Have you been to Turkey?

[Sean]

Just booked some tickets to Istanbul for our honeymoon. We'll be there for 12 days. Has anybody been there? Where to go? What to do? What not to do? Any insider info would be great. Thanks!

[Nick_Ninja]

My neighbor is in Turkey now for six days. I'll ask him when he returns.

[sprtbkbabe]

Istanbul was filthy from what I remember. My friends lived in Ankara, which is the 2nd largest city and we had a blast there.

But, the beach towns are where you are gonna want to be mostly. Ilica beach in Çeşme is one of the best along the Aegean and Xuma beach in Bodrum is only a boat ride away to Mykonos in Greece

Pick up a lonely planet guide. I've travelled alot of the world on those and they are your bible for each locales bus times, places to avoid, times to hit the markets, etc, etc...

[salsashark]

Hey now...

That's nobody's business but the Turks'!

[Wrider]

Here ya go.












And yes, I do realize I'm an asshole. You're welcome!

[Sean]

My neighbor is in Turkey now for six days. I'll ask him when he returns.

Yeah, let me know. Thanks, Ninja!

But, the beach towns are where you are gonna want to be mostly. Ilica beach in Çeşme is one of the best along the Aegean and Xuma beach in Bodrum is only a boat ride away to Mykonos in Greece

Thanks.

Pick up a lonely planet guide. I've travelled alot of the world on those and they are your bible for each locales bus times, places to avoid, times to hit the markets, etc, etc...

I too have traveled a bit and always have my LP with me. I find them much better than Frommers or others. But for Europe you can't go wrong with Rick Steve's. My Turkey LP is currently being shipped to me right now.

Hey now...

That's nobody's business but the Turks'!

I don't even know that song, but I can still tell you're off key. Please stop ruining the forum for everybody. kthnxbye

And yes, I do realize I'm an asshole. You're welcome!

No, not an asshole. Maybe a pain in the ass? The tune was actually kind of catchy.

[Wrider]

No, not an asshole. Maybe a pain in the ass? The tune was actually kind of catchy.

Just wait until you're singing it as you go to bed tonight... Then you'll be calling me an asshole. lol

[Sean]

Just wait until you're singing it as you go to bed tonight... Then you'll be calling me an asshole. lol

Fair enough. Then I reserve the right to retract my previous statement.

[salsashark]

Here ya go.

And yes, I do realize I'm an asshole. You're welcome!

I don't even know that song, but I can still tell you're off key. Please stop ruining the forum for everybody. kthnxbye

From the above video... http://youtu.be/vankaSlfSr0?t=2m5s

perhaps a bit to obscure to only quote one line?! why you gotta be hatin?!

But to be honest, I had the They Might Be Giants version in my head when I replied...

[modette99]

No but they hold this now in Turkey
http://youtu.be/VXlqhh57dhE

[Sean]

From the above video... http://youtu.be/vankaSlfSr0?t=2m5s

perhaps a bit to obscure to only quote one line?! why you gotta be hatin?!

Where do you guys get this random shit? And you should know by know, hatin' is what I do best.

No but they hold this now in Turkey
http://youtu.be/VXlqhh57dhE

Wow, thanks. That doesn't help at all.

[salsashark]

Where do you guys get this random shit? And you should know by know, hatin' is what I do best.

What rock did you live under to never have heard of They Might be Giants?!

[cptschlongenheimer]

What rock did you live under to never have heard of They Might be Giants?!

I guess I live under a big HARD rock then....

[modette99]

Where do you guys get this random shit? And you should know by know, hatin' is what I do best.

Wow, thanks. That doesn't help at all.

Really, I figured if it was held around the same time you plan to be there it be interesting to see it...too each their own. Sorry it was NO help to your interest.

Also my post suggested / implied maybe you can do a little riding there too.

[Sean]

I'm familiar with They Might Be Giants, that's why I quoted the first video clip as a wtf?

