Hi, i'm arriving to Istambul at 1.30 am, it's easy go to the city at that time?
I'll be in Istambul from April 2 to April 6 at afternoon to Jordan, it's impossible go to Cappadocia in the middle, no? if I do that I cant see Istambul properly (it's was a mistake during my trip planning, but it's to expensive and complicated change my dates, if a do that i must change all my trip I suppose). Excuse my english, I'm from Argentina :P.
Thanks in advance
I'll be in Istambul from April 2 to April 6 at afternoon to Jordan, it's impossible go to Cappadocia in the middle, no? if I do that I cant see Istambul properly (it's was a mistake during my trip planning, but it's to expensive and complicated change my dates, if a do that i must change all my trip I suppose). Excuse my english, I'm from Argentina :P.
Thanks in advance
1
Hi SmecIf you only have 3 full days in Turkey (half days when arriving and leaving) then keep it to just Istanbul. Trying to see Cappadoccia on such a short timeframe will mean you will end up seeing nothing in Istanbul and a very little in Cappadoccia.
If you cannot change the flights than that is a perfect timeframe for Istanbul only.
2
Agree, there's plenty to see in Istanbul: 3 days is barely enough. Relax and enjoy.3
Enjoy both Turkey and Jordan! They are GREAT places to visit!!! A little similar but VERY different.With a 01:30 a.m. arrival in Istanbul your choices to get into the city will be limited.
The public mass transportation system will be closed.
The inexpensive Havataş transfer service will be closed. (First bus at 04:00 a.m.)
A taxi or private transfer (from a hotel or tourist service) will be needed unless you wait until Havataş or the public mass transportation system open. You could plan to wait at least 1 1/2 hours.
I do not the cost for a taxi in Argentenian money, but about $30-$40 US dollars from the airport to hotels in the ordinary places for tourists. Sultanhamet is a good area to stay when your time in the city is short as many of the things most people want to see in Istanbul are in that area or convenient (easy/quick) by public transportation.
You will NOT have enough time to visit both Istanbul and Cappadocia unless you change your schedule. Cappadocia is hundreds of kilometers away from Istanbul.
No problem about your English. I hope you understand mine.
5
Cappedocia is lovely but actually it is a tiny bit similar to Jordan - sculpted rock and geology being the big attractions of both places. Don't go there - you will have a better time in Istanbul.If you want to get out of the city, take a ferry to the island Buyukada. Take the tram (the one that goes through Sultanahmet) at about 10 or 10.15 to Kabatas (last stop). Get the ferry to Buyukada (arrive 90 minutes later - nice cruise). Hang out on the island - look it up, it's a great place. Return either to Kadikoy or take a ferry to Bostanci or Kartal and ask people "taksim??" They'll put you on the right bus, never fear!
Most hotels will organise a transfer from the airport or tell you the cost of a taxi. Taxis from the airport are fine - just:
a. know the price in advance (the hotel will tell you)
b. write down the licence number when you get in, and also tell the driver you want a "fis" (receipt)
c. get a fis when you arrive if the amount is different from what you were told, or ask the hotel to sort it out for you. (Istanbul taxi drivers are actually more honest than their reputation)
6
Hello travellers,I apologise for being intrusive but this is a thread that interests me for I'm arriving Istanbul at 21h30 and heading towards Serdar Sk., Sirkeci.
Can you tell me the best way to get there? Is that a safe area for walking at night? I'm asking 'cause in almost every city train station's surroundings aren't that friendly late at night.
I've been in Istambul maybe 7 years ago and I've been ripped off by Istanbul taxis then... so I'm a bit suspicious this time...
I checked the Havats but I couldn't find a route that suits me...
Thank You
Edited by: a_ines
7
Welcome to the forum :) Are you arriving at Istanbul Ataturk airport?If so then even allowing for time to clear the airport you will be in time to use the metro and tram from there to Sirkeci.They run every 10 minutes until midnight.You can board the metro at the airport(you need to buy a token for this 3TL)and go as far as Zeytinburnu and change there to the tram(again buy a token for 3TL).Make sure you get on the tram heading to Kabataş not the other way!!This will take you to Sirkeci.
This is quite safe to use and will be pretty busy even at that hour.
There is a line map above the doors and on both metro and tram there are voice announcements in Turkish and English of the approaching stop so you will know when to get off.
As you get off the tram in Sirkeci you willl see Sirkeci train station opposite you.To the righthand side there is a street called Muradiye Sokak,go down here for 100 metres and there is a junction of two or three streets but carry straight on into Nobethane Street and take the first street on your right,this is Serdar Sokak.Total maybe 3 or 4 minutes walk from the tram stop.Again this should still have plenty of people walking around as there are a lot of hotels and restaurants around here.
8
Thank you! Yes I'll arrive at Ataturk airport.Sounds pretty easy!
I'm really excited for it's been some time since my last time in Istanbul - and I was working so I didn't have much time to walk around and feel the city.
Is the Go Turkey the best online guide to see what's happening during my staying - end of this month? Or any of you recommend other websites? Cool places to go/eat, contemporary but still openly turkish...
Many thanks again.
9
Yes really,it is very straight forward to get into the city.I'm sure you'll have no problems.For online guides also check out-
http://www.cornucopia.net/events
http://www.biletix.com/anasayfa/ISTANBUL/en
http://www.biletix.com/anasayfa/ISTANBUL/en
These give you a pretty comprehensive info guide for the city covering most interests.
