Istanbul or Athens?

Chocbuttonsandredwine · 2023-12-29T16:16:41+00:00

Dp and I would like to get away in May for 4/5days. Food/sun/nice hotel wandering about. Have loved Budapest, Marrakesh, Seville, Malaga…have narrowed it down to Athens or Istanbul but can’t decide Any recommendations

HermioneWeasley · 29/12/2023 18:58

Ooo, both are great. Athens is more European and Istanbul feels more exotic if that helps?

tokesqueen · 29/12/2023 18:59

Following.

Original poster

Chocbuttonsandredwine · 29/12/2023 19:04

Think we hearing more towards Istanbul to be honest… we both lived Marrakech and gather there is a similar vibe

OP posts:

gindreams · 29/12/2023 19:06

Istanbul for sure
I have been to both and Istanbul just is more exciting
I preferred the Asian side but loved the mackerel Sandwiches by the Bosporus

FitAt50 · 29/12/2023 19:16

Istanbul. Its one of our favourite cities in the whole world and we have been 6 times. Its also incredible value as the Lira is really struggling.

Original poster

Chocbuttonsandredwine · 30/12/2023 20:03

Can anyone recommend any areas or hotels to stay in Istanbul?

it’s seems massive so keen to be in the right area

OP posts:

Neriah · 30/12/2023 20:06

FitAt50 · 29/12/2023 19:16

Istanbul. Its one of our favourite cities in the whole world and we have been 6 times. Its also incredible value as the Lira is really struggling.

Interesting. My friends recently returned and said it was incredibly expensive and terrible value for money. Both are cities I like, so no axe to grind. Just an observation

gindreams · 31/12/2023 05:04

I have literally got back about three weeks ago and it was very reasonable
I recommend staying in the Kadikoy area which is on the Asian side and getting the ferry across to the European side
The food is amazing and we got a flight up to cappadoccia for a couple of days which is out of this world

amylou8 · 31/12/2023 06:19

I visit Istanbul 3 or 4 times a year. It's hands down my favorite place.
There's so much culture and history. Not to mention the shopping!! It's so easy to navigate on the metro and tram. It's just a vibrant bustle of life.
It you want to be in the thick of 'tourist town' stay in Sultanahamet. If you want a nicer hotel then Aksaray is perfect but still central. For hotels Dosso Dossi Old Town is lovely. Also the Hampton by Hilton Old City. Both are right on the tram line, and the metro station just down the road. These are mid range hotels. There are LOADS of budgets you can pick up for £15/20 a night. Or if you're after something pricier then have a look at the Loti in Sultanahmet.

Original poster

Chocbuttonsandredwine · 31/12/2023 09:16

That’s super helpful thank you. Definitely looking for comfort rather than budget… extra points for a roof top bar 😂

OP posts:

Original poster

Chocbuttonsandredwine · 31/12/2023 23:00

amylou8 · 31/12/2023 06:19

I visit Istanbul 3 or 4 times a year. It's hands down my favorite place.
There's so much culture and history. Not to mention the shopping!! It's so easy to navigate on the metro and tram. It's just a vibrant bustle of life.
It you want to be in the thick of 'tourist town' stay in Sultanahamet. If you want a nicer hotel then Aksaray is perfect but still central. For hotels Dosso Dossi Old Town is lovely. Also the Hampton by Hilton Old City. Both are right on the tram line, and the metro station just down the road. These are mid range hotels. There are LOADS of budgets you can pick up for £15/20 a night. Or if you're after something pricier then have a look at the Loti in Sultanahmet.

I’ve been looking at the Fairmont in an area called Sisli… would that be convenient/handy/nice?

OP posts:

Original poster

Chocbuttonsandredwine · 31/12/2023 23:04

Mmmm tripadvisor says not 🙄

OP posts: