we're arriving in istanbul on april 1st and will be there until april 8th - wanted to go slowly rather than rushing through everything. the flights are arranged as is the hotel but we're wondering if anyone can recommend wonderful things to see or do that don't involve the usual tourist destinations.

thanks, in advance, for the help !!

If you've never been there how can anything be "usual"?? Istanbul is an amazing city, and the 'old town' area of Sultanahmet is so interesting. Bargaining at the Grand Bazaar is NOT to be missed, and visiting the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Agia Sophia should not be ignored. There are boat rides in the Bosphorus. Visit a hamam (Turkish Bath). Try some kebaps and of course some fresh Turkish Delight candy. Allow yourself to be lured into a carpet shop for some tea and local hospitality. You'll have a ball. April will still be cold in Istanbul so bring some warm clothes you can layer on as needed.

thanks for the suggestions ... i didn't express myself well in the first email but, yes, seeing the blue mosque, aya sofia, the grand bazaar, etc. - the "usual suspects" - will be amazing and exciting. i try, along with carting along a trusty guidebook, to find out, either from message boards or magazine articles, the special, secret places that many people overlook.

and i appreciated your advice about cool weather clothing. i just checked the 10 day forecast for istanbul and now have to change my entire planned wardrobe. we'll be spending the following week in israel where it'll be quite warm so packing will really be a challenge.

Bosphorus cruise brings alive places you've heard about in the news all your life. Just want to echo everything brotherleelove said and add -- belly dancing! and whirling dervishes!

Just one warning, we made a big effort to get off the beaten track in Istanbul and ate in a local restaurant where we were the only tourists. I don't know if that's where it happened, but two of us got horrible e. coli. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. When I go back, I will not eat any lukewarm food.

However, Istanbul is an absolutely amazing destination -- so many layers of history, fascinating culture, interesting contemporary history, great people. Loved it. Have a great time.

A week is just enogh to see and experience "the usual tourist destinations". No time for more.

Check if there is a whirling dervish ceremony in the Mevlevi monastery.