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Originally Posted by Stgermainparis
(Post 35148331)
Oh this is an excellent idea! I will investigate the ones you mention. My goal is to make this as easy as possible and still get a lot out of the day so this could work perfectly.
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So now my whole family wants to add IST to our itinerary. Probably 2 nights instead of just a visa run. I’ve got Hyatt points and could stay at the Grand or Park but am wondering a) if those areas are convenient to tourist things and b) if I’m better off staying near the historic center in a boutique hotel if inexpensive (if so, any suggestions)?
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Originally Posted by Stgermainparis
(Post 35152190)
So now my whole family wants to add IST to our itinerary. Probably 2 nights instead of just a visa run. I’ve got Hyatt points and could stay at the Grand or Park but am wondering a) if those areas are convenient to tourist things and b) if I’m better off staying near the historic center in a boutique hotel if inexpensive (if so, any suggestions)?
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Originally Posted by Stgermainparis
(Post 35152190)
So now my whole family wants to add IST to our itinerary. Probably 2 nights instead of just a visa run. I’ve got Hyatt points and could stay at the Grand or Park but am wondering a) if those areas are convenient to tourist things and b) if I’m better off staying near the historic center in a boutique hotel if inexpensive (if so, any suggestions)?
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Originally Posted by Stgermainparis
(Post 35152190)
So now my whole family wants to add IST to our itinerary. Probably 2 nights instead of just a visa run. I’ve got Hyatt points and could stay at the Grand or Park but am wondering a) if those areas are convenient to tourist things and b) if I’m better off staying near the historic center in a boutique hotel if inexpensive (if so, any suggestions)?
Quiet hotel, upgraded to deluxe room with no status on a points stay. 30 minute walk to Dolmabahce Palace and Taksim. Can take cabs to Sultanamehet but traffic can be a nightmare. Are moving to the Four Seasons tomorrow to do the historic stuff |
Originally Posted by abaheti
(Post 35159374)
Still highly recommend a tour guide. We did a walking day and it was excellent to hit all the basic tourist spots and learn to navigate on our own afterwards. Super efficient and informative (vs me wandering place to place reading pages out of my book) and so interesting to get a local perspective. (Sorry don't think I have his info but if I do I will PM you.)
Originally Posted by pokeable
(Post 35166751)
Am staying at the Park Hyatt now.
Quiet hotel, upgraded to deluxe room with no status on a points stay. 30 minute walk to Dolmabahce Palace and Taksim. Can take cabs to Sultanamehet but traffic can be a nightmare. Are moving to the Four Seasons tomorrow to do the historic stuff |
Originally Posted by Stgermainparis
(Post 35171555)
Oh yes. I will absolutely still book a tour guide. I have been trying to figure out flights etc and moving our plans to accommodate. And yes if you find info, please PM. Thank you!
I am going to look at spots over by historic area but need to minimize expenses bc headed to Greek Islands next and that’s costing me a fortune. Sure wish I could do Four Seasons in IST! The family of 5 kills me bc of the need for two rooms. Sigh. With only two nights or so maybe we do need to be in historic district to cut down on moving around in taxis etc. I do like to just walk out of hotel and be in the thick of things. That area is absolutely right in the heart of the old district. Steps away from the Hagia Sophia, and you guys will probably be to see the Blue Mosque (was closed for us). Tokapi and the Archaeologic museum are like a 5 minute walk. Grand Bazaar, 10-15. Golata riverfront 20. |
Quick Visa question for Turkey: For US passports, is it better to get the e-visa in advance, or should I just get the visa on arrival? Are the immigrations queues generally long, and would the e-visa allow faster transit? Thanks!
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Originally Posted by lrbenko
(Post 35176933)
Quick Visa question for Turkey: For US passports, is it better to get the e-visa in advance, or should I just get the visa on arrival? Are the immigrations queues generally long, and would the e-visa allow faster transit? Thanks!
n.b. I've gotten three e-visas in the past two years, all for a U.S. passport. |
Originally Posted by pokeable
(Post 35176890)
Hilton has a Curio Collection (Mansions @ Hagia Sophia) right down the street from the Four Seasons. Per night price was half that of the FS. Only problem is, checkin is at a pedestrian-only part of street. One person would have to go ahead to get a golf cart to pick up the rest of the party and luggage.
