Hi everyone,
I'm thinking of taking a last-minute trip to Turkey, but I will only have 6 full days (arriving on a Sunday and leaving on a Saturday) so I'm wondering if that's enough time to do anything other than Istanbul. I'm just beginning my research on the country so any tips or suggestions would be very welcome! Also, I'm a woman traveling solo so if you have any recommendations about whether or not I should hire a tour guide for a few days I'd be open. I don't want to do any group tours though. Thanks so much all!
6 DAYS IN TURKEY
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You can easily fill 6 days in Istanbul and not see/do everything.
I had no trouble of the male variety, and I am sure I walked down the street alone without my husband a few times. If you are one to dress provocatively, you could tone that down, but you will see the entire gamut of dress in Istanbul. If you mean soon, it will likely be cold anyway.
Hello Wanderfilms,
here are my rcommendations on the basis of your previous posts:
1. Do Istanbul DIY if you prefer a boutique hotel in sultanahmet in the historic peninsula. No need to bother with the Four Seasons even if you can afford it.
2. If you prefer a Bosphorus view and a nice area to walk around on the seaside with cafes and restaurants, check Bebek Hotel and Radisson Blu.
3. If you prefer quiet luxury in an upscale area with good shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, check Park Hyatt.
4. If you do not mind a smaller roomed, lower priced hotl in a pleasant bohemian area with nice cafes and restaurants very close to the all hours night life of Taksim and Istiklal, check Hotel Villa Zurich at Akarsu Street in Cihangir.
5. If you are not staying in sultanahmet, get a guide for your first day to get your bearings and save time in seeing some of the significant sights.
6. Try www.allaboutturkey.com who is also a DE on istanbul on Trip advisor and a very nice person.
7. Consider a day trip to Ephesus. can be done DIY or arranged through an Ephesus agency like Ekol or the guide i mentioned, Burak.
8. Or, you can consider an overnight trip to Cappadocia the same way if you think you probably will not get another chance to make it to Turkey again.
9. If you stay at Sultanahmet, consider my former advice to others on taking a commuter boat from Eminonu in the evening up the Bosphorus for dinner, to return by taxi.
Dear Wanderfilms
I am working as a tour guide in Istanbul for 10 years.t
To be a solo woman you have to try to keep yourselves away from the carpet dealers especially if you are gonna stay at the Sultanahmet area
DAY 1.
Blue Mosque
Topkapı Palace
Underground Cistern
DAY 2
Hagia Sophia
Archeological Museum
Grand Bazaar
DAY 3
Spice Market
Bosphorus Cruise
Taksim Area
DAY 4
Chora Museum
City Walls
Greek Orthodox Patriarche
DAY 5
Galata Tower
Jewish Museum
Güllüoglu Baklava ( if you like to try Turkish sweets)
DAY 6
Süleymaniye Mosque
Take a feryy to Asian Side ( kadıköy )
This is my itineary but you can change the places
And you want ask more about Istanbul my mail is guideyk@yahoo.com