Anyone been to both Venice & Istanbul?
 

I know, I know, I know. They are completely different. But, if you can tell me the best and worst things about both it would help me with some decisions. I am not looking for names of restaurants etc., but more general overall impressions. Which would you visit again? Or neither?Timeframe would be late spring/early summer if that makes a difference. Thanks much.

Julie I have been to both cities several times.

Venice will be quite crowded at that time of year and that would dissuade me. Will you be going alone?

Both cities are essential for any world traveler. I am sorry I am not being more helpful here..trying to find out more about you in order to give a reasonable answer.

I am sure Venice will be the overwhelming choice of repponders, but if you can expect that you will have lots of traveling ahead of you, I might skip Venice in high season and go to Turkey...do a check on the weather sites to see if that will effect your decision in any way.

Istanbul isn't a bad town to spend 3-4 days but I don't think I'd go back there. I'd go to Venice a second time but not a third. Not that much there really. Very crowded.

It would be me and my husband, so a single woman travelling is not an issue. I do have some apprehensions about horrible crowds of people, having read that Venice is often overrun with tourists. And, we do prefer to get off the beaten tourist path generally. We are also quite a bit more intrepid travellers than most and are fine using public transportation so often go to places in cities few tourists bother to seek out. In both cases, these would be the big cities anchoring a trip to the region in general rather than just a visit to the city alone.

ekscrunchy--what do you recommend as an optimal time to visit Venice?

Time of year is an issue. Once when I was talking with a woman from istanbul she tolde me May was the best month to visit there, and we would be right in line with that.

thanks again.

Actually an inspired pairing. The histories of the two cities are inexticably entwined.

Have been to Venice many times and hoping to return again in the Fall. Have only been to Istanbul once, but if someone knocked on my door and handed me a ticket I'd be on the plane in a minute. If crowds in Venice are a problem when you travel I'd choose Istanbul. Which leads me to question: when are there NOT crowds in Venice? Used to be Oct. was quietish... but last time it seemed busier than in the past.

PS I might add that Istanbul is a permanent crowd.
I live in NYC and when we returned from Istanbul it seemed like a quiet country town to me. -:)

Yes Pausanias. 1204 and all that. If it isn't in Istanbul, see if you can find it in Venezia. They are indeed intrinsically intertwined. What a great phrase.

i thoroughly enoyed istanbul and would go back, as i would to venice.

however, since i visited venice in march one year, i cannot imagine it in the spring or summer .

i think istanbul and its surroundings offer a more of a unique, cultural variety if that is what you are looking for.

Yes, I spend most of my out of the country trips in Venice these days, so I obviously love it-the Turks controlled La Serenissima, you know, back in the 1500's for awhile-terrible, terrible battles were fought by Venetian commanders and the Turks, some of those commanders were captured by the Turks, and well, I can't tell you all that happened to Admiral Bragadino-you have to read about it.

But I will tell you this: His skin is sitting in a jar above an altar on the right hand side of the Basilica of San Giovanni e Paolo in Venice (San Zanipolo to the locals). You see, he was mutilated first, over a series of days, about to be beheaded, but then, the Pasha would order it stopped; he was then paraded through the streets, then he was further mutilated, and after around two weeks, he was brought before the Pasha, and very slowly skinned alive. His skin was then stuffed with straw, and paraded on the back of a cow through the streets. They then hung it on a ship, and kept it in Istanbul, until the Venetians acquired it somehow, and brought his skin back to Venice. He was a brave and honorable commander, who was tricked by the Turks into thinking that they wanted to negotiate a surrender, instead, they took him and did the above.

The Byzantine influence is immediately apparent in Venice, the moment you walk onto Piazza San Marco, and see those 5 spires of the Basilica-it could be transported directly from Istanbul, and in fact, the structure was based on Justinian's Cathedral of the Apostles in Constantinople. The Byzantine influence is apparent everywhere in Venice; from the ancient palazzos that line the Grand Canal and other parts of the city to the actual Fondego di Turchi where Turkish merchants were expected to live and do business (now the Museum of Natural History).

I've spent weeks with a Turkish family in Istanbul back in the 80's-it is a fascinating place indeed, but one I choose not to travel to at this time, because there have been too many bombing incidents targeted at tourists in the past three years.

