Originally Posted by
mijugo
Be sure to take a hotel in the old-town area (Sultanahmed) for your first visit in Istanbul. That will allow you a most convenient sightseeing tour as recommended above. All the sights are in walking distance from each other. A hotel in the old quarter should be the cheaper and more atmospheric option too.
Absolutely agree. That's what I did in December. It's unbelievable what great service these small often family run hotels offer.
Originally Posted by
mijugo
If you want to explore the nightlife in the Taksim Area, go there by taxi.
An experience you will never forget.
Originally Posted by
mijugo
Please don´t wear shorts in Istanbul. Although considered Europe and with usually very open minded and nice people, Turkey is an islamic country too. Nobody will hurt you if you do, but wearing underwear in public will be for sure the best way to make a complete fool out of yourself.
Yep and everyone will see that you are a tourist.
One tip from my side. Since Istanbul is a big tourist city there will be tons of people trying to sell you something. They will ask from where you are, tell you how great it is that you came to Istanbul and so on. Just say thank you and be nice and keep walking. That' the important part. Keep walking. These people won't follow you because they won't do give up their selling spot.
I can recommend this website. The travel tips are very very good.
http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/