Thank you, Michael. I was looking forward to reading this summary of Istanbul neighborhoods and you definitely did not disappoint! I’m now glad that my favorite apartments are all in the Beyoğlu(sp?) neighborhood. Hopefully will spend October there.
I live in Kadıköy, only further out than where your circle indicates. I find it relaxing. I am a half block from the train and can go anywhere quickly. I go to the Grand Bazaar every week and use that day to wander the European side. Its a 30 minute train ride. We like being able to see the tourist attractions and the crowded shopping areas, then come back home to peace and quiet. Everything I need for comfortable living is within two blocks. The sea is close by and there is a lot of green. On your next trip when you visit for a while, stay in the the neighborhoods of Fenerbahçe, Göztepe, Suadiye, or Bostancı. Wandering along Bağdat Caddesi is great for shopping and people watching.
As always, a perfectly written summary of your theme! The maps were really helpful. And as always, your passion shines through the writing and that’s enough to bring at least a day’s worth of joy!
Thank you for the tips! I had such a lovely time in Istanbul when I was single and a not-so-great one when I had a 3-year-old and two aging parents in tow (stayed in Taksim Square both times). No stroller-able sidewalks, no parks, no playgrounds (or playgrounds in very bad shape), and very steep hills - the whole package. We were left wondering how they raise their own kids... Perhaps, we'll try Kadıköy next time!
Ooof, that sounds VERY challenging! It was challenging enough with the two of us. I can't imagine how you braved all of that. Yes, Kadikoy is where we plan on staying if spend a long time in Istanbul again.
For some reason I've never considered Turkey high on my travel list, which is surely an oversight. How do you guys rate it versus other European cities you've visited? Say, what quartile does it slot into? And what's the closest comparable city?
I confess we hadn't either until our first trip here. Now because it is so amazing -- and because of something called the Schengen Zone -- we'll definitely be spending more time here.
As for where where Istanbul stands, it's one of the most amazing cities in the world. With the Golden Horn, the Bosporus Strait, and the Sea of Marmara, there are water views everywhere. The mosques are beautiful, the ancient historical sites endlessly fascinating, and it's just a great city to wander around.
I'd say the closest European city it compares to is Rome. Both have amazing history and architecture and are so big it could take a lifetime to explore. Istanbul is a bit more challenging for a variety of reasons. But the payoffs are well worth those challenges.
Thanks for all of the information you have provided about traveling in Istanbul.
Thanks, Ron!
Thank you, Michael. I was looking forward to reading this summary of Istanbul neighborhoods and you definitely did not disappoint! I’m now glad that my favorite apartments are all in the Beyoğlu(sp?) neighborhood. Hopefully will spend October there.
October there should be wonderful!
I live in Kadıköy, only further out than where your circle indicates. I find it relaxing. I am a half block from the train and can go anywhere quickly. I go to the Grand Bazaar every week and use that day to wander the European side. Its a 30 minute train ride. We like being able to see the tourist attractions and the crowded shopping areas, then come back home to peace and quiet. Everything I need for comfortable living is within two blocks. The sea is close by and there is a lot of green. On your next trip when you visit for a while, stay in the the neighborhoods of Fenerbahçe, Göztepe, Suadiye, or Bostancı. Wandering along Bağdat Caddesi is great for shopping and people watching.
That sounds perfect and exactly where we'd want to be should we spend extended time in Istanbul again!
As always, a perfectly written summary of your theme! The maps were really helpful. And as always, your passion shines through the writing and that’s enough to bring at least a day’s worth of joy!
Thank you so much!
Thank you for the tips! I had such a lovely time in Istanbul when I was single and a not-so-great one when I had a 3-year-old and two aging parents in tow (stayed in Taksim Square both times). No stroller-able sidewalks, no parks, no playgrounds (or playgrounds in very bad shape), and very steep hills - the whole package. We were left wondering how they raise their own kids... Perhaps, we'll try Kadıköy next time!
Ooof, that sounds VERY challenging! It was challenging enough with the two of us. I can't imagine how you braved all of that. Yes, Kadikoy is where we plan on staying if spend a long time in Istanbul again.
With lots of cursing and creativity!
LOL LOL LOL
For some reason I've never considered Turkey high on my travel list, which is surely an oversight. How do you guys rate it versus other European cities you've visited? Say, what quartile does it slot into? And what's the closest comparable city?
I confess we hadn't either until our first trip here. Now because it is so amazing -- and because of something called the Schengen Zone -- we'll definitely be spending more time here.
As for where where Istanbul stands, it's one of the most amazing cities in the world. With the Golden Horn, the Bosporus Strait, and the Sea of Marmara, there are water views everywhere. The mosques are beautiful, the ancient historical sites endlessly fascinating, and it's just a great city to wander around.
I'd say the closest European city it compares to is Rome. Both have amazing history and architecture and are so big it could take a lifetime to explore. Istanbul is a bit more challenging for a variety of reasons. But the payoffs are well worth those challenges.
Fine -- you've convinced me! I'll move it into my top five future destinations.