To ask you about Istanbul?

IstanbulBaby · 2025-06-14T08:57:10+00:00

I know I am but I'm not getting responses in Holidays We're going to Istanbul at the end of June. Two DC aged 8 and 3. All recommendations welcome. What clothes should we wear? Apologies for the poll. I suppose the q would be Aibu to look for holiday advice in aibu Yabu - not a suitable topic. Yanbu - it gets the most views so why not

nomas · 02/07/2025 11:25

IstanbulBaby · 02/07/2025 10:40

Back from holidays with an update.
Holiday went very well. At no point did I feel unsafe. I went out with DH and DC and just with DC. Never on my own so can't comment on that.
People were really friendly and helpful, random person helped us buy an Istanbul card for example. Everyone loved the kids and petted their heads which was different to home but it was always done with affection.
In terms of sightseeing, it was v hot so we mainly took the metro places, ate ice cream, saw nothing and went home!
The thing I'd recommend for kids is the water park on Heybeliada (sp?) one of the islands in the Bosporus Strait. The ferry across is nice and you can use your Istanbul card.
Taxis v cheap, probably a fifth of the price so we got taxi to Boat Dock for the islands and to the metro station etc.

A good trip 😃

Sounds like a great trip, OP!

Glad you ignored all the haters.

MrsSkylerWhite · 02/07/2025 10:41

Dangermoo · 14/06/2025 10:09

Wouldn't touch the place with a bargepole. Not a useful opinion. Sorry.

Neither would we, whilst the loon is in charge.

Original poster

IstanbulBaby · 02/07/2025 10:40

Back from holidays with an update.
Holiday went very well. At no point did I feel unsafe. I went out with DH and DC and just with DC. Never on my own so can't comment on that.
People were really friendly and helpful, random person helped us buy an Istanbul card for example. Everyone loved the kids and petted their heads which was different to home but it was always done with affection.
In terms of sightseeing, it was v hot so we mainly took the metro places, ate ice cream, saw nothing and went home!
The thing I'd recommend for kids is the water park on Heybeliada (sp?) one of the islands in the Bosporus Strait. The ferry across is nice and you can use your Istanbul card.
Taxis v cheap, probably a fifth of the price so we got taxi to Boat Dock for the islands and to the metro station etc.

A good trip 😃

OP posts:

nomas · 15/06/2025 20:53

Dangermoo · 15/06/2025 16:25

So the men have to cover up too. That's where their compliance gets left at the mosques doors. Shame same can't be said about the women.

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Men have to wear trousers / long robe too.

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 15/06/2025 20:52

Thank you @Amiokay - That’s all really helpful 😊

Amiokay · 15/06/2025 20:27

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 15/06/2025 11:41

Could I ask, of people who have been there, do they supply wraps for a man who is wearing (long) shorts on a hot day or would he need to wear trousers in general?

Also, what is the position around alcohol being served - can you get a beer with your lunch easily? What are rules in shops around this?

We’ve just got home from our fab weekend there 😢 My husband was wearing shorts the day we visited the blue mosque because the rest of the day we were walking around outside and it was hot. He was provided with a very fetching black polyester skirt before going in - so yes they do ask men and women to cover up and provide everything you need if you want to go inside. I will note they do close the mosque to prepare around 40 minutes before prayer time so you do have to time it correctly. I also think it’s closed to visitors until 2:30pm for Friday prayers. Would recommend visiting the outside of the mosque on an evening as well as it’s stunning.

Zero issues buying any kind of alcohol - we enjoyed a late afternoon g&t every day and watched the world go by. I would say one thing we noticed is there weren’t masses of corner shops/supermarkets on the Asian side and the ones that were there were small. But there’s so many little cafes and eateries to enjoy.

Final thing is it was way hillier than I anticipated so wear comfy shoes (there is the tram/public transport but we walked a lot as there are just so many interesting little back streets and pedestrian areas to see)

Zonder · 15/06/2025 16:43

Dangermoo · 15/06/2025 16:25

So the men have to cover up too. That's where their compliance gets left at the mosques doors. Shame same can't be said about the women.

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What do you mean about compliance being left at the door?

JHound · 15/06/2025 16:30

Dangermoo · 15/06/2025 16:25

So the men have to cover up too. That's where their compliance gets left at the mosques doors. Shame same can't be said about the women.

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Women dress as they wish in Istanbul and mosques have dress codes that apply to both sexes.

Apparently that’s an issue.

mimiasovitch · 15/06/2025 16:29

I absolutely recommend the Rahmi M Koc industrial museum. I went with my husband who was in heaven, but there were multiple school trips there with kids of all ages. Lots of fun things to see without excessive bits to read.

Dangermoo · 15/06/2025 16:25

JHound · 15/06/2025 16:19

Actually places of worship have rules for men and their attire too. Do you bother researching before commenting?

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So the men have to cover up too. That's where their compliance gets left at the mosques doors. Shame same can't be said about the women.

JHound · 15/06/2025 16:19

Dangermoo · 15/06/2025 10:39

Still outdated rules in mosques and other places of worship. It's always the women having to comply. I hope feminists, in particular, never do this.

