How many nights pre-stay istanbul?

Hello,

 

We are planning a cruise Istanbul-Athens for next year. We have never been to either and would like to do a pre and post cruise stay without breaking the bank.

 

How many full days do we need in Istanbul to see the "must see" sites?

 

Thanks so much!

Depending on your level of interest, your fitness, how much you want to do in one day, how long you want to spend in one tourist attraction, at least 2 or 3 full days.

 

Tourist attractions close on alternate days. This is the case for major sights such as Topkapi, Dolmabahce, Hagia Sophia and a many other smaller sights. Monday and/or Tuesday are especially affected. Make sure you check things are open on the day you want to visit. I found a comprehensive list, not sure though how old it is: http://www.istanbultrails.com/2008/06/overview-of-closing-days-and-opening-hours-in-istanbul/

I agree, two or three days would cover either end nicely.

Yep.

Two full days, plus what's left of arrival & departure days.

Choose a hotel in Sultanahmet, where the main sights are located.

 

As UKBayern's post, check out in advance what sights are closed on what days & plan your itinerary accordingly.

 

If you have a late flight back, luggage storage in Istanbul is problematic so talk nicely to the folk at your pre-cruise hotel about storage for the day post-cruise.

 

JB :)

Edited July 1, 2014 by John Bull

We had 3 nights post cruise. Felt like we were able to see all the must see sights at a leisurely pace.

 

Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basillica Sistern, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Goleta Tower, Gulhane Park. May fine museums.

 

I can recommend Hotel Erboy which is a short walk to Gulhane tram station, trams will get you around quickly and conveniently.

Hello,

 

We are planning a cruise Istanbul-Athens for next year. We have never been to either and would like to do a pre and post cruise stay without breaking the bank.

 

How many full days do we need in Istanbul to see the "must see" sites?

 

Thanks so much!

 

At least 3 days, 4 if you can manage it.

I agree; a minimum of three days to cover all the Sultanahmet sights, the Chora Church and a cruise up the Bosphorus plus a ferry to the Asian side.

Athens needs much less time; two days to cover the historic sights and the National Archaeological Museum.

Thanks so much for your replies.

 

We will try for 3 nights prestay in Istanbul, but probably can only do one night in Athens post stay.

 

Also, thanks for mentioning sights to see, right now I'm clueless with this itinerary. Lots of homework to do :-)

WOW, there is so much to see and do in Istanbul. We spent 5-1/2 days pre-cruise and 1-1/2 days post cruise (we were invited to a Turkish wedding by friends). Aside from the historic sights and landmarks, there is so much to see and do in the city, both in Asian and European Istanbul.

 

You may want to get the lay of the land by taking the hop on / hop off bus on your first day. This way you can see where you want to go back to or not.

 

Be sure to visit the main sights at night time, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia are spectacular when they are lit up!

 

If time allows, take a ferry to Princes Island for a day excursion and rent a bicycle to tour the island.

 

Go see an authentic Dervish ceremony (twirling dervishes), but not at one of the restaurants, but at an actual ceremony ... (I can't remember the name of the place we went to).

Edited July 7, 2014 by brunello22

Hello,

 

We are planning a cruise Istanbul-Athens for next year. We have never been to either and would like to do a pre and post cruise stay without breaking the bank.

 

How many full days do we need in Istanbul to see the "must see" sites?

 

Thanks so much!

 

In Istanbul there are too many places to visit. At least 5 days. Erboy hotel is good also Ilkay Hotel. There are thousands!!! stay in Sultanahmet close to main monuments or the new european part, Beyoglu if you want to go out at night. Plenty of restaurants and full of life!!!

In Athens, if you run, 1 day is enough but the people and the city is so nice that deserves at least 2 days plus 1 day to go to Delphos which you shouldn´t miss and another day to Sounion.

If you want to take tours contact Ada Vegas Travel. In Istanbul there are many places you can do by yourself renting audioguides but for some places and good Bosphorous cruises is better with a travel agency. Also Delphos & Sounion.

If you have time go to Cappadocia & Pamukkale. Meteora & Thesaloniky in Greece also. Its tours are not expensive either flights.

Bon Voyage

We did four nights in Istanbul prior to boarding our ship and loved every minute of it.

