Top things to do, What to see, Where to stay travel tips
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Hart says
Hi, this is the best website for any first time visitors to Istanbul. It will be our first time to Turkey and we are a family of 4 arriving in Mid April, we will be in Istanbul for only 3 full days. I would like to know if it’s worth going up the cable car in Istanbul and if yes can we do it on our own or should we take a half day tour covering the Bosphorous and cable car.
Next question please, because our time in Istanbul is very limited and my wife is not in the best of health meaning she wouldn’t be able to walk around very quickly can you please give us a rough idea how long each attraction will take. We plan to cover as much as we can but I have no idea how long will each place take.
After reading your article I would like my wife to try the traditional Turkish Bath and Massage, as we will be staying in Sultanahmet area so I was looking for Ayasofya Harram Sultan which you recommended, what time do these places usually close at night and where is it exactly located.
I will also be booking the whirling dervishes dance online and few more things online, I would like to know if there is anyway that you can benefit if I book anything online. Because you have given so much knowledge and advice I want to return you something in anyway possible.
I will also recommend your website to any friends or relatives who are planning a trip to Istanbul.
Thank you so much.
Erlend says
Hi Hart,
Thanks a lot for your nice words. Before I answer your questions, would you mind telling your kids ages? Also, you mention that your wife can not walk quickly, but can she walk at her own pace for a full day or should we included as many resting points as possible?
Hart says
My boys are grown up, they are in their early twenties. As for my wife she can go on for full day but I always carry a lightweight folded chair when we go for trips. Whenever she is tired she just needs 10-15 minutes of rest after an hour or so and she can go on for full day but at a slow pace. Thanks
Erlend says
I sent you an email 🙂
Hart says
Hi Erlend, thank you so much once again. I need a bit of help from you, I have got few questions.
1. Among all the popular sightseeings in Istanbul, which are the ones that I should use the guided tours in order to skip the queue. I actually want to enjoy time at my own pace because of my wife’s health issue but if the queues are too long than I would rather take a skip the line guide.
2. Which harem would be better, Topkapi or Dolmabahce.
3. There are 2 shows at Hodjapasha, the tradtional Turkish dance and the whirling dervishes, which one would you suggest and is it worth watching.
I have read about the Istanbul Tourist Pass that you have suggested but because I wouldn’t be in Istanbul for 3 days in a row so I find it quite hectic to cover most of the things in 2 days.
Thanks
Erlend says
Hi Hart,
1. I would take a guided tour (and not only to skip the line) for Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Dolmabahçe Palace and maybe the Basilica Cistern. Keep in mind that you can stay as long as you want in the venue after the guide has finished his tour. So schedule wisely and leave enough time between tours.
2. I prefer the Topkapi Palace harem over the Dolmabahçe one.
3. This is personal. The Whirling Dervishes is a real ceremony, the traditional Turkish dances are a real show.
Have a nice time.