Istanbul question....

[venicecruiser]

My DH and I are planning to rent an apartment for the week we will be in Istanbul prior to a cruise.

 

Can anyone tell me which areas we should avoid in looking for an apartment?

 

Also, does anyone know anything about the area called Taksim/Beyoglu Quarter?

 

What is a good central location with access to public transportation?

 

Thanks!

 

Claudia and Rod

[YoPhilly]

Taksim is a lively area with lots of shops, restaurants and nightspots. Taksim Square is very central for public transportation. The easiest way to the old city is to take the funicular to the tram; both run frequently. It's cheap, easy, and fun. It took about 20 minutes to get from Taksim Square to St. Sofia.

 

Beyoglu is the area around the university; I walked through the streets there and found it to have a real neighborhood feeling. The tram runs frequently here too.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

You can read about Beyoglu here: http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/go/Istanbul/Sights/Beyoglu/index.html

 

I remember the university being on the south side of the Golden Horn, west of the Grand Bazaar. But probably there are several universities. There's general information about neighbourhoods on this same site, which is excellent in general, by the way: http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/go/Istanbul/index.html

 

We spent a week post-cruise there a few years back and it was great, so I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time. If the weather is nice, consider a day-trip to the Princes Isles.

[bcnvcanada]

We noticed upon are recent return from Turkey and definate change in the mood of Turkey. We would advise you if American be watchful. We saw for the first time some anti-American feeling. People changed when the found out we were not from the USA. We love Turkey.

[YoPhilly]

I remember the university being on the south side of the Golden Horn, west of the Grand Bazaar. But probably there are several universities.

 

Oops, you're right Wendy. The university is in Beyazit area - wrong "B" !!:p

[sea chantey]

Where were you when you encountered the anti American feelings?