There is a lot to see and Istanbul is not expensive.

 

Suggest staying in a hotel close to the Sultanahmet district. Our hotel (Hotel Lausos) was a block from the Hippodrome and we loved the hotel and the people there.

The rooms are small, but the hotel is clean, modern and with a great location. Breakfast is included and it is super.

 

http://www.hotellausos.com/

 

 

Here is my review of our trip:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=228545

 

Here are some of the key sites of the city:

 

Topkapi palace 25TL (u12s free), + another 15TL for the Harem

 

Hagia Sophia

Entry cost 25 TL

 

For both of these you can buy tickets in advance (except for the Harem, which you get from the box office once inside the Topkapi palace) from http://www.muze.gov.tr/hagiasophia This worked out well as we went straight in past the long lines. You print out an email with a QR code for each ticket and remember to take it with you

 

For u12s (free) you don't need a ticket. Our youngster was obviously under 12 and the official at the turnstile waved her through, but we had her passport with us anyway.

 

The only downside with buying your ticket in advance is that the website makes it clear it is non-refundable so if you don't use it, it's lost. But as 25TL is not a fortune I'd say getting it this way is well worth it - just double check you get the date right.

 

Blue Mosque

Entry is free and they provide clothing if your shorts don't cover your knees. You can't go in at prayer times, so as the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are almost next to each other go to the mosque first and check your possible entry times (i.e. outside of the 5 prayer periods). That way you will know when to go there and not waste precious time. If you get lucky and can go in straight away, do so and go to the Hagia Sophia afterwards - your ticket there is for the day and does not specify a time. Once inside the mosque we spent about 15 minutes looking round. The tiles are stunning and I would have liked longer here but was mindful of our schedule.

 

Basilica Cistern

You can't buy your (10 TL) ticket in advance but the queue moves quickly. There are over 50 steps down to the cistern floor. I think this is another 'must-see' as there can't be too much else like it anywhere. It's a one trick pony but a great one, and we spent 15 minutes down there.

 

Grand Bazaar, Galata Tower (12 TL) & Spice Bazaar

 

Obviously going to Sultanahmet by taxi is easiest way but the tram is simple and less susceptible to traffic delays. As you leave the port turn right, walk about 200 yards and you'll see the stop. But before you do that ask someone where the nearest machine is to buy the tram tokens (red plastic discs which you use to open the platform gates). Each ride cost 2 TL pp so you'll need 4 pp to go there and back. If you want to go the Grand Bazaar after Sultanahmet you could walk (about a mile) or tram it, in which case you'll need another disc. There is a token machine at Sultanahmet (probably more than one) if you need to top up.

 

Don't miss the Chora Church. It is near the ancient city walls a few miles north of the old city.

 

Obviously going to Sultanahmet by taxi is easiest way but the tram is simple and less susceptible to traffic delays. As you leave the port turn right, walk about 200 yards and you'll see the stop. But before you do that ask someone where the nearest machine is to buy the tram tokens (red plastic discs which you use to open the platform gates). Each ride cost 2 TL pp so you'll need 4 pp to go there and back. If you want to go the Grand Bazaar after Sultanahmet you could walk (about a mile) or tram it, in which case you'll need another disc. There is a token machine at Sultanahmet (probably more than one) if you need to top up.

 

 

I'm a great fan of the tram.

And although taxis in the city are generally a bit of a lottery - some good some not-so-good - those at the cruise piers are a fixed-price rip-off, to be avoided. If you need a taxi, walk past them & hail a passing liveried taxi.

Tram can also be quicker than taxi or ship's tour coach, even allowing for the walk to the stop. They have their own dedicated lane in the street & sail serenely past the oft-clogged traffic.

 

I think the tram is now 3TL. A flat fare, any journey.

All tram-stops have a machine by the stop.

Often the tokens can also be bought at a nearby shop, same price. Useful of you have no TL, though you'll get a poor deal.

 

Turn right out of the port?

Or turn left?

Depends where you berth. It's a long quayside & served by 3 tram stops - so follow the herd, and make a note of the tram-stop name so that you know where to alight on the return journey.

 

JB :)

Edited August 16, 2014 by John Bull