Patsy

Will be in Istanbul on a Sunday. Will shops, restaurants etc. be open? What day of the week is the worst day to be in Istanbul (perhaps we can jiggle some dates)if there is a day of the week where most things are closed?? Thank You.

Paulo

Regarding dining out, Patsy, there shouldn't be problems any day of the week. Quite a few restaurants will be closed either on Sunday or Monday, but there'll be plenty of them open. If you're spending only one evening/night in Istanbul, I recommend you to dine in Kumpkapi (unless you hate seafood); it's very lively, one has lots' of fun, dozens of restaurants one on top of each other to choose from ... <BR> <BR>The Grand Bazar and the Egiptian (spice) Bazar are closed on Sunday and so are most of the shops in town. Here and there one may find one that is open. <BR> <BR>Hard to tell what the worst day of week is ... if you can't do without going to the Grand Bazar it would be Sunday. If you consider visiting Haghia Sophia a must, then Monday would be a no no. Topkapi Palace and Kariye Cami are closed Tuesdays. The türbes at the Suleymaniye mosque are closed Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Dolmabahçe palace is closed Mondays and Thursdays. Mosques are open daily but prayer times are extended on Fridays (one shouldn't visit during prayer). <BR> <BR>If you don't know what you'll be wanting to do in Istanbul (it's hard to decide if one has only one day) try to be here on a Wednesday or Saturday (or even Friday if yo don't intend visiting all mosques in town). <BR> <BR>Paulo <BR>