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Post by WillTravel on Nov 14, 2010 14:10:48 GMT -5
After a year with lots of trips and other expenses, I think I will choose hostels for Istanbul in December.
Any thoughts on hostels there, or at least the best location to stay?
I am thinking of Metropolis Hostel or Sultan Hostel or Agora Guesthouse.
So far as I can see, booking through HostelBookers is the cheapest for Metropolis, and I think booking through the HI site is the cheapest for Sultan.
The main problem I have is getting a handle on Istanbul's configuration, and therefore figuring out the best area to stay. This is for 4 nights.
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Post by Eagle on Nov 16, 2010 3:28:37 GMT -5
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Post by madamtrashheap on Nov 21, 2010 8:29:57 GMT -5
WT, I'm excited for you that you're going to Istanbul - what a great city! You're right, the configuration of the city is hard to wrap your head around - I've been there 3 times and I still have to pull out a map in some areas. I'm guessing that most of what you want to see is on the Sultanahmet side (Aga Sofia, Blue Mosque, Covered/Grand Bazaar, Egyptian/Spice Market, Topkapi, etc) so choosing the Metropolis Hostel or Sultan Hostel will give you walking access (up a hill, but not too steep) to these sights. Staying on this side, as I'm sure you've found, more expensive than staying across the Bosphorus, but for convenience you can't beat it. And you're good at spotting the less-authentic restaurants and shops, so the area will be fine for you. From what I know (heard, not stayed) the Metropolis might suit you better than the Sultan. As for the Agora, I haven't heard anything about it but it's in a great location and looks lovely. I'm sure you're already aware, but Istanbul can get very cold in Winter, so rug up and expect snow! Hmm, just like Canada!  Hope this helps, again let me know if you need any further information on sights, baths, apple tea, etc.
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Post by WillTravel on Nov 26, 2010 14:59:59 GMT -5
Eagle and MTH, thanks very much. MTH, you also gave me some good tips about Istanbul earlier, and I will look them up again.
Eagle, I've done a lot of travel in Latin America in the past 2.5 years, but to me it doesn't "feel" exotic when I'm there, but just another fun and interesting set of places to travel.
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Post by Eagle on Nov 27, 2010 14:59:02 GMT -5
W.T.,
Perhaps "exotic" wasn't the right word to describe travels in South America. It's a bit more adventurous and daring than I'm used to. One of these days I might try venturing to that part of the world, as Machu Picchu looks like a great photographic site.
It will be interesting to hear of your experiences in Turkey when you return.
Happy travels!
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dar482
Junior Travel Member
Posts: 5
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Post by dar482 on Dec 31, 2010 14:56:23 GMT -5
I went to Istanbul, I think I stayed at Sultan Hostel or something in that area. It's close to the sights and cheap and decent.
However, I would suggest staying in Taksim if you can find a hostel. That's where the nightlife is.
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Hope this helps, again let me know if you need any further information on sights, baths, apple tea, etc.