Originally Posted by johnny_cl

Oddly my post was sat awaiting moderation for days and days so it wasn't visible! I was pleased to see you quickly changed from a day trip to a proper visit; there is so much to see it is worth taking time to enjoy it.

I think having a couple of days at the Hyatt could be a good idea and gives you the opportunity to visit different areas. From the Hyatt you can walk to Taksim easily, also Dolmabahçe Palace is a 15 min downhill walk. I would probably walk to Beşiktaş (youthful, student trendy vibe type of area for a contrast to the historic parts) one afternoon/evening via Maçka Park and have a meal at a meyhane there. Down the hill (10 min walk) is also Kabataş station where there are ferries over to the asian side, including Üsküdar to see Maiden's Tower. Also at Kabataş is the tramway termius so if you wanted more time in Sultanahmet you can travel back easily from there.

It is quite a steep hill up to the Hyatt but there is a furnicular at Kabataş to Taksim which is a good compromise to balance walking & comfort.