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Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

3-4 days.60th. Krakow or Istanbul?

24 replies

Miljea · 26/12/2019 17:48

DH turns 60 in 2020. DC are old enough to be left at home/uni (I'm talking 18+!). We're thinking June.

Both appeal to us. Personally I prefer Istanbul because, bluntly, given the direction the country is heading in, it may not be accessible to us in the near future; but I accept it comes with a bit of risk. (DH never saw Cairo before it became 'risky'; I was fortunate to go as a backpacker in the 80s). And it will be DH's and my's decision, not dragging DC along.

TravelMan has raised the possibility of Krakow which looks interesting, but I hope our ability to visit there will remain in the future!

I, for example, regret not having been to Jerusalem/The Holy Land, although everything I read makes me feel it might be disappointing, but that's not on the cards right now.

Be aware, we aren't scaredy cats; DH travelled through S America, including Colombia and Venezuela, alone, in the 80s! I backpacked through SE Asia around the same time. But places that were open to us then, aren't now. And we're hitting 60.

So would you 'go safe' (and possibly a tiny bit pedestrian) and go Krakow, or 'do' (I hate that term!) Istanbul while we can?

OP posts:
MercedesDeMonteChristo · 26/12/2019 17:56

I am biased regarding Istanbul as I am Turkish and it has so much to offer. June will be really quite hot though and it is a very busy city. If you do go, then a restaurant called Yanyali Fehmi by the Armenian Church on the Asian side is delicious. You can take the ferry over (quick but enough time for a cup of tea) and cheap then walk up.

All that said Krakow is high on my list. DS1 went with school and was blown away by the Salt Mines and really enjoyed the food. And he loves Istanbul.

I think for 4 days Istanbul might have more to do but it is almost a 4 hour flight so I would consider that too.

ohwheniknow · 26/12/2019 17:58

Reading the FCO advice, Istanbul sounds about the same risk level as London.

Original poster
Miljea · 26/12/2019 18:17

Thank you, everyone. All advice really useful! Any any more gratefully received!

OP posts:
rottiemum88 · 26/12/2019 18:23

Istanbul is incredible. Was there in 2015 a few times over the summer whilst DH was posted out there for work and still didn't manage to see everything. It's very hot in the summer months but manageable with appropriate clothing. I'd go back in a heartbeat

MoreHairyThanScary · 26/12/2019 18:28

I went to Istanbul many years ago and loved it! I would go back again in a heartbeat.

I think anywhere has risks being aware and proceeding with some awareness is appropriate but it shouldn't stop you travelling completely ( obviously North Korea and similar excepted) .

pejorativelyspeaking · 26/12/2019 18:34

I did Kraków recently
It was beautiful, historical and the food was fantastic. I just felt that sadness of what took place there lingered (justifiably) and deeply effected me. Beautiful and sad x

dementedma · 26/12/2019 18:37

Been to Krakow several times and plan to go again. Its our favourite city. Love it.

Original poster
Miljea · 26/12/2019 18:42

Thank you, and all experiences/advice read with interest!

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BubblesBuddy · 26/12/2019 19:23

They are very different! My preference would be Istanbul - it’s a different culture and more exotic. It’s safe enough. DD went this year and found some men a bit lary! The majority of the time it was great though.

I would suggest St Petersburg in June though. Russian: amazing art and buildings.

imamearcat · 26/12/2019 19:32

Love Istanbul. Not been to Krakow but not a big fan of Poland generally.

Almahart · 26/12/2019 19:35

I’ve been to both in the past few years and would definitely go for Istanbul. I love Krakow but Istanbul is on a different scale. It’s very beautiful and far more exciting I think.

Straightintoit · 26/12/2019 19:40

I really enjoyed Istanbul, and have heard amazing things about Krakow. I feel reluctant to return to Istanbul as I was groped several times in public places. Shame really, as I’d love to explore more of the city.

Original poster
Miljea · 27/12/2019 17:02

Surely you have to stump up a ridiculous amount for a tourist visa to Russia? That's what some friends who went to St P's told us. And had to go personally to the Russian embassy in London to get it!

OP posts:
MercedesDeMonteChristo · 27/12/2019 17:22

I’ve been to St Petersburg and it is absolutely worth the visa faff, but I was in Russia for a longer time and went to Moscow too. The visa for a long weekend would put me off, it’s an onerous form and if I remember correctly was just over £100 plus a visit to their visa centre in London for me. It was worth every moment but I don’t think you are going for long enough to warrant it personally.

HermioneWeasley · 27/12/2019 17:24

Istanbul - it’s utterly unique. Seat of power of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years, plus Roman and Byzantine stuff. Amazing food and great shopping.

clareykb · 27/12/2019 17:26

We've been to Istanbul and it is one pfy absolute favorite holiday destinations that we have been to. Loads to do, really interesting, cheap when you are there etc. I'd go now in your situation (possibly wouldn't take my young kids but more to do with what I'd want from the hols ) however we were fairly adventurous with travel pre kids. X

clareykb · 27/12/2019 17:29

Just to ad Topkapi Palace is amazing and also go to a genuine Hamman as that was a very cool experience too!

JoJoSM2 · 27/12/2019 17:38

Both are great but Istanbul is much bigger and grander with a longer history. I loved my cruise on the Bosphorus.

Krakow is interesting, the salt mines are one of the coolest places I’ve ever been and Auschwitz very interesting but perhaps a bit depressing for a birthday trip.

Istical · 27/12/2019 17:49

Istanbul is the best place in the world 😁 There's just something magic about it, I've been over a dozen times. It's a great place for a short break. Plenty of tourist things to do and all easily accessible. The public transport runs like clockwork, people are friendly, eating out is cheap. I have never felt unsafe, or as a single female had any harassment.

OneKeyAtATime · 27/12/2019 17:54

Istanbul is more unique. Krakow feels like any other Eastern European city I find and there is not that much to do (many people will disagree though!)

Original poster
Miljea · 29/12/2019 23:40

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to reply. I'm erring Bosporous side, right now! 😊

OP posts:
Original poster
Miljea · 29/12/2019 23:41

I'm going to open a new OP about it- please weigh in!

OP posts:
ucasmistake · 31/12/2019 15:18

Been to both in the last couple of years. If I had to go back to one it would be Istanbul. I felt very safe wandering round on my own. The place is stunning especially at night.

TidaQuel · 01/01/2020 09:37

Another vote for Istanbul as it’s my favourite city. So much to see and so contrasting. 15 years or so since I was there but definitely on my list to return to. If you’re only going for a weekend ensure you miss Bayram as you may find things closed

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