A new year message to all the brothers and sisters here.

[good logic]

Hello brothers and sisters.
I have an opportunity to visit Istanbul Turkey in May 2023, GOD willing.
I am looking forward to see Istanbul for the first time .

I will be there from the 2nd of May to the 13th of May.. I have booked my stay at the Hotel residence in Istanbul.
In case some of you happen to be there or live there, I am happy to join you in this beautiful and iconic historical city.,
GOD bless you all.
Peace..

[Wakas]

Hello brothers and sisters.
I have an opportunity to visit Istanbul Turkey in May 2023, GOD willing.

Some tips:

Apart from the obvious stuff like visiting the mosques etc, eat at bizm restaurants all the time (very tasty and cheap), Sehir Hatlari cruise on the Bosphorus (get a fresh fish sandwich near the pier first. near Eminonu) sit on top deck left side, Hodjapasha Cultural Center (Ankara Caddesi) white rose performance was interesting, main concert hall at dolmabache palace is impressive, eat at Saray (menemen, kunefe, quince desserts), Gulhane park, Basilica Cistern.

I have an info sheet with more detail. If you want it message me.

[good logic]

Thank you brother Wakas for the information.
I appreciate your help very much. I shall visit the places you mentioned.
I have a list of other places to visit-Recommended by a Turkish friend who lives in England near me- and I have booked on few attractions ,including the cruise on the Bospherus and the trip to the palace.All paid up front to facilitate things.
Your recommendations are added to that list. I appreciate it.

I shall report back ,GOD willing, and let you know how I got on.
I am looking forward to the experience and the place.
GOD bless you.
Peace.

[good logic]

Brother Wakas.
As promised , I am coming back here to give you some feedback on my trip to Istanbul.
Your information and advice have helped , I am summarising my experience for all those who wish to visit the golden city with its thousand years of history and landmarks.
1- I have stayed in a reasonably priced hotel in Taksim ,near Taksim square. An average price of 25 dollars per night will get you in most middle of the range hotels. I enjoyed my 12 days stay in hotel residence. Very helpful and knowledgeable staff. Open 24 hours .

2- The best way-economical- to visit sights and get to destinations in the city is to acquire a travel card-approx 50 TL- that allows you to take a bus ,metro tram, underground metro and a boat crossing . One can top up up the card at any station when the money runs out. 50TL does approx 5 single journeys in either one kind or mixed. All three different modes of transport accept the same card.

3-Check prices first  with restaurants that  advertise  their menu without prices on items, before you order. There are many omitting prices items from their menu.. A reasonable breakfast should not cost over 150 Tl. Same as lunch or tea, although lamb kebabs and dishes cost more -250-300 TL-.The most expensive meals are in busy tourist areas like near Topkapi,the blue mosque and Hagia Sophia, Taksim square, Eminonu ...

4-The locals are very friendly and can help with enthusiasm. I have also watched some you tube videos of others that have visited the place and are giving good advice. A simple search will get what is available. Very useful for first time visitors.

Of course like all the rest of the world ,the cost of living has risen in turkey and expect to spend more on accommodation, food and entertainment/visits to sites...
I have enjoyed my stay ,visited more than 10 landmark/historical sites. Taking trips on the boat to the islands and around the Bosphorus are amazing.. I also recommend the trip and experience of Istanbul.
Thanks brother.
GOD bless you.
Peace.