Planning to propose to my girl friend in Istanbul in 2 weeks. I like the idea of doing it in the Aya Sophia - given its long history, surviving the many changes Istanbul has seen. However, I am open to hearing about other romantic places that you may recommend - any ideas?

Topkapi palace is a grand site for a marriage proposal. The ground are lovely and you can easily spend most of a day there. Be sure to take a tour of the harem. Personally, I think the palace is a more romantic, secluded spot than the Aya Sophia.

However, proposing IN the harem might send the wrong message...

Maiden's Tower may be another romantic altenative.

Forgive me but, Aya Sophia is like St. Peters Dome and Topkapi Palace is like the Tower of England.<BR>You want Romance! Why not propose in Ephesus in Izmir - One of the worlds most famous archeological sites...that would be a suprise. Ask her in the Great Theatre and then honeymoon at Hilton in Izmir - Exec Floor Sea View Room.<BR>If it must be Istanbul - Dolmabahce Palace - The most elaborate Sultan's Palace (Dont go on Monday or Thursday as its closed)Take a tour and at the end of the tour you will end up in the great Ceremony hall - Perfect setting - Gorgeous - you can't go wrong!<BR>If you need help making reservations for your trip please feel free to contact me.<BR>In any case Good Luck!

Sorry about my harem crack - I couldn't resist. More ideas: on a boat on the Bosphorus, on a bridge exactly halfway between Europe and Asia, on a lovely carpet that you then buy (if she says yes) so you can have the place you proposed with you always. But I found the most romantic spot in Istanbul to be the rooftop terrace of our hotel at sunset: Ayasophia and Blue Mosque on one side, and the Bosphorus on the other...sigh...

Jen, the harem sounds good, but I'd have to propose to several women!<BR><BR>Seriously, thanks everyone for your feedback.

I agree with Jen... what was your hotel? One of my favourite travel memories was the view of the Blue Mosque and the Bosporus at night, from the roof top pub of the Sultan Hostel. I did not stay there, and personally do not think the location was that romantic itself, but those views... breathtaking and forever imprinted on my mind!

I like the Blue Mosque at night idea-- you could also do it along the Bosphorous at night...

Thanks everyone. We are leaving for Istanbul on Saturday. Your suggestions are very helpful - I'll let you know where I pop the question.

csr: Uyan Hotel (www.uyanhotel.com) - not luxury by any means, but clean, cheap ($50 for a quad) and great location in Sultanahmet, as well as the most helpful staff I've ever encountered. They have a very high rooftop terrace so it's above most of the other roofs. I stayed up there for hours just painting! Bob, we are expecting that report...

You should be reasonably certain that your girlfriend will accept. If she says no, the trip may be ruined. She won't be able to run away from you until the trip is over.

What a wonderful idea; I'm sure it'll be romantic wherever you are!<BR><BR>I stayed in the Mavi Ev hotel, right opposite the Blue Mosque, and they, too have a rooftop restaurant-- but keep in mind that in 2 weeks, most of the outside rooftop restaurants will probably be closed. If one is open, and the weather is good, then there's no better place...but it may not be possible.<BR><BR>Another thought-- the restaurant Sarnic, an incredibly dramatic underground Roman cistern, with hundreds of candles lit throughout the place. I will say I found the food very disappointing, considering the high (for Istanbul) prices...but it was definitely one of the more romantic places. My husband and I ate with a newlywed couple, and they loved the place. <BR><BR> And if you want a similar atmosphere without the restaurant, how about the cistern near the Aya Sofya? It's wonderfully eerie, dramatically lit and not too crowded. <BR><BR>I love the idea of the Aya Sofya, and it may be very quiet when you go, but when I went during the summer last year, it was filled with tourists, and not easy for an intimate moment.<BR><BR>By the way, my favorite restaurant was Daruzziyafe, which is opposite the entrance to the Suleymaniye. It's a lovely and elegant place with terrific food. We ate in the courtyard, but this was during the summer; I LOVED the place and would recommend it highly. <BR><BR>Congratulations, though, and let us know how your trip went and where you popped the question!

Bob, sun is shining in Istanbul.It will shine till Wendesday.I hope it does<BR>Good Luck!

Well - Paule you win.<BR><BR>I proposed in the Sarnic restaurant. I agree with your assessment - incredibly dramatic but food is just so-so. The atmosphere was just perfect though. We sat right in front of the large roaring fire place surrounded by tons of candles.<BR><BR>BTW - she accepted.<BR><BR>Thanks all for your suggestions.

Dear Bob,<BR>Congratulations! And I'm thrilled that I was able to help with the suggestion of the Sarnic restaurant. As I said, it was an incredibly romantic location.<BR><BR>Now where is the honeymoon? Are you planning any exotic locales for the ceremony, too? I'm enjoying your romance vicariously!<BR>Paule