That area is absolutely right in the heart of the old district. Steps away from the Hagia Sophia, and you guys will probably be to see the Blue Mosque (was closed for us). Tokapi and the Archaeologic museum are like a 5 minute walk. Grand Bazaar, 10-15. Golata riverfront 20. |
Originally Posted by johnny_cl
(Post 35139605)
Definitely don't bother with a car, it would be way more hassle than it's worth. Public transport is good and easy plus with limited time you won't need to travel distances where a car would be useful. 12-15 hours is perfect time to be able to explore the main sights and try out the local food (FYI the IGA lounge is fine but not a destination to turn up early for in my experience).
I'd take a taxi to Sultanahmet (or could do the Havaist bus to Aksaray and change onto the tram from there) and spend the afternoon at Tokapi Palace and Haiga Sofya Mosque. Take the tram a few stops to Beyazit and explore the Grand Bazaar as you make your way down the hill towards Eminonu to enjoy views of the city across the water. Stop for a fish sandwich, tea etc near Galata Bridge if you want, and call into the Spice Bazaar. Walk over Galata Bridge and take the furnicular up the hill to Begolu, passing by the Galata Tower and enjoy the atmosphere. Now in Begolu, in the evening you can find one of the many meyhanes to have an evening meal of mezze and raki. After a leisurely meal continue walking up Istiklal Street towards Taksim Square, enjoying the hustle and bustle. From Taksim Square find the Havaist airport coach stop and transfer back to the airport in the evening.
Originally Posted by Stgermainparis
(Post 35171555)
I am going to look at spots over by historic area but need to minimize expenses bc headed to Greek Islands next and that’s costing me a fortune. Sure wish I could do Four Seasons in IST! The family of 5 kills me bc of the need for two rooms. Sigh. With only two nights or so maybe we do need to be in historic district to cut down on moving around in taxis etc. I do like to just walk out of hotel and be in the thick of things.
I am getting so excited about this new part of our itinerary. Happened by accident but turning out to be the destination I am most happy about! |
Originally Posted by Stgermainparis
(Post 35195314)
This is such a wonderful post! I didn’t see it for some reason. Thank you!
Okay, so I’ve booked a place in the center of Sultanahmet for our entire 5 night stay. We do like being where we can just walk everywhere. Would there be any advantage to staying two of those nights up at the Grand Hyatt? Are there sites more easily accessible from there? I ask only bc I could use points. And it would probably be a higher quality than what I can afford in Sultanahmet. I am getting so excited about this new part of our itinerary. Happened by accident but turning out to be the destination I am most happy about! 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. |
Originally Posted by johnny_cl
(Post 35203770)
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. |
Okay, I've booked the final two nights at the Grand Hyatt (Park wouldn't take a point rez for 3 people in the room, which we need). I'm rethinking Hilton HS Curio bc now only have to pay for 3 nights, so it is doable. Two questions: is area around GH okay? Hearing Taksim can be stressful and not great in some areas. Second Q: We want to do Sultanahmet first bc will be itching to see sites. Our flights are inbound to IST (arr either 1PM or 5PM on Sunday) and outbound from SAW (dep 3:45PM on Friday). Will have carryons mostly but a couple of large duffle bags bc son is moving back to US on this trip. What is the best way to get to and from those airports? Seems like vehicle traffic is a nightmare. But changing a bunch of trains is also a nightmare with those duffles.
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We (mom and dad with 2 kids ages 12 & 14) are at Istanbul for 3 weeks staying at a 3-bedroom apartment 2-minutes walk from Galata Tower (I believe it's called Beyoğlu area). Got the E-Visa online for $20 per person which was a very easy task to accomplish. I have a to-do list of places and venues to see, however, I need some suggestions from the experts as this the first time for us in Istanbul. I do understand that the area we are staying at is half way uphill between Karaköy and Beyoğlu, and, hence, we will have to do some maneuvering to avoid the steep 24% grade between the two areas. Going downhill is easy peasy so I thought we would use the tunnel from Karaköy to Beyoğlu (Line F2) and then descend home - doable? any thoughts?
Also, we would like to have the experts' input on things to see and do including favorite restaurants. Thank you! |
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