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The ancient city of Constantinople sits astride The Bosphorus - the narrow strait that separates Europe from Asia. Although no longer Turkey's capital, the city offers 300 years of history for the vistor to absorb.
Get the most out of Istanbul by avoiding the hot summer months of June-September. Expect hygiene standards in restaurants to be variable. Accept that however rigidly you stick to bottled water (highly advised), you may not avoid Sultan's Revenge.
Food: Turks pride themselves on good eating, so the restaurants are a highlight of Istanbul. Sample the smaller, traditional, koftecis, serving grilled meatballs and kebabs and the more upscale 'steam table' hazir yemek for a more formal meal.
Nightlife: A wide variety of options: from the most contemporary European club sounds through to more traditional cabaret, and -- of course -- belly dancing.
Shopping: The classic item is the Turkish carpet. Do expect to pay for quality (check the dye doesn't come off on your fingers), good work does not come cheap. Be prepared to haggle for pretty much everything, especially in the bazaars.
Days out: The key sites are Topkapi Palace, now one of the world's biggest museums, complete with harem; the 1,000-year old Aya Sofya museum, once the largest roofed building in the world; and the massive Grand Bazaar, with its thousands of shops.
Events: Note that the Islamic holy month of Ramajan in late winter, most of the non tourist restaurants are closed from dawn to dusk.
Other Useful Information
# Tourist office in Istanbul
212 663 64 00 ext 2869
# Main language/s
Turkish
# To dial from Istanbul call 00
# To call to Istanbul dial 90
# Emergency phone number/s
Police: 155 Fire: 110 Ambulance: 112 British Embassy: +90 (312) 468-6230 US Embassy: +90 (312) 468-6110 International Operator: 115 Local Operator: 118
# Lost travellers cheques:
Thomas Cook: 00-800-44-91-4895
# Lost credit cards:
VISA: 00-800-13-535-0900 Mastercard: Call Collect to the United States 1-314-542-7111
# Electricity supply 220V, 50Hz |
