How I did it: A friend had invited me over ages ago, but I kept putting this trip off. Partly because I had other trips coming up, partly because I was a bit unsure about going on my own: although I am an experienced traveler I wasn't sure I would feel safe enough to traipse through town on my own, especially after reading quite a few horror stories about women being harassed. It turned out my fears were quite unfounded as I had a great time, meeting lots of interesting people, eating great food and just enjoying myself in general. Istanbul turned out to be this amazing mix of East and West, just like I had imagined it to be.

The reason I stopped procrastinating on this was because another friend went to live there as well and started pushing me a little to come over and book. In the end I just bought a guide book, booked a flight and accommodation, and went. It's as simple as that.

Lessons & tips:

• buy a guide book and decide in advance what you definitely DON'T want to miss. Then take 50% off your list. This is what you'll actually be able to see, as there's just too much to do in Istanbul! ;)
  
• book a flight and a hotel well in advance, as accommodation can be difficult to find, especially in peak periods
  
• go in the right season. I went in May which was perfect: the weather was sunny but not too hot.
  
• dress neatly when you're about town and watch your purse, like you would do in any major city. Ladies: dresses/skirts are ok but you'll be chatted up less if you wear pants or at least hemlines over the knee.
  
• at the very minimum, you should: visit the Aya Sofya and the Blue Mosque, go to a Hammam, stroll along Istiklal Caddesi, take a commuter ferry (not a cruise) along the Golden Horn and/or Bosphorus.
  
• special gems: Chora Church, Pierre Loti Café, Hafiz Mustafa (great Baklava place near Sirkesi)
  
• Mephisto @ Istiklak Caddesi is a great CD shop. If you're like me and you enjoy taking home some local music as a souvenir, this is the place to go.

Resources:

• Lonely Planet Guide to Istanbul
  
• www.booking.com
• www.transavia.nl

Jun 16, 2011, 06:51AM PDT | 4 comments | 5 cheers