Well, my special trip to IST got postponed until November which in some ways is a good thing since they have had a very cold Jan./Feb. It seems that we'll have to stay 6 nights instead of 4/5. Is that really too many nights even for people who haven't been there before? Are there interesting day trips from the city that you recommend? We will be staying at the Four Seasons so that should be very comfortable but maybe we should split that up too and try the Pera Palace or Ciragan? Any recommendations are welcome! Thanks

I was assigned to Turkey for several years and there are tons of DayTrips while you are in Istanbul. This is perhaps one of the most interesting cities/countries in the world!
Check out Pachatours.com and Frommers.com. Do a quick search on the web! Enjoy your trip! Turkish food is delicious!

The Ciragan is one of the nicest hotels I have ever experienced. We were there for 8 days and still didn't see everything. Have a wonderful time.

Don't bother with the Pera Palas. It needs a really good airing out.

I'll second that!

As well, people are friendly and helpful, and decidedly pro-western for the most part. You (and your dollars) will be most welcome everywhere in and around IST.

Easy and inexpensive to get around in, lots of great food, sights, and activities. Six nights/days isn't nearly enought time to spend there.

Istanbul is one of the most fabulous places anywhere. Six days is not too long. Read up on the history first, and you'll gain greatly from your visit, assuming you're intersted in history, of course.

Easily my favorite city I've ever been to.

I can't wait to get back there.

Take your time, have a blast, while you probably can't bring it back, the fresh groundpaprika is to die for. We managed to get a kilo of it through.

The brass pepper grinders can sometimes be gotten as change, they last forever too.

It looks like I'll be sent there for roughly two weeks in the spring. My question right now really revolves around safety?

In short, is this a dangerous city for Americans overall?

thanks

Oops.. PS, who flies there? My pref is One World.. I believe BA does.. is that correct?

First, IST is one of my FAVORITE cities in the WORLD. Last time I was there, it was much more touristed since it was before 9/11 (it was 6/99). The four seasons was much too expensive for us (we would need two rooms), so we stayed in the Yesil Ev which is down the block. It is a converted mansion and is beautiful, but not really luxury. Now that the FS is cheaper, I am trying to convince my family to go back, but its really a no

I felt perfectly safe in IST. And the rest of Turkey for that matter.

I flew in on LH and I know BA flies in. Schedule says AA and DL codeshare (not with each other) from NYC. Try www.ataturkairport.com for more info. Be sure to turn off your popup blocker off due to their strange navigation.

Only if you are planning on smuggling drugs. Other than that it is generally a very safe city (yes, I know about the terrorist attacks last year).

Unfortunately, all the casinos have been closed down but the covered bazaar itself is worth the trip.



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Sir Dovster, OBE
(Omni Boycotter Extraordinaire)

Probably vastly safer than driving on an Ohio interstate.

Funny, just watched Midnight Express last night, great scenery of IST..

As others have pointed out - IST is a onderful city. I would go there in a heartbeat. Ciragan Palace is a very nice property. Of late I have taken to staying at Marmara in Taksim Sq. which is close to many clubs and lively street called Istiklal. There are many day trips one can take from IST.

I think there is enough to do in IST alone for a week plus

I have traveled to IST as a single female, and have felt perfectly safe - although I will say that a single American female will definitely get some looks. I stuck to the busy/tourist areas, and didn't go out alone at night, and never felt like I was in danger. It's a magnficent city, with lots to do and see. Besides the mosques, my favorite place is the bazaar - great deals, and a fun way to pick up souvenirs. I purchased a tea set and tray that is similar to the kind they use to serve tea to shopping customers, which always give me an opportunity to talk about my travels there when people visit my house

I've also been to Kusadasi and Izmir, which are also beautiful places and have significant historic value, if you have time.