http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18945
This site is of religious importance so I was surprised be the subject of sexual harassment there. I actually conducted an experiment whereby I stood perfectly still and allowed the leering men to circle me ever-closer, in an effort to see just how close they would actually get right inside the busy compound of the mosque.

Before my experiment was really completed my companion returned, and so it only behoves me to say if you are female and visit this place do not be lulled into thinking you will be any less harassed once you get there. After living in Istanbul for one year I can honestly say it was the most dangerous place to be female I have ever been to.

If groups of dodgy-looking men jingling change in their pockets and calling 'How much? How much?' as you nip from your house round the corner to the supermarket in broad daylight on a busy street would bother you then you might want to give Istanbul a miss. If you would be annoyed at being ripped off for every item you try to purchase (forget taking a taxi anywhere), sexually harassed by every man at every opportunity or stopped by police to be relived of your passport and then receive demands of payment for it to be returned, then I'd thoroughly recommend you to go somewhere else. A huge pity, because the city itself is unforgettable.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18945 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18426 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18426 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18425 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18425 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18417 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18417 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18375 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18375 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18327
The restaurant is on the shore of Marmara Sea with a view of Turkish islands. The "Boukoleon" name comes from the 5th century. There used to be a "Boukoleon Palace" standing right where you sit.

Now you can easily see the archeeological heritage of the old time palace. If you are interested in history, looking for a nice Istanbul view and also outstanding food, I would highly recommend you go to this restaurant.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18327 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16383 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16383 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15488
Officially the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, it has both a permanent collection of modern Turkish art and visiting exhibitions and installations and is located in the Tophane district, between Karaköy and Dolmabaçhe palace.

Its location is not obvious, though it is not far from the tramway that runs along Necatibey Caddesi - it is on the waterfront, in a converted warehouse-type building, with stunning views of the Bosphorus from its café. Though some detractors will take delight in spotting international influences on some of the Turkish artists, the place itself is a model of museum/gallery planning, with an excellent shop and impressive education activities.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15488 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15414
It was a very convenient way of doing it for us as we only had a few days in Istanbul but this is somewhere we really wanted to visit as well.

Ephesus itself is only about 1 hours' drive away from Izmir airport and the flights take about an hour each way. We arranged it through a local tour company and found it very convenient as everything was included from the tour to flights and transfers. It was all very well organized so that we didn't find it too rushed or tiring, just as a very interesting day out.

You can see the day trip we did with them and some others here: www.toursistanbul.com/day-trips.htm

Even though it was just for a day, we found it very worthwhile and the city beautifully preserved.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15414 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15176
The tiles are simply sensational, full of stylised tulips, carnations and geometrical shapes. It is located not far from the Eminönü end of the Galata Bridge, though it is not easy to spot the entrance , but when you look lost local shopkeepers sympathetically show you how to get in.

The advantage is that few tourists seem to find it, and you may get to look around in glorious silence.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15176 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15175 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15175 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15174
Their website and online reservation service is impressive. However, the real treat is to book one of the deluxe suites (one twin, one double, I think) on the top floor for at least three days, reserve in advance and pay in cash. That gets you B&B accommodation, two free transfers from the airport, and discounts on the price - and a balcony with views over Haghia/Aya Sofia and the Blue Mosque towards the Bosphorus and the Princess Islands!

We paid Euros 450 for four nights, which is not at all bad for central Istanbul in the high season.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15174 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14021
There is a central internal corridor under the bridge, which all of the outward facing restaurants and bars have entrances on to, on the Eminonou side. It's bright green and the staff all wear green and has no other signage. It's extremely cheap too and you get a great pampering shave for about £1!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14021 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13764
It is relatively undeveloped because Turks generally prefer the warmer and calmer seas of the Aegean and Mediterranean.

Be careful about currents, but unless it is very windy the sea is safe to swim in.

The beaches may get crowded on summer weekends as the residents flock to the seaside, but otherwise there is plenty of room.

The best beaches can be found at Sile and Agva, about 40-50 miles north-east of Istanbul; closer to the city centre is Kılyos, with Solar Beach www.solarbeach.net/default.asp?lng=tr&id=67 and Burç Beach offering beach clubs and activities.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13764 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13762
The imported vodka, whiskey, wine etc is equally exorbitant in price due to high taxes.

Just a word of warning in case people think Istanbul is like one of the resorts!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13762 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13760
Surprising that it is so close to the main sites of Sultanhamet and yet such good value.

As in all places in Istanbul, the price of wine / alcohol is very high. Our two mains and bottle of wine came to 66 lira - of which 30 lira was for the wine.

At an exchange rate of 2.5 lira to £1, this meant that our meals cost just a little over £14.

Wonderful fish on the menu and I recommend the chicken hagiasophia.

They have a terrace that looks onto the Blue Mosque.

All along the street there are "kapici" (managers/head waiters) trying to lure you into their respective establishments, but to be fair they do this with good humour and banter.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13760 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13679
I found them to be affordable and flexible. I got to do what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it, but all I had to think about was being in my hotel lobby at a certain time. The guides were educated and interesting to talk to.

Some websites suggest doing things yourself, but there is so much history in Turkey that only a guide can put it in perspective (unless you plan on carrying a library with you).

Also, I compared Byzas' prices to the cost of doing it all myself separately, and it barely cost any more ... it might have been the same with all the things I didn't have to worry about such as highway tolls.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13679 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13437
Prices are insanely low for the area and you can definitely find something for under six lira. We tried the tavuk durum for 3.75ytl - chicken, fresh vegetables and fries in a thin flatbread. It was the best thing we'd eaten in Istanbul!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13437 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13239 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13239 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13083 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13083