Hello fellow travelers!
I will be in Turkey, mostly Istanbul this July and am looking for places to stay, things to do, people to meet! I'll be solo (US Female), and would really like to experience all I can!
July is high season so book soon.
Depending on how much you want to pay, try: hostelbookers, hostelworld, lowcostholidays, trivago, hotels.com, travellerspoint.
Some good accommodation available at not much more than hostel prices so shop around.
Turkey has lots of history and tours are quite cheap to a number of interesting places.
Hi shoshannajh, I'm also interested in exploring Istanbul in July, and perhaps travelling out to the mediterranean coast / southwest turkey. I'm 24, female and from Singapore, and I would feel safer if I have travel companion(s)!
I've heard that the architecture and history is amazing, was thinking of doing free and easy and staying in hostels.
Cyberia, may I ask if Turkey will be very hot in July?
I was in Istanbul and Tbilisi last October, and used to get a shared apartment near Istanbul's Galata Tower. I paid $51. a night for a very nice place - I especially enjoyed that neighborhood.
hi sesame88 and shoshannajh I am planning to be in turkey by first of july. I will cross the turkey from Istanbul to Van by Train and Bus and I would like to have 1 month stay in turkey. I am 26 years old male and I feel good if have companion to cross turkey from west to east.
Any one has the same experience in the same path? any idea about the best cities to visit in the way?
safe journey!
Reza
[ 06-Jun-2012, at 13:46 by RZAMIN ]
Hello shoshannajh,
In Istanbul, you should first decide which part to stay. We can divide Istanbul into 3 parts: Old City (Sultanahmet and surroundings which is the most touristic and the best place to see if you want to visit historical venues), Taksim (and surroundings, the centre of the city where the main action is, nightclubs, concert venues, shopping malls etc) and Asian side (ie. Kadikoy and surroundings which is less touristic but more real, reaching to other 2 parts is easy if you stay in Kadikoy centre and use ferries) Usually tourists prefer Sultanahmet hotels and hostels which are cheaper and numerous.
Last month 2 friends (female) from Ukraine has stayed in a hostel called Second Home Hostel near Sultanahmet. They were quite contented.
In July there is Jazz festival and lots of concerts around the town besides regular attractions.
July and August are the hottest months in Istanbul and overall Turkey. But there can be always a breeze especially on the sea so it is advisable to take a shawl or a light jacket. If I can help any further please feel free to contact me. Have a nice trip.
I stayed at the Orient Hostel in Sultanahmet when I was in Istanbul. It was inexpensive, clean, included breakfast and is in a fantastic location.
There's plenty to keep you busy in Istanbul. The Blue Mosque and Aya Sofia are worth checking out. Topkapi Palace is another must-see.
Look into trying out a Turkish Bath while you're there. Tourist info or your hotel can help you arrange one. Apart from one or two tourist baths that are co-ed, most are segregated by gender. You'll feel like a new woman after doing one. Well worth the experience.
The Grand Bazaar is absolutely worth a visit, but make sure you have your wits about you. It's very easy to get turned around in there. Be prepared to have locals assign themselves as your guide. If you're looking for something in particular, they are useful resources and friendly. If you prefer to just wander and look around, they will respect a firm and polite "No thank you."
You will be offered Apple Tea in many shops that you go into. It's safe and tasty. Take them up on their offer. Be prepared to sit and chat with the shopkeepers. It's part of the culture to get to know each other before haggling over price.
There is an open top hop on/off bus tour around both sides of Istanbul. Definitely touristy, but a great way to get your bearings and see some more of the city.
[ 18-Jun-2012, at 09:47 by talesbackpack ]
Hi shoshannajh, I'm also interested in exploring Istanbul in July, and perhaps travelling out to the mediterranean coast / southwest turkey. I'm 24, female and from Singapore, and I would feel safer if I have travel companion(s)!
I've heard that the architecture and history is amazing, was thinking of doing free and easy and staying in hostels.
Cyberia, may I ask if Turkey will be very hot in July?
Yes will be very hot really... Im a turkish man,26 years old and very handsome )).. Everyone can ask anything they want mike-ashleon@h...
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