Having been to both-Istanbul!!! I found Istanbul and Turkey to completely captivate me in every sense-smells,history,culture,food,scenery,
etc.It is a fantastic city and well worth visiting at any time of the year(we went there in March a few years back).
I fly to Europe everyweek and just got back from Frankfurt this evening only to find out in the Chicago Tribune that the US Consulate has advised Americans to be very careful in GERMANY as there maybe attacks against them.............so I quess my comment is-its everywhere these days?
Go to Istanbul and enjoy the magic!

Well, not exactly. There have been a number of bombs that have killed and injured quite a few tourists, because the bombs were targeting tourists. In fact in 2005, a bomb was placed under a tourist van in Kusadesi and killed two young British and Irish girls. Another bomb was thrown directly into a cafe in Sultenahmet in 2006, the heart of the tourist quarter, severely injuring three tourists. That's just since 2005, never mind the horrific bombings of 2003.

Oh, and just last month, the TAK, a splinter group of the Kurds that are not under control, warned Europeans and others in a communique to stay away, because they are going to continue to target tourists throughout the tourist centers, particularly in Istanbul.

Germany, nor any other country in Europe, have had that sort of sustained bombing campaign going on solely aimed at tourists. In fact, there is no other place in the world where that is currently the situation.

Girlspytravel !!!!! I remember same kind of wording last year trying to make people think Turks are barbarians and Turkey is dangerous.
Whoever you are please put your senses together; this is a travel information & travel ideas exchange forum, not a history channel forum or amnesty international or lahey courts....

Ohh yeah, you are right the new bomb created are spotting tourists and even figures out their nationalities and harms according to their passports...

This is year 2007, maybe you have not realized yet, 2 years after the date you mention. Bombs blasting in different parts of the world, I condemn terror anywhere; unfortunatelly, people are injuring or loosing lives regardless their nationalities. London metro, spain trains, Egypt, Iraq, NYC, Marocco,India etc.

Do not try to create horror here please.

If you want to say, I have been to Turkey and did not like the country, did not like the people, did not like the food; thats fine, give your review and reasons. But stop this kind of old fashioned anti propagandas, will you ?
And asnwer a question if you have something to say.

Happy travelling Julies, whether Venice or Istanbul.......

Murat

Haven't been to Venice...but I've been to Istanbul 3 times and am planning another trip soon. Always a lot to see......and then there is the shopping at the Grand Bazaar!

Thanks again. I will admit my husband has been a tad apprehensive about Turkey because of the possibility of anti-American terrorist attacks. But, as I said to him, we'd been in the same Madrid train station that was attacked, so we could have also been as unlucky to be there that day. And, look at all the years Londoners dealt with bombings. I guess I am not going to let fear rule my life. I'd never even get in my car if that were the case because my chances of dying in a car accident on my way to work are actually higher than getting struck by a terrorist's bomb.

Off the subject here, but we really took advantage of most people's fears right after 9/11. We got the incredibly priced package deal of $400 a person for a flight from the midwest to CDG and 3 nights in a 3 star hotel in Paris. Makes me depressed when I see what I have to pay now. At that time it also only cost me .80 to purchase a euro.

julies,
I've been to both cities, and love them both. So my question to you is, What kind of experience are you looking for? And what about the rest of your trip, as you say it is the city anchoring you to the rest of the region.

Venice is an amazing city, but in many ways, it's a small town experience. Venice, to me, is about the experience of being there-- the wandering around a city that is half water and has no cars, and getting lost is the optimal experience. There are some wonderful sights, but no one sight is greater than the city itself.

Istanbul, on the other hand, is a very intense city, very overwhelming, but rich with layers of history with so much to offer. You can easily spend days exploring sights throughout the city. I loved the fact that it is a cross between East and West, because you'll see and feel the cultural mix everywhere you go. It's exhausting at times, not always gentle, but worth putting your energy into the place. The rewards the visitor gets who makes an effort are great. And if you are exploring at least part of Turkey, then definitely go for Istanbul!

In my mind, a choice between Istanbul and Venice is not easy, but I think the richer experience would be going to Istanbul.

Paule

" I will admit my husband has been a tad apprehensive about Turkey because of the possibility of anti-American terrorist attacks."

The attacs that have happened were NOT targeting American tourists. There are way more European tourists in Turkey. And they were not attacking tourists, they were attacking Turkish tourism industry = country´s economy.

