 photos

View on Galata from Sultanahmet - Istanbul

First of all I want to say many thanx to my VT friend <A HREF="http://www3.virtualtourist.com/m/.146717/?s=s"><font color="green"><b>Keny</b></font></A>, who lives in Istanbul and who together with his brother and friends organised to my friend and me great unforgetable evening in Istanbul.

Second, we were in this gorgeous city for only 3 full days (during our 10 days trip thru Turkey), so didn't happen to see a lot and in every detail. Topkapi takes a lot of time to see, for Blue Mosque and Hagya Sofia one can devote half a day, they are close to each other, Bazaars can been seen witnin 3-4 hrs...
And frankly speaking I don't like rushing from one tourist attraction to the other (I'd better come one more time :)), so one day was spent on slow strolling along Istanbul streets without any particular aim...

Third, I decided not to concentrate a lot on the MUSTs 'cause you can find all the detailed discription of the places on many other VT pages. I'll just list the MUSTs because one way or another THEY ARE THE MUSTS OF ISTANBUL and maybe will add my own impressions, perceptions and comments.

I have returned

View on Sultanahmet from Galata

I always fulfil my promises, one way or another... I treasure my word and treasure the trust of others... This time I was rewarded immensly for my word being kept....

January 3rd, the alarm woke me up at 8 in the morning on Saturday, almost dark and gloomy day was outside.... I packed the stuff left, walked down to catch up a taxi to the airport.... they decided to merge two flights together, so additional 2 hrs waiting in the awful Vnukovo ( I guess the worst Moscow airport).... the only feeling, that kept me afloat was the soon reunion with the city of my dreams.... Istambul, I'm coming back as promised!!!!

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:History and mystery are here

Last visit to Istanbul: Jan 2004
Intro Updated Jan 14, 2004
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Reviews (44)

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Hotels (6)
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Restaurants (8)
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Off The Beaten Path (3)
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Comments (42)

gilabrand Jun 11, 2008 at 10:44 PM Report Abuse

Didn't see that James Bond movie, but I can see why the cistern would be a good place to film!
bugulma Nov 27, 2006 at 2:27 AM Report Abuse

nice page. very useful info about hotels i got here
1iwona Feb 6, 2004 at 12:01 AM Report Abuse

I'm impressed by Your story about Istambul. Everything is great your comments, pic. and your advices. Thanx !
Gokcecicek Jan 24, 2004 at 10:31 AM Report Abuse

Hi Marianna! Your new Istanbul tips are very helpful and very accurate. Waiting for the blank ones to be filled with text! Kisses
Gili_S Jan 24, 2004 at 5:00 AM Report Abuse

Wow, all the way to Istanbul for the snow :-) Seems you had a great time, that Cafe Fotograf I surely add to my Custom Travel Guide.
mehbos37 Jan 23, 2004 at 1:34 AM Report Abuse

My dear Marianna..You are a true example of Nisantasi woman by birth...Charming,stylish and intellectual:)
manuelEB Jan 22, 2004 at 7:09 AM Report Abuse

hehehe! Iloved the title:" take a MOTOR boat and SAIL". (-;
MalenaN Jan 15, 2004 at 9:16 AM Report Abuse

Great tips and pictures from a lovely city! I hope to see it in snow one day as well!
mardaska Jan 14, 2004 at 7:23 AM Report Abuse

I will be there for this weekend....It is time for the next Marianna!! :-))
babazula Jun 6, 2003 at 1:11 AM Report Abuse

i love my city, and u made a good job thanks.