Istanbul Travel Forum

I arrive in Istanbul 5 pm 2 May. I would like recommendations for inexpensive lodging for 2 and 3 may(mid 40s Canadian male, caucasian, --willing to go low budget, share if needs be, as long as clean and safe location). Have never been to Istanbul but have travelled extensively. I would like to see all i can see on Saturday 3 May and on Sunday travel to Izmir via Gallipoli (another city nearby is a better landmark, starts with a C) in order to arrive at Izmir Sunday night. I have business in Izmir from morning 5 May to pm 11 may then a free day in Izmir. I have a long time ago been to Ephesus and (?kusadasi?) so I have one day in Ismir and area for suggestions.

Thank you in advance. this is a helpful site. The comments about fake money especially appreciated. Is it better to carry Euros or US dollars cash in lieu or as well as TKL?

Weather now? and suggestions for clothing (culturally as well as climate appropriate.) I assume long pants and long sleeve shirts are recommended?

thank you.
martin

Trying to predict the weather can be difficult because of local on the day variations.
This information should be used as a guide only.
Here is the average weather for Istanbul for this time of year.
Enjoy your holiday.

May.
High 69f / 21c
Low 54f / 12c

The landmark place beginning with a C is likely to be Canakalle. I think you will be hard-pressed to do the trip Istanbul to Izmir with a stop-off at Gallipoli, in one day. If you intend to visit the Gallipoli peninsula, then to do it justice you need to allow at least half a day. It is absolutely worth taking the time and will give you an experience quite unlike any you have previously encountered. It is a haunting place. Pity that you won't have time to visit Tory.

C is definately Canakkale, but what did you mean by a day in Izmir. 2 hours at most to Ephesus/Efes. If you don't want too much culture then a trip to Alacati or Cesme might be OK. See my pages on those and the weather links for what to bring.

For cheap lodging, try these websites:

http://www.cheaperthanhotels.com/

http://www.onepoundhotels.com/

Good luck and have a great time! Oh, and for up-to-date weather, go to www.weather.com

1) Inexpensive Lodging:

Ratestogo.com has cheap hotel rooms starts at about $27, I always stay at hotelinteristanbul.com at around $40 - ur own neat room + breakfast. Cheaper options are Hostels - shared rooms and bath/toilets, I rely on hostelworld, and they have tons of them in Sultanahmet and 3 good ones in Taksim area. Bahaus Guesthouse, Antique Hostel and Istanbul Hotel are the top choices at $ 20 to 25/bed/night on your date.

2) Canakkale is your base city if you're goin to see Galipolli & Troy, but if that's not ur intention, then u could always go direct to Izmir. Galipolli tour normally starts in the morning as the whole area is vast and may take half of the day to explore.

3) If you've been to Ephesus, then checkout the neighboring Pamukkale to see the cotton castle/travertines or the ancient city of Pergamum (Bergama), about 4 hours and 2 hours respectively from Izmir, or Alcati around 1 hour only.

4) US$ or Euro? Check my General Tips where I compiled most of the FAQs at

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/a4c2f/1c0a38/1/

5) Weather - always unpredictable, yet, April/May has moderate temperatures - in general not very cold nor hot.


Don't forget to checkout also hotels where I've stayed in Istanbul, around a dozen of them, you might pickout sumthin'

Enjoy your trip!

Sorry - there must be some typo-error there - I mean Istanbul Hostel and NOT Hotel. Enjoy!

Wow, thanks so much to you all for the very helpful replies and information. June B s site is very detailed.
Another question. I have been offered the exact package I asked for (2 nights in Istanbul (3*); pick up from airport. Full day guided tour on Sat in Istanbul. Bus travel to Canakkle. Half Day tour of Gallipoli. BUs trip to Ismir. This has been offered for 550 Euros by Adelphia tours.
It seems pretty reasonable to have this price for a personally tailored itinerary but i have no frame of reference for Istanbul and Turkey prices. Could you weigh in with a view ...my thought is that for the conveniences offered of a custom made itinerary that accommodates my limited time frame its a good deal.....?
Martin

Definately good deal, otherwise you'll lose time waiting and searching for stuff and places.