When I told people that we will be going to Istanbul, everyone told us to be careful especially after the terrorists attacks and bombing. I was a bit sceptical at first but I know if it is dangerous, I am sure the Swedish government will stop us from travelling there. So we decided to take that chances. Furthermore in Stockholm Sweden itself there have been attacked twice by terrorists. I am not sure where in the world is safe right now.
Anyway our trip to Istanbul turn out to be a very nice one. It was not as I expected. People are friendly and we have so much to see and do while we were there. The only thing which irritate us was the carpets dealers. They are everywhere and really bothering us. I can guarantee that with their approach on tourist into luring them into their shops will not help them in any sales. At least not from us. Tourist will just get irritated and will try to avoid them as far as possible.
My partner turns 55 this year in June and I have decided to give him a nice treats to Istanbul instead. Since we both have not been there before, we decided that Istanbul would be a great place to see.
We visited many popular and famous places there. Such as the mosque and the castles. Since we stayed in the European side of Istanbul and right in the center of the town, it is just walking distance to all different attractions. There are also plenty of good restaurants and bars around the area itself.
Travelling by tram is so convenient there. It is not expensive at all either. I strongly would recommend anyone visiting Istanbul to take the tram. It goes to the Asian side too. We met a very lady with her 2 children from the States there. I regretted not taking her contact number so we could keep in touch. She helped us one night when we were stranded after the train and tram are closed. Taxi tried to cheat us and she helped us to alternative shorter ways and send us back to the hotel that night. There was a guy who have lived there who negotiate the taxi fare for us. We are blessed to have met nice people along the way.
A beautiful park where the popular Touristic Mosque on the European side of Istanbul.
I would strongly recommended this hotel should you visit Istanbul. Sura Haga Sophia Hotel on the European side. The location is one of the best as it surrounded by plenty of restaurants, bars, park, and all the tourist attraction all in that area.
My young darling turn 55 that day and we had a Turkish birthday dinner just next to our hotel.
