We have 4+ days in Istanbul in September then need to get ourselves to Bucharest. Favorites in Istanbul? Fly to Bucharest? We'd appreciate restaurant recommendations as well as things to see and do. Always appreciate the fodors folks inside info. !

deb...

Here is a link to my Turkey trip report from last Sept./Oct.

http://tinyurl.com/5lvpjv

The trip was a combination group tour and independent travel. The group tour started in Istanbul and after the tour ended I went back to Istanbul for an additional 4 days.

You may find the information in my trip report on Istanbul helpful.

I can't be much help with your Bucharest question.

Thanks, LowCountryIslander. I copied the parts that spoke to Istanbul, including the food to avoid! Sounds like a great trip and it was fun to read. Still hoping to get more restaurant recommendations!

deb...

Glad my info could be helpful to you!

Have a great time!

We were just in Istanbul in April and I posted a trip report titled
"Risab's Istanbul Trip Report" - it covers our 9 days in Istanbul and restaurants.

We stayed on the Galata/Beyoglu side of Istanbul. Our favorite restaurant was Rumeli Cafe in
Sultanhemet on Ticarethane Sk. 8. I recommend making reservations. Food is excellent -service a bit slow - but it was well worth the wait and we went back twice. Zencefil was also good (vegetarian) off of Iskalal Caddessi.

We loved Istanbul. People are great and the food is awesome. Enjoy your trip.