How many days in Istanbul?
 

Coming off a cruise in Istanbul. Can anybody recommend how many days we should stay there to see all the "sights" and recommendations as what to see?

We were there a week and just saw the major atteractions. Turkey is over run with tourists from Europe and many things take longer than you would expect.

We hired a private guide in Istanbul and it was money well spent, especially if you only have a few days. I'd figure on a minimum of three full days but that will only be scratching the surface. Better than flying right home, though.

Agree three is the minimum and we too were there a week and still did not see everything....nor can one ever expect to!! However many days you are afford to stay will be rewarding.

thanks

you can see all city main places in 5 days I think I had 3 days and most of the main places seen. you should take a guide for to see main places effectively. I can suggest some guides that I have met while my trip if you want. they can help you and maybe you can arrenge a private tour with them.
have a nice trip.

Thanks for your input; would appreciate guide suggestions at-
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thanks

Rather than hire a guide, just buy a Fodor's guidebook & the DK Top Ten Istanbul. We self-toured in 2 bouts of 2 1/2 days (with our Anatolia jaunt in the middle). We didn't see everything (we never treat a vacation like a site marathon) but we saw enough to be very content. Many of the sites are easily walkable from Sultanamet & those north of the Galata can be accessed with public transit. ymmv

Ian

Aduchamp - "Overrun with tourists from Europe"? is that all year or just at a particular time? Is fall/October less crowded?