Traveling to Istanbul
 

My husband and I are traveling to Istanbul for a week. Can anyone tell us which hotel to stay in - we wouls like a modern, new, clean, nice hotel? Also, what are things we should see? Best places to go shopping? Any info would be greatly appreciated! Sharon

You might try doing a search by putting Istanbul in the search box. Numerous threads will come up but not so many that you'll be overwhelmed (there's not as much info on Turkey on this board as there is on W. Europe). You'll be sure to have more questions after reading through those threads and then you might want to post again. Have fun!

To check other istanbul posts is a good idea. You can combine your stay with Cappadocia if you like to.
By the way what is your budget for the hotel.
There are nice ones around Sultanahmet and also other parts of the city. Sofa newly opened at Nisantasi, nice neighbourhood of shopping street.....

Enjoy Istanbul,
Murat

I have a good friend whose family owns two hotels in the Sultanahmet. The Seven Hills and the Blue Hills-both are beautiful, small, boutique hotels. I would recommend The Seven Hills-the terrace is spectular and the people-wonderful! Located right next to the Four Seasons. Also, you're less than a 10 min. walk from the Blue Mosque, Aya Sofia, and the Topkapi Palace. I've personally stayed in the Blue Hills and loved it!

fishee's suggestion is a good one. It will help you see what types of things others have done/seen in Istanbul.

I highly recommend taking a boat up the Bosphorous toward the Black Sea. Don't take the tourist boat, take the passenger boat that stops several times on both sides of the river. You can hop on and off as you please.

Spend time at one of the many restaurants that are on the lower level of the Galata Bridge. There are many seafood restaurants with great prices or just stop in for a cold beer and watch the people go by.

Istanbul is a great city and easy to explore via public tranport and by foot.

Another great website for Turkey info is at www.turkeytravelplanner.com.

Enjoy your trip!