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Actually places of worship have rules for men and their attire too. Do you bother researching before commenting?

JHound · 15/06/2025 16:18

Dangermoo · 15/06/2025 10:31

Not according to this thread. I've never been and have no intention of going.

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Most people have said the covering up is for mosques. And people are happy to comply for the same reason I was happy to comply with the dress code when visiting St Peter’s basilica in Vatican city.

Tindelle · 15/06/2025 16:16

That’s ruling out most of the world - you do get that ?

JHound · 15/06/2025 16:15

Holluschickie · 15/06/2025 10:26

I didn't cover up! How many years ago did you visit? Istanbul is full of women in tight minis and shorts.😮

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This.

JHound · 15/06/2025 16:14

Dangermoo · 15/06/2025 01:35

I find it more odd that you don't believe there is a large number of Turkish immigrants in Paris. @Jhound

Edited

There aren’t. Not compared to number of Turks in Istanbul and not compared to non-Turks in Paris.

But the point is France is not a muslim country. So as an example it’s moronic.

Zonder · 15/06/2025 16:12

Dangermoo · 15/06/2025 13:58

I know and it's all outdated. I had to cover up in Goza, Malta. I wouldn't do it again, now.

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Honestly you're coming over as really disrespectful now. Maybe stick to visiting USA where you don't have to cover up and can just ignore their terrible record on women and human rights in general. I didn't think so before but now I do think racism has something to do with this the more you post.

JHound · 15/06/2025 16:10

Dangermoo · 15/06/2025 10:21

For those having a problem with my post, may I ask you, as women, why are you happy to comply with covering up, aside from respecting the archaic rules, that belittle women?

For the same reason I imagine nudists are fine covering up in places that don’t allow them to be naked and I am fine keeping my top on on non topless beaches. Some societies have more conservative dress codes (for women and men) so I happy to adopt a “when in Rome” approach. I prefer not standing out.

As for covering up in religious buildings - their buildings, their rules.

Dangermoo · 15/06/2025 13:58

VickyEadieofThigh · 15/06/2025 13:46

You have to cover up to visit a lot of Christian religious buildings - try queuing for the Basilica San Marco in Venice wearing shorts and they'll tell you to go away. Similarly ANY orthodox building (church or monastery) in Greece. If you want to get in - you'll have to cover up.

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I know and it's all outdated. I had to cover up in Goza, Malta. I wouldn't do it again, now.

Shardonneigghhh · 15/06/2025 13:50

Istanbul is a beautiful city. The public transport is very good. Make sure to travel across the Bosphorus by ferry.
July will be hot, so loose summer clothes, I like to cover shoulders and knees but you don't have to walking around the city, only if you enter the mosque.

VickyEadieofThigh · 15/06/2025 13:46

Dangermoo · 15/06/2025 10:21

For those having a problem with my post, may I ask you, as women, why are you happy to comply with covering up, aside from respecting the archaic rules, that belittle women?

You have to cover up to visit a lot of Christian religious buildings - try queuing for the Basilica San Marco in Venice wearing shorts and they'll tell you to go away. Similarly ANY orthodox building (church or monastery) in Greece. If you want to get in - you'll have to cover up.

bakingmad123 · 15/06/2025 13:42

I thought it was lovely - amazing culture, food and friendly people. I did wear a hijab (just a scarf wrapped round my face and neck) about half the time and found this actually really improved our experience (less people hassling us as tourists / comments about that being respectful). But honestly, we loved it there and found it very welcoming and inclusive xx

moveoveralice · 15/06/2025 12:38

Dangermoo · 15/06/2025 12:07

What are you talking about - what disguised views? Oh I think I can guess. Bore off love. I've apologised to the OP for derailment and she graciously accepted my apology. I already stated there are parts of the deep South of America I wouldn't venture into either. Not everything is about racism but it's interesting that's the first thought people jumped to. 🤔

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If there was a rash on MN today......

trainedopossum · 15/06/2025 12:13

Sasssquatch · 15/06/2025 00:26

Even old New York was once new Amsterdam

Why they changed it I can't say 🤷🏻‍♀️
People just liked it better that way

Dangermoo · 15/06/2025 12:07

moveoveralice · 15/06/2025 10:55

So why are you hear wanging on?

Surely there is another post for your uninformed opinions.... oh wait, yeah, it doesn't end with you - and you disguising your views with concern for oppressed women isn't washing either.

OP, Istanbul is a feast for the senses. I go there often to stay with my Turkish friend and her blonde haired blue eyed kids.

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What are you talking about - what disguised views? Oh I think I can guess. Bore off love. I've apologised to the OP for derailment and she graciously accepted my apology. I already stated there are parts of the deep South of America I wouldn't venture into either. Not everything is about racism but it's interesting that's the first thought people jumped to. 🤔

pimplebum · 15/06/2025 11:43

LakieLady · 14/06/2025 12:47

Same here. I wouldn't go to any country with an iffy record when it comes to human rights.

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Agree let’s please spend our holiday money somewhere better