Summary of Lale Surmen Aran & Tankut Aran's Rick Steves Istanbul

By IRB Media

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Book Preview:

#1 Istanbul is the crossroads of civilizations, where Europe meets Asia. It was once called Constantinople, named for the fourth-century Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. The city has been the capital of two grand empires.

#2 Istanbul is a vast city with 15 million inhabitants. It is split into two parts by the Bosphorus Strait, which runs north to south through the middle of the city. The Old Town is the 3,000-year-old historical core of the city, surrounded by fragments of the original Byzantine wall.

#3 On the first day, focus on the Sultanahmet district in the center of the Old Town. Take the self-guided Historic Core of Istanbul Walk to get your bearings, visiting the Hagia Sophia, the Underground Cistern, and the Blue Mosque.

#4 If you must visit a tourist office, the first two are in the Old Town, the third and fourth are in the New District, and the last is at the airport.

• Language: English
• Publisher: IRB Media
• Release date: Jun 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9798822530447

IRB Media

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Insights on Lale Surmen Aran & Tankut Aran's Rick Steves Istanbul

Contents

Insights from Chapter 1

Insights from Chapter 2

Insights from Chapter 3

Insights from Chapter 4

Insights from Chapter 5

Insights from Chapter 6

Insights from Chapter 7

Insights from Chapter 8

Insights from Chapter 9

Insights from Chapter 10

Insights from Chapter 11

Insights from Chapter 12

Insights from Chapter 13

Insights from Chapter 14

Insights from Chapter 15

Insights from Chapter 16

Insights from Chapter 17

Insights from Chapter 18

Insights from Chapter 19

Insights from Chapter 20

Insights from Chapter 21

Insights from Chapter 22

Insights from Chapter 23

Insights from Chapter 24

Insights from Chapter 25

Insights from Chapter 1

#1

Istanbul is the crossroads of civilizations, where Europe meets Asia. It was once called Constantinople, named for the fourth-century Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. The city has been the capital of two grand empires.

#2

Istanbul is a vast city with 15 million inhabitants. It is split into two parts by the Bosphorus Strait, which runs north to south through the middle of the city. The Old Town is the 3,000-year-old historical core of the city, surrounded by fragments of the original Byzantine wall.

#3

On the first day, focus on the Sultanahmet district in the center of the Old Town. Take the self-guided Historic Core of Istanbul Walk to get your bearings, visiting the Hagia Sophia, the Underground Cistern, and the Blue Mosque.

#4

If you must visit a tourist office, the first two are in the Old Town, the third and fourth are in the New District, and the last is at the airport.

#5

The Guide is a magazine published every two months by Turks and expats. It has information on cultural activities, entertainment options, shopping ideas, and classy restaurants.

#6

Istanbul’s tap water is not safe to drink, so you should always drink bottled water. The hospitals in Istanbul do not have English-speaking staff, so go to a private facility if you need help.

#7

In Turkey, travelers are rarely mugged, but often pickpocketed. Thieves thrive on fresh-off-the-plane tourists. Be careful on all public transportation and in crowds. Watch for distraction tactics such as dropped coins, accidental spills, kids who seem to be fighting for no reason, and locals who ask you for directions.

#8

Some people will try to sell you things in the Old Town, and they can be aggressive. Just smile and say no, and walk past them. Don’t waste your time with the public toilets, as they may not be up to modern standards.

#9

The American Consulate is available for American citizen services in person on a walk-in basis. There are also lockers at Ataturk Airport and the Sirkeci train station.

#10

Istanbul is a huge city, but its tourist areas are easily walkable. You'll only need public transportation to connect sightseeing zones. The system is user-friendly, and it's a great fit for tourists.

#11

Taxis are a convenient and affordable way to get around Istanbul. They can take up to four passengers. If you have trouble hailing a cab off the street, ask someone where you can find a taxi stand.

#12

Istanbul’s transit system is convenient and inexpensive. Tram, light rail, funicular, and Metro lines intersect at central locations, and they all use the same cards and passes.

#13

The bus system can be useful for tourists, as it can be difficult to tell where you’re going and where to transfer or get off. Bus numbers on a particular route are marked on signs at the stops.

#14

Istanbul has a ferry system that is inexpensive and convenient. The main ports for ferries and seabuses in European Istanbul are in the Eminönü district in the Old Town, Karaköy across the Golden Horn from Eminönü, and Beikta on the Bosphorus.

#15

The hop-on, hop-off bus tours in Istanbul are a nice way to see the city, but they are infrequent, and the bus itself is quite slow. The tram line will take you to any of these sights for less money.

#16

The Underground Cistern, Bosphorus cruise boats, Galata Tower, Miniatürk, and most Turkish baths are open every day. However, mosques are closed for prayer five times each day, when worshippers come to pray.

#17

Istanbul has a significant gay population that you'll find in the New District. The gay population is hip, follows trends, and likes to hang out at classy but not necessarily upscale places.

#18

When dealing with the Turkish people, be aware of their body language. A nod means yes, while a shake means no. If you are offered food or a gift, keep it for yourself or politely decline.

#19

Istanbul’s public transportation system is fairly easy to use. You can buy tokens, single- or five-ride cards, and two kinds of rechargeable passes: the Akbil pass and the T-card.

#20

The stanbulKart is a plastic card that provides all the benefits of