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/18416 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18416 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17630 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17630 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/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/14196
The menu is varied (the only non-expensive place in Syria where I found fish available) and prices are very reasonable for excellent cooking. Beer and spirits are served. The only downside is that you are sitting on one of the key sites of the dramatic suppression of the 1982 Hama uprising.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14196 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14189 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14189 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14186
Very good at arranging day trips to sites such as Apamea and Krak des Chavaliers, and working out how you might share with other visitors or those staying at the Cairo hotel which the management also owns. Taxi from the bus station should be 50 Syrian pounds.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14186 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14180
It's rated three stars. Many of the rooms have great views across the palmery to the famous ruins. It is about five minutes walk to the Archaeological Museum (from which transport runs to the Valley of the Tombs) and about a further 15 minutes to the Sanctuary of Bel.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14180 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14174
The most precious of the regular combinations has 60% laurel oil and sells for 75 Syrian pounds (about 75p) per block. Try to track down a bar from Al Joubali soap factory in the old city.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14174 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14171 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14171 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14167
It would be hard to imagine anywhere with more atmosphere, even if the facilities are not luxurious. Very helpful staff, happy to organise day-trips at a reasonable price. The only drawback is that it's a 20 minute walk to the Christian quarter if you want to have a restaurant meal with alcohol. I paid £12.50 per night for a single.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14167 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12499 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12499 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12494 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12494 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12493 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12493 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12491 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12491 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4195 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4195 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4057 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4057 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4059 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4059