Traveling to Istanbul, Curious Student
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Traveling to Istanbul, Curious Student
Hello. I would love to know more about Istanbul. I will be in the city for one week (August 13-20) before I head over to Bangkok, Thailand. I am curious about a lot of things:
1) Where can I see live Turkish performance art---whether plays, musicals, experimental theatre, etc? I do not need the show to be in English, I just want to get a glimpse at Turkish Fine Arts.
2) What cuisine should I most definitely try? And where? I do not like to visit like a tourist, I try to live as a local. Any restaurant suggestions would be great.
3) Could you point me in the direction of the lesbian scene in Istanbul? Is there one? Are there any clubs or bars?
4) Where are the best rural parts of Istanbul---the countryside where locals reside? I would like to visit and see more than just city life.
5) Best Turkish hamam?
6) Where does the younger crowd (21-25) hang out? Do you recommend going to Bodrum or Prince's Islands? Tell me what you know. I am 21 years old and a student.
7)What are the BEST turkish souvenirs to ship back to the states?
I would appreciate any and all bits of wisdom about Istanbul. I look forward to going and hearing from you.
1) Where can I see live Turkish performance art---whether plays, musicals, experimental theatre, etc? I do not need the show to be in English, I just want to get a glimpse at Turkish Fine Arts.
2) What cuisine should I most definitely try? And where? I do not like to visit like a tourist, I try to live as a local. Any restaurant suggestions would be great.
3) Could you point me in the direction of the lesbian scene in Istanbul? Is there one? Are there any clubs or bars?
4) Where are the best rural parts of Istanbul---the countryside where locals reside? I would like to visit and see more than just city life.
5) Best Turkish hamam?
6) Where does the younger crowd (21-25) hang out? Do you recommend going to Bodrum or Prince's Islands? Tell me what you know. I am 21 years old and a student.
7)What are the BEST turkish souvenirs to ship back to the states?
I would appreciate any and all bits of wisdom about Istanbul. I look forward to going and hearing from you.
#2
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Since I am not part of the younger crowd I cannot say anything about most of your questions. But I can say that for you Bodrum is definitely far better than Prince´s Island.
Cuisine? Turkish, of course. Try that old, traditional meatball place near the Blue mosque. Or fish restaurants under the Galata bridge.
For hamam just go to Cemberlitas hamam in Sultanahmet. Mostly tourists go there, but that is because Turks nowadays go less and less to hamams. There are other hamams, too, but just because Cemberlitas is the most known, it is also well taken care of.
Cuisine? Turkish, of course. Try that old, traditional meatball place near the Blue mosque. Or fish restaurants under the Galata bridge.
For hamam just go to Cemberlitas hamam in Sultanahmet. Mostly tourists go there, but that is because Turks nowadays go less and less to hamams. There are other hamams, too, but just because Cemberlitas is the most known, it is also well taken care of.
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I never noticed a queer scene on Buyukada, the largest of the Princes' Islands. There are a few discos that are open late if you like to party and dance. You could stay at the Splendid Palace hotel and play bridge with all the "Gold Ladies."
As for Istanbul, there are many bars and restaurants that cater to the Stambuli middle class in Ortakoy. Beyoglu has lots of disco/bars that cater to mixed/gay crowds.
Get yourself a copy of TIME OUT Istanbul for a listing of gay bars.
The Great and Powerful Thingorjus
As for Istanbul, there are many bars and restaurants that cater to the Stambuli middle class in Ortakoy. Beyoglu has lots of disco/bars that cater to mixed/gay crowds.
Get yourself a copy of TIME OUT Istanbul for a listing of gay bars.
The Great and Powerful Thingorjus
#4
If you have not already, post your questions over on The Thorn Tree, the forum at www.lonelyplanet.com as well. They have many more younger posters as well as a gay/lesbian board there.
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Hi,
1) You can see some Turkish art in Sultanahmet. There is a Turkish and Islamic arts museum.
2) When you visit the museum you can try Sultanahmet Köftesi(meatball) at Sultanahmet Köftecisi.
3) I do not really know the lesbian bars but I am sure that you can find that kind of bars at Beyoglu.
4) If you want to see the real Turkish life you can visit the Asian side of Istanbul. But you can see it simply at Fatih. At Fatih you can visit the Fatih Mosque. You will meet rallt different people there.
5) Cemberlitas Hamam is a good place to go.
6)I am in the age interval you have mentioned and I am a student too. We hang out at Taksim-Beyoglu. But we are not gay
If you have any further questions you can email me. My email address is [email protected]
Best Regards...
1) You can see some Turkish art in Sultanahmet. There is a Turkish and Islamic arts museum.
2) When you visit the museum you can try Sultanahmet Köftesi(meatball) at Sultanahmet Köftecisi.
3) I do not really know the lesbian bars but I am sure that you can find that kind of bars at Beyoglu.
4) If you want to see the real Turkish life you can visit the Asian side of Istanbul. But you can see it simply at Fatih. At Fatih you can visit the Fatih Mosque. You will meet rallt different people there.
5) Cemberlitas Hamam is a good place to go.
6)I am in the age interval you have mentioned and I am a student too. We hang out at Taksim-Beyoglu. But we are not gay
If you have any further questions you can email me. My email address is [email protected]
Best Regards...