[Zanatos]

I lived in Ankara, Turkey for a year when I was in the Air Force. My friends and I took a ferry boat ride up the Bosphorus/Istanbul Straight to the Black Sea.

While you're there, visit as many markets as you can. Turkey is a great place to buy gold, brass, and carpets. It's also the only place in the world where you can buy Meerschaum. It's a soft stone that artisans carve into ornate smoking pipes, chess sets, and decorative items. If you keep your eyes peeled, you can still find old Russian watch caps, airplane bomb sights that have been made into lamps, and other Cold War memorabilia.

There are tons of cool places to go in Turkey - but it all depends on how far you're willing to travel from Istanbul.

What to do:
1. Have fun, and try to speak a few phrases of Turkish. The locals appreciate it.
2. Turkey doesn't have hard liquor and only has two main beers: Tuborg and Efes. Tuborg is German, and not bad. Efes is Turkish and has zero quality control - so one beer might be watery and flat, and the next might be tasty.
3. When you go shopping - be ready to bargain. Everything is negotiable. NEVER pay asking price. Also, it's customary for shop owners to offer you chai tea. It's good - but make sure it's really hot. Turkey's water supply is not chlorinated.
4. Do not order a salad. It is washed in the local water and can make you sick.
5. Do not have ice in your drinks. It is made from the local water.
6. DO drink bottled water, soda, and beer.
7. If you buy shwarma from a street vendor - make sure it's piping hot. (Shwarma is like a gyro: roasted chicken, beef, or lamb in a soft tortilla with creamy cucumber sauce).
8. Be patient and courteous. If a Turk asks you what you think of their country - compliment the Hell out of it. Talk about how beautiful it is and how nice the people are. They love that.
9. Take a lot of photos, but not at the airport. In Turkey - all airports are considered to be military installations.
10. Enjoy. You are going to have a blast.

[Sean]

While you're there, visit as many markets as you can. Turkey is a great place to buy gold, brass, and carpets. It's also the only place in the world where you can buy Meerschaum. It's a soft stone that artisans carve into ornate smoking pipes, chess sets, and decorative items. If you keep your eyes peeled, you can still find old Russian watch caps, airplane bomb sights that have been made into lamps, and other Cold War memorabilia.

Cool. I love markets. Not much for shopping, but I love to see all of the crap they have there.

There are tons of cool places to go in Turkey - but it all depends on how far you're willing to travel from Istanbul.

Willing to get away from the city. I just want to make sure I plan a trip that has a good balance of sites and downtime. I've heard cool stuff about Cappadocia, but it might be a little far from Istanbul with our limited time frame. What do you think? Is local/regional transport good?

What to do:
1. Have fun, and try to speak a few phrases of Turkish. The locals appreciate it.
2. Turkey doesn't have hard liquor and only has two main beers: Tuborg and Efes. Tuborg is German, and not bad. Efes is Turkish and has zero quality control - so one beer might be watery and flat, and the next might be tasty.
3. When you go shopping - be ready to bargain. Everything is negotiable. NEVER pay asking price. Also, it's customary for shop owners to offer you chai tea. It's good - but make sure it's really hot. Turkey's water supply is not chlorinated.
4. Do not order a salad. It is washed in the local water and can make you sick.
5. Do not have ice in your drinks. It is made from the local water.
6. DO drink bottled water, soda, and beer.
7. If you buy shwarma from a street vendor - make sure it's piping hot. (Shwarma is like a gyro: roasted chicken, beef, or lamb in a soft tortilla with creamy cucumber sauce).
8. Be patient and courteous. If a Turk asks you what you think of their country - compliment the Hell out of it. Talk about how beautiful it is and how nice the people are. They love that.
9. Take a lot of photos, but not at the airport. In Turkey - all airports are considered to be military installations.
10. Enjoy. You are going to have a blast.

Most of this is good general travel knowledge for sure. The beer, shwarma and airport are good things that I didn't know.

