"Guzelim Istanbul" Istanbul by Minashka

Istanbul Travel Guide: 7,633 reviews and 19,478 photos

I must start with the sentence that Istanbul is one of my favourite cities in the world! I fell in love with it the first time I saw it in 1996 and I’ve gone back 9 times since. Every time I discover something new for myself in this city of wonders. This is where Europe meets Asia, which makes Istanbul even more magnificent! The grandioso mosques with their slim minarets, the mighty bridges over the Bosphorus, the noise of the street vendors from in and around the Grand Bazaar, the wealth of Dolmabahce Palace seen from afar, muezzin’s voice calling to prayer, the smell of the fish caught right in front of you when crossing the bridge, yelling and cheering of the crazy football fans and of course the magical air of the city will make you want to come back to this beauty over and over again! Unfortunately I did not have a digital camera with me on any of the trips, that's why I don't have the photos that would somehow capture the gorgeous view of the city...

If you wanna do shopping – go to Istanbul, if you wanna see history – go to Istanbul, if you wanna see culture – go to Istanbul, if you wanna see amazing architecture – go to Istanbul and lastly, if you wanna feel the hospitality – you’ve got to go Istanbul! This city has so much to offer. I love shopping in Istanbul, I absolutely enjoy walking around the town, I never get tired of sightseeing and it gives me so much pleasure to chat with the locals. Though it is an advantage that I speak Turkish, but believe me, even if you speak none, you’ll be able to get around easily. Istanbul is a well-known tourist destination so I am not going to go into description of the already famous sights of the city. But of course I recommend visiting the Grand Bazaar or the Covered Market as they call it, walking across the bridges, having patience at the queue for Dolmabahce Palace, seeing all the mosques, touring the Topkapi Palace and its surroundings, and checking out the night life on Taksim.

The people

I love Turkish people. They are very patriotic, friendly, hospitable and generous. Of course people in rural areas are usually much nicer than those in urban areas. So don’t judge Turks by merely interacting with the inhabitants of such a cosmopolitan city like Istanbul. Though I was never refused any help from anyone, I still found people outside the city to be a lot more hospitable and sincere. One thing I don’t like about that nation is that almost everyone in Turkey smokes. I think the cab driver was shocked when I asked him not to smoke ;-) Apparently that is not acceptable. Also be careful if you are offered a tour of the city by one of the locals because you may think it’s only a nice gesture but at the end you may be asked for money. Other than that, there is no harm in these people, at least based on my own experience. But what really amazes me about Turkish people though is that almost all of them have beautiful voice. You may be sitting in a restaurant and all of a sudden someone from the next table starts singing with a wonderful voice. Well I have the fondest memories of Turkey and its people are a big part of it!

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:History, architecture, culture, people
  • Cons:Almost everyone in the country smokes
  • In a nutshell:Istanbul is even more romantic than Paris
  • Last visit to Istanbul: May 2009
  • Intro Updated May 2, 2010
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Reviews (2)

Comments (12)

  • Adpnkp's Profile Photo
    Feb 1, 2008 at 6:33 PM

    Loved your travel page - you love Turkey as much as I do. Regarding your comment about the men singing - that it is their equivalent of acknowledging a pretty girl (unlike the crude wolf whistle)! So...take it as a complement!

  • benazer's Profile Photo
    Jul 2, 2007 at 10:08 AM

    You may hear from me suddenly next year,insallah. not sure yet where and when to go,so many places so many guzelim cities like Istanbul.

  • Tuna_ank's Profile Photo
    May 5, 2007 at 1:31 AM

    We fighted with smokers too much. Now they can't smoke soo much. Next time you will see. :-)

  • cachaseiro's Profile Photo
    Jun 23, 2006 at 4:12 PM

    nice page. istanbul is a wonderful place.

  • BluBluBlu's Profile Photo
    Jan 26, 2006 at 7:45 AM

    Nice page Minai! Blu

  • Dec 27, 2005 at 12:51 AM

    Palace is beautiful, Turkey is in my wishlist of travel.

  • Tugboatguy's Profile Photo
    Sep 25, 2005 at 1:47 AM

    Minai, As the song goes "It's Istanbul, not Constantinople!" Wonderful tips and excellent pictures. I would hate all the smoking also, its so unhealthy. Doug

  • Aug 19, 2005 at 4:03 AM

    Minai don't say that we both was in this lovely city at the same time.... I left I'bul yesterday...

  • evliyasems's Profile Photo
    May 16, 2005 at 6:59 AM

    impressive pictures and info. thanks you. Yakshee olmush.

  • rwlittle's Profile Photo
    Apr 9, 2005 at 7:34 AM

    Looks spectacular, I have to visit here some day!

Minashka

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