Going to Istanbul, need tips!

[Jacobovs]

I have a 3 day trip to Istanbul coming up in 2 weeks. Does anyone have any secret photo spots I can take advantage of. The guide books offer the usual places, I'm looking for the unusual places or vantage points.

[RuiMLopes]

I´ve been there back in 2003.
I believe that since that year Istanbul has changed but... not much!
First thing: It´s not uncommon to be difficult to find people speaking english even at hotels... I stayed at one not far from "Hagia Sofia" where the night staff didn´t know nothing but turkish!
Spots mandatory to see:
Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia (at the same long square). Bring a real wide angle to get the inside shots. Try to get there about local 10 am, when they do not celebrate religious services.
Between the two temples there´s a nice garden from where you may take nice shots from both . To the left of Hagia Sofia, crossing the street, you may find the Muslim Cistern that used to be the water deposit of the old Istanbul. Go there and bring a monopod to get sharp pics as you'll be deep in the dark:huh
Back to the surface, go to the "Grand Bazar" one of the hugest markets (medina´s) of all muslim world. You may need a couple of hours to see it. The salesmen are not so "agressive" as they are at other "medinas" around the "muslim world" but, anyway, they try to be persuative. Outside, to the right, you´ll find a commercial street full of stores and restaurants. Try to find a traditional restaurant called "Cenet" where you may taste a nice meal.
Near the "Bosforo", visit the "Spices´market" also known as "Egyptian market" full of colours and smells. a mile away, visit the old Istanbul railstation where the "Orient Express" left great memories.
The bridges, of course. Cross the bridge towards "Galata Tower". Not before you visit the great Sultanammet mosque!
On the other side of the bridge, go to see "Galata Tower" and behind it you´ll face one of the most important and modern Istanbul streets: Istiklali Caddesi. There you´ll find the new Istanbul, full of modern stores. To the left, you´ll find Taksim Square, also interesting to see the traditional activities of people over there.
Try to get a taxi (taxidrivers often do not speak english) (or try to pretend that) and ask the guy (in writtten if necessary) to bring you at Ortakoy. There, you´ll find a beautiful mosque over the Bosforo that alone, worths the trip there). You may lunch there (they´ve got several restaurants). Try to do not leave the place too late as you may find unpleaseant experiences with taxidrivers by night (they pretend that do not understand you, trying to increase the bill while searching for your requested destiny which, actually they know very well... ) In case of need, do not hesitate to call the attention of policemen patrols, easy to find everywhere).
On a different day, visit Topkapi Palace (5 minutes walking away from Hagia Sofia). Some 3 / 4 hours are needed.
On the same day, visit Dolmabaçe Palace (again taking a taxi) as it located on the way to Ortakoy, on the other side of Bosforo.
Bring local currency. Safety on the streets is acceptable even because the police is everywhere and have clear instructions to protect tourists. Furthermore, they are focused on the terror issues as they also faced and shared some of our security problems in the past .
Have a very nice trip!

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D300, D200 coupled with some fine Nikon glass<o:p></o:p>
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My Smugmug galleries: http://ruilopes.smugmug.com/<o:p></o:p>

[Stash]

Back to the surface, go to the "Grand Bazar" one of the hugest markets (medina´s) of all muslim world. <o:p></o:p>
I would suggest getting to the Grand Bazar a few minutes before opening time. Once the doors open, it does not take long before it's crowded with people making it difficult to get good architectural shots. :scratch

People shots will be abundant within about 30 minutes of opening!:rofl

Oh, and enjoy the food...it's FANTASTIC!

I also believe it's against the law to go to Turkey and not enjoy the coffee!:deal


Don

[RuiMLopes]

I also believe it's against the law to go to Turkey and not enjoy the coffee!:deal


Don

Beware of the coffee! It´s stroooooong!!!!!! You´ll risk not to sleep along your whole stay there! It´s powder!:D

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Rui<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p>
D300, D200 coupled with some fine Nikon glass<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p>
My Smugmug galleries: http://ruilopes.smugmug.com/<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p>

[Jacobovs]

Beware of the coffee! It´s stroooooong!!!!!! You´ll risk not to sleep along your whole stay there! It´s powder!:D

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Rui<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p>
D300, D200 coupled with some fine Nikon glass<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p>
My Smugmug galleries: http://ruilopes.smugmug.com/<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p>

Thanks for the tips, lucky for me I don't like coffee

[Zeus1]

...lucky for me I don't like coffee
In that case, You must try the apple tea :-)

Another trip: take a taxi to Kariye Camii, a beatifull Byzantine church from around 1320. This is also a taxi trip to an outlying district. Have the driver wait for You, as this is not a touristy destination.

Always keep Your camera at the ready: there are endless opportunities for street photography, as Istanbul people literally live on the street.

Please feel free to visit my Istanbul portolio at http://hdemey.zenfolio.com/f1034463370