Thanks again! If you think of anything else, let me know. Good foods to try? etc.

[Ghost]

I had a Turkish girlfriend in grad school, that help any?

[Sean]

Hey!

No illegal shenanigans in my travel thread!

[Ninja2]

Been 3 to 4 times but south in all inclusive resort. Never in Istanbul. It was easy for me to get around cuz a lot of Turks speak German and I look a bit Turkish.
It is an Islamic and somewhat third world country. And it sometimes becomes obvious when it comes to females. Overall, I like it a lot!

=======

OK. I found some pics from Side/Turkey from 2010. Traveled with US passport - no problemo. I bought the visa at time of entry at the airport Make sure that the visa process still applies though.
Oh, and depending on the time of year, it will be extremely hot.

Greek influence:


Amphitheater:


Uhm. I didn't know you couldn't take pics at the airport - I did anyways, and did not get arrested:


Life's a Biatch

[sfarson]

Just booked some tickets to Istanbul for our honeymoon. We'll be there for 12 days. Has anybody been there? Where to go? What to do? What not to do? Any insider info would be great. Thanks!

Have been to Istanbul on business.

It's a diverse place (in just about every measure), a friendly place (never was safety a concern). You can participate in organized tours (Blue Mosque, boat rides, etc.) that are very good, yet will insulate you somewhat from the "regular life". Certainly participate in these kinds of activities, but also tour yourself, and also walk the streets. Get away from the Starbucks area. See "real" Istanbul. I've bought food from street vendors (Mmmmm) and have walked the streets for long hours. Always the most memorable and special of my stays.

Great choice for a honeymoon.

[Sean]

Been 3 to 4 times but south in all inclusive resort. Never in Istanbul. It was easy for me to get around cuz a lot of Turks speak German and I look a bit Turkish.
It is an Islamic and somewhat third world country. And it sometimes becomes obvious when it comes to females. Overall, I like it a lot!

Wow, great pics! Makes me want to leave today. That's interesting, I didn't know that many Turks spoke German. interesting/cool. I'll have to pick up a few phrases before I go.

Have been to Istanbul on business.

It's a diverse place (in just about every measure), a friendly place (never was safety a concern). You can participate in organized tours (Blue Mosque, boat rides, etc.) that are very good, yet will insulate you somewhat from the "regular life". Certainly participate in these kinds of activities, but also tour yourself, and also walk the streets. Get away from the Starbucks area. See "real" Istanbul. I've bought food from street vendors (Mmmmm) and have walked the streets for long hours. Always the most memorable and special of my stays.

Great choice for a honeymoon.

I'm much more of the street food/explore on my own kind, then of Starbucks/tours. I don't even like Starbucks here! Good to know it felt safe and friendly.

[Ninja2]

Wow, great pics! Makes me want to leave today. That's interesting, I didn't know that many Turks spoke German. interesting/cool. I'll have to pick up a few phrases before I go.

I'm much more of the street food/explore on my own kind, then of Starbucks/tours. I don't even like Starbucks here! Good to know it felt safe and friendly.

After WWll Germany needed help rebuilding. A lot of the men died and Turkey had a high unemployment rate. As a result, Germany introduced the concept of guestworkers to help with reconstruction based on a limited time visa. Turks came to Germany, had children, etc.
There are now close to 4M Turks in Germany, not counting the ones who have German citizenship. Many also returned back to turkey.

The Turkish food is one of my favorite cuisines (besides Greek), so make sure to try it!
Do some carpet shopping - you will get to meet locals and get free tea.

[sprtbkbabe]

There's a cool article recently on the BBC:

http://www.bbc.com/travel/feature/20...anbul-by-night
Istanbul by night


In Istanbul Nightlife
21 June 2012 | By Virginia Maxwell, Lonely Planet


In Istanbul, after-dark activities range from casual eateries to jazz bars and superclubs. (Izzet Keribar/LPI)


The residents of Istanbul do many things extremely well. They shop with an almost religious fervour, they demand (and deliver) fresh and flavoursome food, and they work hard to maintain strong and supportive local communities. Most of all though, Istanbullus know how to party. When you visit, you will be both charmed and impressed by how much fun the locals seem to get out of life.

