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Spice Market | Tagged Posts
2016
18
August
Is Istanbul More Affordable Than Other European Cities for Food, Attractions, and Transportation?
18
August
Question:
Humans say...
Flora
Turkey is cheap compared to Paris, London, Dubrovnik, Venice, and Santorini. Was in all those cities a couple of weeks ago and also in Kusadasi (port closest to Ephesus). We were shocked at how far our dollar went.
Tara
Love hearing that!!!
Flora
We had two pizzas, a large salad, a Turkish coffee, and a bottle of Fanta for 33 Lira which is roughly $15Cad. This was in a smaller town (Selcuk) but I can't see prices being too much more in Istanbul.
Trina
We were there a few years ago and it was sooo much less expensive than Greece. If you can try to get to capadocia hot air balloon ride, cave hotels. We hired a tour guide who was excellent for the Hagia Sofia, blue mosque, and topkapi palace. The history is super interesting. We did a traditional Turkish bath in the oldest bath - recommend, listened to live music in taksim. Loved Istanbul.
Diana
I would LOVE to go to Turkey but I'm waiting until it's a little more settled
View
Toni Tesar
I was there two years ago and highly recommend a local guide to take you on a tour. Our guide had the tickets to get us in. Also, cruise the strait to the Asian side.
Louise
We had a tour guide for the day and it was helpful to navigate through traffic...the hour that our tour guide left us, we got ripped off at lunch
and our friends got scammed by a cabbie when they went.
We enjoyed seeing Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque the most
Joey
Remember to carry a scarf with you and dress modestly (aka shoulders and knees covered). If you want to go into some places, this is required. It's simply respecting their culture. The same is true in many cathedrals in Italy.
Dwight
If I was going to Turkey, I wouldn't miss seeing Cappadocia.
Marilyn
Cappadocia is wonderful, esp. a balloon ride. We enjoying the underground cities and also hiking in the area.
Tara
How did you get to Cappadocia? Was there a reasonable flight or train or did you have a rental car?
Ingrid
Istanbul is amazing The Blue Mosque, Grande Bazaar, & Spice Market Also the only place that has a bridge over the Bosphorous Strait that spans two Continents so you could be in Asia on West side and Europe on the East Best way to get around is Hop on Hop off Buses Kusadasi, Ephesus awesome too
Iroda
1. Eminonu.
2. Eminonu Balikcilar. (Fishers)
3. Galata Koprusu. (Bridge)
4. Galata Kulesi.
5. Kapali Carsi. (Bazaar)
6. Suleymanie Camii (Mosque)
7. Ciragan Sarayi. (Castle).
8. Taksim
9. Sultanahmet Camii (Mosque)
10. Ayasofia Museum.
And much more historical, beautiful places you can see.
See
Tara
Fantastic, thank you!!
A.I. says...
Exploring Istanbul: A City of Rich Culture and History
Istanbul, the enchanting city straddling the divide between Europe and Asia, is a melting pot of rich heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant culinary delights. With its unique blend of ancient and modern, Istanbul promises an unforgettable experience for travelers. Here are some recommendations for your upcoming trip:
Must-See Attractions
- Hagia Sophia: This iconic monument, once a church and later a mosque, is a marvel of Byzantine architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Blue Mosque: Also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, this breathtaking structure with its cascading domes and intricate tilework is a highlight of Istanbul's skyline.
- Topkapi Palace: The former residence of Ottoman sultans, this opulent palace offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of the ruling class and houses impressive collections of jewelry, porcelain, and weaponry.
- Grand Bazaar: Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, where you can shop for traditional Turkish souvenirs, textiles, spices, and more.
Culinary Delights
Istanbul is a food lover's paradise, offering a delectable fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. Don't miss out on the iconic Turkish dishes like kebabs, meze platters, baklava, and the world-famous Turkish coffee. Street food vendors and local eateries are often more affordable than restaurants catering to tourists.
Cost Comparison
Compared to many European cities, Istanbul can be relatively budget-friendly for food, transportation, and certain attractions. However, admission fees for major sights like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace can be on the pricier side. Public transportation, such as the metro and trams, is generally inexpensive and efficient. Additionally, local markets and street vendors offer great opportunities to sample delicious Turkish cuisine without breaking the bank.
Remember to factor in the exchange rate and be mindful of your budget, as costs can vary depending on your preferences and travel style. Regardless, Istanbul promises an unforgettable experience that combines history, culture, and delightful culinary adventures.
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Tara
My boyfriend and I are going to Istanbul in January for just over a week. We have airbnb booked already. Just wondering if there's any recommendations of things to see or do. Compared to other places in Europe, does it seem more or less expensive for food, admissions, train or bus?