suze

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.

Seamus

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.

MnJ

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.

bktport

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.

tjhome1

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.

hopscotch

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

julies

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.

propertravel

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

kakijalan

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)

playa

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.

emerald013

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.

marginal_margiela

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

Katiemay

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.

kfusto

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.

julies

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.

kfusto

Great choice and thanks for letting us know!