I was in Istanbut the next week after bombings. There was nothing to be afraid of. Those bombs were not attcking Americans either. They attacked a British bank and a synagogue.

I have been in a bomb warning situation once in my life. That was some 20+ years ago. In an airport in Switzerland.

Julies, just a quick answer to your question: Having visited Venice a few times in late spring and summer, I vowed after the last visit never to do it again. A few years ago we spent a week there in January and while it was a little chilly, the lack of crowds made it an ideal time for us. so I would say, anytime from November to early April, except for Carneval would be good..for me. I would love to be in Venice for Christmas sometime.

I am surprised and pleased that Istanbul got so many votes... How long is your trip? Would you venture into the rest of Turkey (I think I am understanding that the snwer is "yes')

Wonderful linking of the two cities by Pausanias.

As for Istanbul, I have been there in the summer once and late spring once; both were a while ago so I do not remember details but I also do not remember being too hot. Two years ago I went in early October and, although I had drizzle one day, I thought it was a great time. Spring would be even prettier.

Here is my (abbreviated) trip report; maybe you can find a few useful tidbits:



http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34695639

Elina-no one said that the sustained bombing campaign in Turkey was attacking AMERICAN tourists, but TOURISTS, and western institutions that cater to tourists, such as hotels, cafes in the Sultenahmet section, and tourist vans-and that has continued every year since the horrific bombings of 2003-and there is every reason to believe that it will continue, and people who go to Turkey need to apprise themselves of these matters before they decide to go there.

while venice is lovely, the summer crowds and the high cost of travel in venice make me put it second behind istanbul. turkey is an amazing country, great food, nice people, lovely weather, and a culture that embraces both the east and the west.
I would definitely choose turkey

i have been to Venice twice and would return in a heartbeat (never to Istanbul so can't attempt to compare the two).

both times were in summer and i did not think the "crowds" were a problem in the least. there's a reason many people want to visit Venice... it's amazing.

The first time I visited Venice it was July - horrible heat, humidity (and smells!) along with throngs of tourists. The next time I visited (and I went back only because I was taking someone who had never been and wanted to go) was in October - cooler, far fewer tourists and less odor. I really have little desire to return, as there is not a whole lot of there there that is worth it unless you are a devoted Venice fan or want to see it before it finally crumbles away - but it sure is worth seeing at least once.

Have been to Istanbul just once (so far) in late May and do plan to return. Spent a week there and did not have time to see all that I wanted. Yes, it is a large city, and there are places that get crowded, but people are friendly and the crowds are orderly. The sense of history is simply astounding, though it is very much a living, evolving city and not a relic. Food is great. Getting around fairly easy and simple. Costs are moderate or, if you wish, there are ample opportunities to spend lavishly.

If you have sufficient time, might it be possible to visit both places? That would seem a pretty cool itinerary, given the (previously cited) historical links between the two places.

We have been to both cities thrice and recently returned from Istanbul. We are fascinated with the layers of history and the different cultures of Istanbul. Once you are off the main tourist paths in Venice, it is quiet and peaceful. We enjoy just walking about and suddenly finding out way blocked by a canal. We enjoy the art and the buildings in Venice. We are addicted to the Istanbul Archeological Museum and the magnificence of Haghia Sophia. We enjoy the early morning markets in Venice and bringing back fresh bread and fruits for our enjoyment. We like the soothing drip of the water in Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern while sipping apple tea. We like the absence of touts in Venice. We are enchanted with the evening sunset against the mosques when returning on the Bosphorus Straits ferry. We like the variety of restaurants in Taksim on the pedestrian only street.
Our money goes much further in Istanbul and we often makes splurges without worrying about breaking the bank. Where would we return? To either city depending on the flight cost.

Well it seems the majority here think Istanbul. We agree. We have recently been in both.

Istanbul just returned from a 7 day trip on April 3rd. First trip.

Venice just returned from a 4 day trip on April 19th. Had been in Venice 3 or 4 times years ago.

In our impression Istanbul is like NYC; big, busy, and bustling. Venice is like Disneyland full of international tourists, cool to see, and great to walk around.

Venice very expensive – transportation (vaparetto 6 Euro per trip), food, hotels, you name it. Istanbul much cheaper – transportation (tram ticket 1.30 New Turkish Lira), food, hotels, etc.

Venice is a rip-off city for tourist; Istanbul is not.

