Top Istanbul Ili hotels
local food Istanbul
33 Reviews This syrupy sweet treat - dessert ring - is made from semolina and deep fried. It's very rich. You can find these in street carts all around Istanbul. Not one of my favorites, but a definite must-try!
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mosques etiquette Istanbul
26 Reviews It was nice to see and hear how Muslims pray in real, how they are invited for a pray, how they clear their bodies before pray, bowing at pray time or putting shoes after going out of mosques. Most...
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clothes Istanbul
9 Reviews Istanbul has all the seasons like winter, spring, summer and fall. So check the weather report before your visit. The city is with more than 14 million people and very cosmopolite. Unlike some...
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tea and coffee Istanbul
31 Reviews Being a coffee lover, I assumed that I was going to love Turkish coffee. But after my first glass of Turkish tea (cay), I was hooked!! We found every excuse to stop in one of the many cafes for a...
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turkish words Istanbul
14 Reviews The Foreign Service Institute is a branch of the US Department of State, so all their materials are copyright-free--anybody can use them without charge. Some generous people who owned the tapes or...
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nargileh Istanbul
11 Reviews This is an old looking teahouse where you also get the chance to try out a nargileh (water smoking pipe which bubbles when you suck air out of it). There are a few establishments inside but the one to...
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raki (drink) Istanbul
8 Reviews In meyhane culture it is very important to stay sober and cool, act reasonable while drinking. I’ve been in meyhanes in which waiters can kick you out if you get drunk and start to sing or talk...
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hospitality Istanbul
15 Reviews Yes, hospitality is a real characteristic of Turkish people, and my room in Dolmabahce Palace was very comfortable. I didn't want to abuse their hospitality, and that's why I didn't accept to stay...
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bargaining Istanbul
12 Reviews In Istanbul, and, I believe, other parts of Turkey as well, it is hard to imagine selling without bargaining. Even in shops, if you see it is like private owned, prices are not always fixed and it is...
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shoes Istanbul
8 Reviews Getting your shoes polished won't be a problem. On the major street you will find men that handle their antique tools with great enthousiasm. My advice is to pick out a seasoned shoe shiner and not...
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music Istanbul
8 Reviews In Istanbul people listen to all kinds of music, from rock to pop to jazz to metal to electronica, you name it and there's probably a club for it. Every year there is an International Jazz Festival,...
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phone numbers Istanbul
3 Reviews International telephone access code of Turkey is 90.Then area codes. For Istanbul it is 212 (European side) and 216 (Asian side), Ankara 312 and Izmir 232. All telephone numbers are have seven digits...
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tipping Istanbul
2 Reviews Turks are generally a welcoming race of people, eager to help and proud to show off their country. Sometimes the help can become overbearing. People here, once they've assisted you in any small...
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You may find it strange. Why should someone who never saw you before treat you like an old friend or just like someone from the family? It is, however, the essence of Turkish culture. You will feel it almost everywhere you visit and it is unconditional. Turks don't expect something in return from you while they behave like this and that should surprise you more. Enjoy your stay and hospitality of Turks :)
Every tourist is warned against high pricing and bargaining is suggested as a general rule. I guess this may be true in touristic shopping areas like grand bazaar or open markets all around the city, but it doesn't apply to everywhere. Istanbul is not a very cheap city so don't expect big discounts on small items. However, if you are big spender and you plan to do big shopping in bulk amounts, you may get really good discounts as every shop owner prefers hot cash. You may use paying in cash as a bargaining power against credit card, you may get better discounts.
Merhaba - HiTesekkür ederim - ThanksGüle güle / Hoscakalin - Bye bye(...) nerede? - Where is (location)?(...)'a nasil giderim? - How can I go to (location)?Kac para? / Ne kadar? - How much does it cost?Biraz indirim yapin - Give some discountLütfen yardim edin - Please help
Ramadan is the holy month in Islam and it is celebrated in Turkey. Many people in Turkey will fast during Ramadan. Sometimes foreigners are afraid of staying hungry because they think that all restaurants will be closed. However, there are many people who don't fast during Ramadan for many different reasons and considering this fact, you will see many restaurants open just like other days of the year, business as usual. There may be some restaurants which open late in the afternoon before breakfast time "iftar". So no need to be afraid of starving :)
Istanbul has 2 area code for fixed lines. You have to dial 0212 for European side locations and 0216 for Asian side locations. If you call from a local phone, you don't need to dial the area code if the number is in the same area. Mobile numbers have different codes such as 0532, 0542, 0505. If you are using roaming, all calls should start with +90 following the area code (212 or 216) and the number (xxx xx xx) itself. The number will be dialled as an example +90 (212) 524 13 47.
Turkish people are very hospitable and they would like to treat all their guests in the best way they possibly can. When you go in a shop or in a restaurant, they will probably offer you a drink. Turkish tea (cay) or Turkish coffee (kahve) will be the first options as they are heavily consumed by locals. They will be upset when something they offer is rejected. However, they will insist on offering you something else. Know that this will not end until you accept something which has been offered. Drinking tea or coffee with them will prepare a better conversation environment.
There are so many taxis in Istanbul which gives some bargaining power to travellers. If you know roughly how much your journey will cost you, you may bargain with the driver. If there are many free taxis around, he may accept your offer. A strategy could be telling how much you are willing to pay for the ride. If he is not keen on accepting your offer, move on. He can pick you up instead of staying idle for a long time.
Raki is the national drink of Turks. It contains anise inside. It has around 42% alcohol which puts it into strong drinks cathegory. It is quite similar to Ricard Pernaud or Ouzo 12. Usually it is diluted with cold water giving a creamy colour and Turks drink it with some mezzes (appetizers) . Raki is a social drink and you witness Raki tables full of appetizers, friends and fun. There are many details about how to drink Raki and with what. In popular places like Nevizade or Cicek Pasaji, you can have a good example of entertainment accompanied with Raki. If you are vulnerable to alcohol, please don't consume so much :)
Hi,The male dominated ones are called "kahve", and the modern ones "kafe" or "cafe". First one is very smoky, mostly very simple and have green tableclothes, much chepaer, and for men only. But if you accidentally enter a "kahve", those guys who never seen any lady inside before will probably behave you respectful.So, just know the difference between KAHVE and KAFE.Enjoy your travel.Alper
Hello. I'm currently spending vacation in Istanbul alone. In the beginning, I avoided coffee shops dominated by men but I realized that there are more men than women everywhere I glance, so I gave it a go. Turks can be very charming but they leave you alone as you wish. The Turkish coffee is great here so enjoy!
Esans Hotel Istanbul
7 Reviews and 181 Opinions a very new hotel. very near to grande museums and sophia dome. sea is very near to hotel. we enjoy...
Sirkeci Konak Hotel Istanbul
2 Reviews and 1323 Opinions I cannot write a glowing enough review of this hotel and I stay in hotels about 35 weeks a year for...
Four Seasons Istanbul Istanbul
6 Reviews and 301 Opinions This is the 2nd time I come to Istanbul....the last time I came I came with my buddies, so we stayed...
Reviews and photos of Istanbul Ili attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Istanbul Ili sightseeing.
Q: Hi, I am researching on a short trip to Istanbul and have many questions. Hope to have some responses to help me plan ahead....
A: We visited Istanbul & Turkey Sept/ Oct 2010, weather was good, not hot. Turkey and Istanbul can get very hot so I recommend you Google up Istanbul Tourism - weather. This...
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