Checking out Istanbul from Mecidiyeköy
Jul 5th, 2012, 04:41 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Checking out Istanbul from Mecidiyeköy
Hi all, will be in Istanbul from July 13th - 21st. Wife will be working through the following week in the Kağıthane area. Had done a quick search for places to stay nearby in google maps and found a tempo residence at Mecidiyeköy which had really good reviews on tripadvisor. So, we've booked there. Just got on to fodors to see how to visit the different places from Mecidiyeköy and don't see much info. Did we pick the wrong spot to stay? Would it be possible to go sightseeing after she gets back from work or would the touristy things have to be left to the weekend? So many places to see reading the different trip reports, should I ditch the wife and do it on my own? 
Any good restaurants/good places nearby? Any interesting events around the time we will be in?
Any good restaurants/good places nearby? Any interesting events around the time we will be in?
Jul 7th, 2012, 04:42 AM
#2
It is very important which side of mecidiyekoy you will be staying.
If you're on the side with Cevahir Mall, you are fine with reasonably easy transport (although not to Kagithane which is more accessible from across the street) and some regular although not special restaurants.
mecidiyekoy is close to the Metro stop which can take you to Taksim, Nisantasi area (short walk from Osmanbey stop down Rumeli Caddesi) or to the Canyon mall on the other side.
you can take the metro to Sishane, walk up to Tunel exit, take the funicular down to Karakoy and take the tram to sultanahmet easily for the historic sights. You can also walk across the Galata bridge after the funicular to enjoy the view. The museums, however, will close in the evening.
You can also take a taxi down to besiktas and take a commuter ferry in the evening to enjoy the Bosphorus. Getting off near the end, but still on the European side and not later than the Sariyer pier. You can have a good fish dinner there and come back by bus on the coastal road (bus 25E) possibly getting off at places like Rumelihisar, bebek and or Ortakoy to enjoy the night fun and activities.
check the ferry schedules at sehirhatlari.com
If you're on the side with Cevahir Mall, you are fine with reasonably easy transport (although not to Kagithane which is more accessible from across the street) and some regular although not special restaurants.
mecidiyekoy is close to the Metro stop which can take you to Taksim, Nisantasi area (short walk from Osmanbey stop down Rumeli Caddesi) or to the Canyon mall on the other side.
you can take the metro to Sishane, walk up to Tunel exit, take the funicular down to Karakoy and take the tram to sultanahmet easily for the historic sights. You can also walk across the Galata bridge after the funicular to enjoy the view. The museums, however, will close in the evening.
You can also take a taxi down to besiktas and take a commuter ferry in the evening to enjoy the Bosphorus. Getting off near the end, but still on the European side and not later than the Sariyer pier. You can have a good fish dinner there and come back by bus on the coastal road (bus 25E) possibly getting off at places like Rumelihisar, bebek and or Ortakoy to enjoy the night fun and activities.
check the ferry schedules at sehirhatlari.com
Jul 8th, 2012, 09:45 PM
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you! I was worried we were too far off. You're reply sets my mind at ease.. I am thinking of taking the Museum Pass, and spending the time there while wife's at work during the week. Seems like there's tons to see.
We are staying right across from the Trump Towers in Mecidiyekoy. From google maps, it looks like it's quite near the cevahir but just on the other side of the expressway. Says 0.8 km from the Sisli metro station. Is that okay? Would it be safe to walk that distance if we return late in the day for instance? Love the idea of the ride ont he coastal road. Is there a particular fish preparation that we should try?
We are staying right across from the Trump Towers in Mecidiyekoy. From google maps, it looks like it's quite near the cevahir but just on the other side of the expressway. Says 0.8 km from the Sisli metro station. Is that okay? Would it be safe to walk that distance if we return late in the day for instance? Love the idea of the ride ont he coastal road. Is there a particular fish preparation that we should try?
Jul 9th, 2012, 12:07 AM
#4
Of'course it is safe to walk there.
You ARE on the wrong side of the expressway though. This means that you will be walking towards Sisli mosque and square for restaurants, etc. Even then, it is not an area which is known to have any good cafes or restaurants. Mostly business on the main roads and middle class residential in the side streets.
you are right about the metro. It may be better to walk towards Mecidiyekoy proper and cross all the traffic lights under the expressway to get to Cevahir mall which you cannot miss. However, the metro station has exits closer to Sisli also and walking the other way may get you to the metro faster. Just ask at your lodging.
the museum pass is worth it even for allowing you quick access in to the sights if for nothing else. Also get an Istanbul Card for use on the metro, the funicular and the tram to take you to Sultanahmet where most of the major historic sights are.
There is a ban on commercial fishing in the summer. So everything you will get will either be from a freezer or from a fish farm (i.e. all sea bass and sea bream).
The best idea is to have fried baby horse mackerel at Kandilli (best) or at arnavutkoy (cheaper)
Check my eating fish thread on Fodors for info on fish and how to de-bone and eat horse mackerel with your fingers.
You ARE on the wrong side of the expressway though. This means that you will be walking towards Sisli mosque and square for restaurants, etc. Even then, it is not an area which is known to have any good cafes or restaurants. Mostly business on the main roads and middle class residential in the side streets.
you are right about the metro. It may be better to walk towards Mecidiyekoy proper and cross all the traffic lights under the expressway to get to Cevahir mall which you cannot miss. However, the metro station has exits closer to Sisli also and walking the other way may get you to the metro faster. Just ask at your lodging.
the museum pass is worth it even for allowing you quick access in to the sights if for nothing else. Also get an Istanbul Card for use on the metro, the funicular and the tram to take you to Sultanahmet where most of the major historic sights are.
There is a ban on commercial fishing in the summer. So everything you will get will either be from a freezer or from a fish farm (i.e. all sea bass and sea bream).
The best idea is to have fried baby horse mackerel at Kandilli (best) or at arnavutkoy (cheaper)
Check my eating fish thread on Fodors for info on fish and how to de-bone and eat horse mackerel with your fingers.
Jul 9th, 2012, 01:03 AM
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you so much! I've been reading your threads and making notes for the trip. You read my mind about the Istanbul Card..
Will definitely try out the horse mackerel.. being from india, we're pretty good with our fingers, so I'm sure it'll be a treat. Manti seemed pretty interesting to try out as well. I have noted down the place you'd suggested.
You need a medal for all the advice.. a gold one too! (in the Olympic spirit now )
Will definitely try out the horse mackerel.. being from india, we're pretty good with our fingers, so I'm sure it'll be a treat. Manti seemed pretty interesting to try out as well. I have noted down the place you'd suggested.
You need a medal for all the advice.. a gold one too! (in the Olympic spirit now
)
Jul 9th, 2012, 01:12 AM
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Also for anyone else the website for the ferry schedule has changed and is at http://www.sehirhatlari.com.tr/en / I guess we'd need the ferry to get to Kandili?
