Turkey (Istanbul)
Country visited: TurkeyPlaces visited: IstanbulDates: Septemer 2nd to September 3rd 2015
General tips:
(1) Such a deep rooted culture. You will definitely love the cultural experience here. Locals are so used to seeing tourists that they won't pay any special attention to you which is great.
(1) Such a deep rooted culture. You will definitely love the cultural experience here. Locals are so used to seeing tourists that they won't pay any special attention to you which is great.
(2) Make sure you dress appropriately. Women please cover-up, respect the local culture.
(3) Food is very hearty and easy on pocket. Local transportation by train is very convenient - make sure you have the right currency denomination for the trains.
Getting to Turkey (visa and flight information):
Indians can get visas through online application so no need to make a trip to the Turkish embassy. Our final destination was Italy, and we got a very good deal from Turkish airlines with a one day lay over in Istanbul. We made use of the opportunity and spent the day being tourists in Istanbul. Turkish airlines is easily the best airlines I've travelled in. The food was amazing and hospitality was great! Given a choice Turkish airlines would be my first pick.
Getting from the airport to Istanbul
We took a cab/taxi.
Things to do/see in Istanbul.
(1)Hamaz - there are ones you can get for cheap, some of these are also the old authentic bath houses. We went to one such place and although it was an embarrassing experience (because they ask you to get fully naked for the scrub), it is something I will remember forever.
(2)Blue mosque - Spectacularly beautiful. No words to describe this place. See it to experience it. Make sure women take a scarf to cover your heads.
(3) Old mosque - Islam and Christianity coexisting peacefully in one beautiful pieve of architecture. That's how I'll describe this place.
(4)Shopping area - <Insert street name> has a lot of shops, some are the usual chain shops like H&M, and others are local boutiques. Prices were in the higher end probably because this place is mainly aimed at tourists. There are some interesting ice cream shops in this street.
Things to do/see in Istanbul.
(1)Hamaz - there are ones you can get for cheap, some of these are also the old authentic bath houses. We went to one such place and although it was an embarrassing experience (because they ask you to get fully naked for the scrub), it is something I will remember forever.
(2)Blue mosque - Spectacularly beautiful. No words to describe this place. See it to experience it. Make sure women take a scarf to cover your heads.
(3) Old mosque - Islam and Christianity coexisting peacefully in one beautiful pieve of architecture. That's how I'll describe this place.
(4)Shopping area - <Insert street name> has a lot of shops, some are the usual chain shops like H&M, and others are local boutiques. Prices were in the higher end probably because this place is mainly aimed at tourists. There are some interesting ice cream shops in this street.
Food
Turkish food is AMAZING! especially for vegetarians. So many things to choose from. Definitely go to a nice Baklava sweet shop and try the different varieties of baklava <insert my yelp review here>.
They also have hearty soups (korba) and rice priced reasonably <insert yelp review>
Accommodation
We stayed in a hotel near the mosque area and it was very comfortable.
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