There is more to see in Istanbul in terms of quantity and quality.

Well, I have to defend Venice from bktport's post - had you been going out of season I'd have said Venice for sure which is absolutely magical and a must for any travellor (but only out of season when it's not crowded with tourists) I'd definately go to Istanbul given the time of year.

I've been to both. I never need Venice again. I can't wait to get back to Istanbul.

You have all been so helpful. It also sounds as though the additonal cost of airfare to Istanbul vs. Venice is recouped by the savings upon arrival.

By the way, Venice would be complemented by visits to the Veneto area and possibly Lake Como and/or Ravenna/Ferrara. My husband has never been to Venice, and I was there once 30 some years ago and enjoyed it then; but, that was a different era. Neither one of us has been to Turkey. There we would also do Cappadocia & perhaps the Black Sea area.

We would not mix these 2 cities together because we are much more into quality rather than quantity when visiting places. Se are into slow travel and the less is more approach. Thanks again.

Hi Julies,
Greetings from Sunny, Rainy and Funny Cappadocia.......(weather been a bit funny lately)

If you have time two center Istanbul and Cappadocia would fit to your quality description...

If you have more time than a week perhaps also Ephesus could be added to your itinerary......

Istanbul lover's have my blessings for honest opinions too :-))

Happy travelling,

Murat

I've only been to Istanbul, but I can tell you this... the minute I stepped out of the plane after the trip, I was already thinking about my next trip there.
All that has been said is true... the history, the culture, the food, the buildings, the shopping, the people... simply wonderful!!
I went in late April 2006.. perfect weather, with the tulips blooming.
Check out the photos... you won't regret the visit :)
http://kakijalan7.fotopages.com (p/s: the photos are backwards ie latest days first)

After reading your comnment about prefering to be off the beaten path,I think you can find that even in Venice if you are adept at it.However,that being said ,I feel that Venice is much more one -dimmensional than Istanbul,but then again,it is unique and leaves an impression that should not be missed in one's lifetime.

Venice is wonderful, magical, enchanting... but only for about 3 days, 5 days at the very most (it is pretty small). I was there in around 1997 and also last summer, both times in early June; first time (I was little and very impressionable) was absolutely thrilling; second time was a let down. The cruises are now allowed to come in; pizza is 10 euros a go and iffy; dinner everywhere is overpriced; there are no longer artists painting along the canals. It is always worth it to go, to get lost, to wander (the Jewish District, etc), but it has become such a tourist town that its magic is beginning to wear off, especially in the heat of a summer day.
Istanbul will be my destination in about 2 weeks, followed by Cappadocia. Everyone says it's pretty much amazing.

I have been to both, of course, as I am a famous world traveller. I would NEVER EVER go to Venice during the summer months. It is just too crowded, sweetie darling. You can't even walk around San Marco during the day. I have stayed at Cipriani 3 times.

I just love Istanbul. Have you read my fabulous trip report? Istanbul is very atmospheric and is large enough to accomodated the tourist influx during the summer months.

I would stay at the Ciragan Palace or the Ritz-Carlton when in Istanbul.

Thingorjus

I have been to both cities. I have
seen so many pictures of the Grand
Canal and when we went down it, it was
overwhelming to think I was actually
there.
We were to Turkey many yrs ago and the
only
guidebook that was out was The
Lonely Planet. Our plane got in at
9p.m. and driving along the water
and seeing the skyline of Istanbul all
lit up was just as overwhelming. I loved
it. It is such a diverse country. We
spent 3 wks there and drove ourselves.
At that time they loved Americans and
we felt very safe.
Would I go back again?? Absolutely.
I would also take some precautions in
Istanbul and be aware of all that is
going around you.

I spent 4 days in Istanbul a few years ago and would love to go back. It is a mysterious city with wonderful food and fascinating history and architecture.

I have been to Venice 5 times and still have no affection for me. It is my least favorite part of Italy. It seems that I often accompany first timers to Italy and Venice is always on their list so I end up there but I am always happy to leave and generally cut short my stay as much as possible. I will be there again in fall, for two days only, again with first timers. I would much prefer to visit Turkey again.

Well, I'm the OP. We made the choice to go to Turkey for the last 2 weeks in May and absolutely loved it. We had 4 1/2 days in Istanbul which we didn't feel was enough. We plan a return visit in the future sometime.

Great choice and thanks for letting us know!