To ask you about Istanbul?

[IstanbulBaby]

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

I loved Istanbul the couple of times I’ve been there. I just wore my normal clothes, but I’m someone who naturally wears long, loose clothes in warm weather. I was probably mostly in linen trousers and blouses. I had a scarf with me to cover my hair in mosques.

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

Loved it, especially all the cats 😺 wear what you would normally on holiday if its not too revealing, take a head cover pashmina or something if you plan on going into the blue mosque or similar, the markets are worth a visit too, and take the ferry over to the asian side.

If you’ve got a date in Constantinople he’ll be waiting in Istanbul.

Same clothes you would take to Italy or Greece in summer. If you plan to visit mosques, take something to cover hair, arms and legs

Thanks everyone ☺️

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

Someone has just asked for ideas of what to do in Boston USA. Just letting you know do you can pop this same message on their thread too.

Why would I, because I have to think the same way as you?

I assumed that like @LakieLady you were concerned about going to a country with an iffy human rights record. My mistake - I guess you have other reasons.

My favourite bit was the Basilica Cistern! Oh & the trams are fun.

The mosques are also gorgeous, as is Hagia Sophia. Ds & I loved Istanbul.

I would be more concerned for my safety, as a lone woman in Istanbul than I would Boston. I'm sure you will try and twist that into something. You can just say it, you know.

I don't feel any need to twist anything. You didn't clarify why you wouldn't go and I mistakenly assumed it was the same reason as the other poster. Although I'm not sure you would be a lot safer in the US of course, if you're not American.

Istanbul is a great city. I have been twice, once on my own and had no concerns about safety. I felt safer there walking around than in London or Paris.

This was also my experience.

Thank you 😊

Human rights records, particularly treating women as secondary class citizens, being harangued by men, who see western women as fair game, being worried about terrorist attacks..those are 3 of my reasons. I concede, I should have been more clear in my reasons for my OP.

I’m so jealous. I’m desperate to go to the Topkapı palace. I’m massively into a Turkish historical drama set there.

In terms of clothes you can wear whatever but have items ready if you want to go to a mosque. Something to cover head, arms and legs.

It might be worth learning some useful Turkish (most tourist places will speak English but it’s nice to try) Things like please and thank you, yes, no etc.

Türkçe bilmiyorum means I don’t speak Turkish.

Kebabs for breakfast lunch and dinner!

I only had 4 days there but could have spent many more... Fantastic place

Thanks for clarifying. So my point about the Boston thread was valid then!

Sorry, did you actually have a point?

The irony of people complaining about human rights records but stating they'd happily go to places like the USA. LOL that's given me a laugh.

Anyway, back to the OP. Istanbul is lovely and safe. Lots of history there and many places to see. They're very family friendly. Summer is always hot and busy so be prepared to queue a while for mosques and palaces. Take a scarf to cover yourself with if you're going to a mosque. Galata Tower has nice views. You can also go on a cruise on the Bosphorus. The food scene is amazing, many lovely cafes and restaurants. Enjoy!

It’s a wonderful city. I felt completely safe. Wear something appropriate to go into the mosques but otherwise shorts and t-shirts are absolutely fine everywhere. The grand bazaar is incredible - needs at least two visits! Take the ferry to Princes Island and get a horse drawn cart tour. The kids will love it. Incredible place

The irony of fellow women dictating in which countries other women should feel safe.

I'm going to Istanbul in October, really looking forward to it! I imagine the weather will be calming down a bit by then, probably even be raining! Have a brilliant time OP, and let us know what it's like. Don't forget suncream and hats for everyone.