tabTX

Me and the BF are thinking of Turkey in September. Anyone have tips on dos and don'ts?

FlyBalletGuy

Welcome to Flyertalk -

There are several threads on Istanbul in the forum

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/glbt-...endations.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/glbt-...-tel-aviv.html

are two - more can be found using the "search" function (it's in the blue bar at the top of the page.)

Enjoy Flyertalk!

thetravelman

My BF and I will be going IST and ATH in Septebmer as well. Thank you FlyBalletGuy and I will visit that thread.

djjaguar64

Whatever you do do not hold hands and do not be flamboyant. Turkey is a beautiful country with beautiful people. We loved it.
With the Bars, we were really disappointed, went to one but nothing special.

The links posted by the moderator may help.

thetravelman

Okay, thanks.

Do you know any good hotels or apartment to stay in? Or what district?

djjaguar64

We stayed at a Turkish hotel near Taksim Sq but if you want luxury there is always the 4 seasons which was the Prison in the movie the Midnight Express. There is also the Intercontinental hotel. But like I said we wanted to be near Taksim Sq.

You will love the city, beware of pick pockets. Make sure you take the public ferry that brings you to a little island from where you can climb a little hill to get a good view. Can't remember the names, but do a search on google.

The Ramada looks good and is also near Taksim Sq.

http://taksim.hotelle.com/properties.asp?hid=776

yycworldtraveler

Going through IST (on our way to Beirut) in September with my partner as well. Chose Witt Istanbul Suites and The Park Hyatt for accommodation.

thetravelman

Thank you yycworldtraveler. I will take a look at these hotels.

thetravelman

Thanks djjaguar64 . The Ramada looks very nice. The 4 Seasons would be nice, but a bit expensive and want to be in the Taksim Sq area. We are gonig to IST-ATH. We are thinking of spliting the two countries evenly or spend more time in IST. We are not sure if there is more to explore in IST or ATH. Anybody have any suggestions?

peteropny

We like IST a lot more than ATH - 1 or 2 days in ATH is plenty (the Acropolis is obviously the big attraction in ATH).

ledger

DH and I are going to be in IST & ATH in August/September as bookend to a cruise. In IST, we're staying at the Witt Suites.

thetravelman

Thank you so much peteropny. My partner was thinking the same thing, but he wasn't sure. Now, you have confirmed that for him.

thetravelman

Yea, I heard that the Witt is very nice. We haven't decided yet where we will be staying. So many choices...
Thanks for your input.

djjaguar64

I agree with Petropony.
In Athens we stayed at the Marriott Lledra, which had a shuttle that would bring you from the hotel to the city center(about10 mins).
The Acropolis and the NEW Acropolis musuem was the best part of our trip and that was that.
In Istanbul we liked the city, people and the scenery in general. Lots more to see.
I would recommend spending 3 days in IST and 2 in Athens(not sure how long your trip is).
I planned the trip really well. The Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar(we just walked in the back alleys of the bazaar to get a real feel of the whole area, then the ferry trip to this place(the name which I cannot remember), Taksim area trolley ride, sitting in the cafe's and sipping a capucinno.
Oh i want to go back now.

KeepDiscovering

To spoit you with more choices, there is Hilton IST in Taksim Sq. I stayed there in Feb for a long weekend getaway - loved the location, facilities and view. I liked staying in Taksim Sq as it's vibrant and at the same time is where local people hang out too. Plenty of good restaurants which seem not too touristy. Also a shuttle bus to Ataturk airport directly. May go again later this month or next.