• Related article: A perfect day in Istanbul

Take the much-loved meyhane. Scattered across the city but concentrated in the entertainment districts of Beyoğlu and Kumkapı, these casual eateries specialize in serving hot and cold meze (small plates of seafood and vegetable appetizers), followed sometimes – but not always – by kebabs or fish dishes. In Beyoğlu, located on the northern side of the Galata Bridge, and in Kumkapı, next to Sultanahmet, meyhane meals are accompanied by copious pourings of beer, wine or rakı (an aniseeed-flavour spirit) and are usually enjoyed by large groups of friends. In more conservative areas, alcohol is not part of the equation, but a great time is had by all regardless. Popular choices in Beyoğlu include Demetı, Feraye, Kalavi, Jash, Asmalı Cavit (Asmalımescit Caddesi 16; 0212-292 4950), Karaköy Lokantası and Sofyalı 9. In Kumkapı, Kalamar is a long-standing favourite. There is also a growing number of fashionable meyhane/restaurant hybrids, the best of which are probably Meze by Lemon Tree in Beyoğlu and Sıdıka in the Bosphorus-side suburb of Beşiktaş. At some meyhanes, live fasıl (folk) music shares the stage with the great food and raucous conversation.
Before and after dinner, locals can often be found sipping cocktails and showing off their most glamorous outfits at an ever-growing number of rooftop bars in Beyoğlu. Perennial favorites include Mikla, 360, 5 Kat, Litera and the three branches of Leb-i-derya. Formidably fashionable street-level newcomers include Münferit, Baylo and Le Fumoir at the Georges Hotel.
The city’s bohemian and student sets tends to gravitate to to the bars and clubs in Beyoğlu’s Asmalımescit and Nevizade enclaves, or head over the water to grungy Kadife Sokak in the suburb of Kadıköy on the city’s Asian side – known to everyone as Barlar Sokak (“Bar Street”). These are decidedly less glam and considerably cheaper than the Beyoğlu rooftop bars. Current favourites in Beyoğlu include Kiki, MiniMüzikHol and the tiny Off Pera in Gönül Sokak, Asmalımescit. In Kadıköy, Karga and Dunia (2nd floor, Kadife Sokak 19) always have a great vibe.
Jazz dominates the soundtracks at many of the city’s bars, but there is also a clutch of live jazz clubs in Beyoğlu and along the Bosphorus where aficionados congregate. The best-loved of these is Nardis in Galata, owned by jazz guitarist Önder Focan. But those in the know also keep an eye on the performance schedule at Istanbul’s best live-music venue, Babylon, to see when Turkish-American jazz saxophonist İlhan Erşahin is performing.
Finally, mention must be made of the famous “Golden Mile” – a string of superclubs dotted along the Bosphorus shore between the neighbourhoods of Ortaköy and Kuruçeşme. This is where the seriously glamorous and wealthy come to party – to join them you will need to dress to kill, tip the doorman lavishly and unblinkingly pay the stratospheric drink prices. The most famous of these clubs are Reina, Sortie, Supperclub, Anjelique and Blackk.
The entertainment options certainly do not stop here. Once in Istanbul, you will quickly realise that performances, parties and convivial bars are never far away.
Practicalities
Women will be treated respectfully at most venues, but may encounter some strange looks if they go to bars and clubs by themselves. Males travelling alone or in pairs should be wary of being adopted by a friendly local who is keen to take them to a club for a few drinks – many such encounters end up atpavyons, sleazy nightclubs run by the mafia where a drink or two with a female hostess will end up costing hundreds – sometimes thousands – of euros. If you do not pay up, the consequences can be violent.