Very compact, loads of queues, beautiful skyline. Pack your walking shoes, hilly. We were staying west of the main tourist sights and the train was reliable and not too expensive. The tram was manic.

Very compact, loads of queues, beautiful skyline. Pack your walking shoes, hilly. We were staying west of the main tourist sights and the train was reliable and not too expensive. The tram was manic.
Actually Istanbul is not a city but a complex areas related to History, Modernism, Fashion, foods, happiness, Blue deep waters and ... that make you a great DO to see them and gain the memory for a long time.
But there is a few DOn't too!
please DOn't Don't eat in open air restaurants beside streets!
Those that many guys...
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All the historic sites including the Blue Mosque and Grand Bizzar were great to see and very educational.
We spent two days in Istanbul as a part of our Mediterranean cruise. This city was a highlight of our vacation, beside Italy. It's clean, reasonably priced, local people are very helpful and accommodating, food is amazing, public transportation is very useful. We feel safe there at any time and any places.
We were so impressed by the city of Istanbul. The historic areas are plentiful. Compared to other cities in Europe that we visited, Istanbul is kept wonderfully clean and the people are warm and friendly. There is so much history at every turn and so much to see. You could spend a month here and not scratch the surface. Take...
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Each day I had a full itinerary and I walked until I had blisters! Still I only saw a few of the main attractions and a fraction of the city. This is a wonderful place to be a tourist there are cafes and restaurants everywhere. It is easy to get around on the trams, underground and ferries. Taxis are not...
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So much to see! Cisterns, Blue Mosque, Haggia Sophia, and the Topaki Palace. Beautiful city to visit I hope to return!
Visit as much and as many sight as you can whilst you are here. Can be very tiring but well worth the effort. Wear good sensible foot wear and clothing and you are away!!
When shopping, do not ignore the hans located between the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar. Great bargains are available, and you can see some of the wares being made.
The mosques are overwhelmingly beautiful in design,but long lineups for the more popular, i.e. Blue Mosque.Go early morning and take water. Loved the Spice Bazaar, its size is manageable and much to see and buy.
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