Read the reviews of tourists about Istanbul for 2020-2021. Pros and cons of rest, tourist advice. Learn first-hand about the weather, hotels, excursions, entertainment and shopping.
Istanbul weather reviews
Istanbul attracts with its rich cultural heritage and oriental flavor, so tourists come at any time of the year. In winter, the weather is cloudy and rainy. In December + 10 ° С, and in February + 8 ° С. Spring starts early, so the streets of Istanbul quickly turn into a blooming garden.
Yulia Eresko: “I didn't think the weather in March would be so cool. The thermometer showed + 10 ° C in the evening. During the day it was + 14 ° C, the sun was shining, but a piercing wind was blowing. I even had to get a hat out of my bag. ".
The beach season begins at the end of May, when the sea water warms up to +19 ... + 20 ° С. The middle of summer is hot. During the day, the air temperature rises to +30 ... + 35 ° С, and sea water to +21 ... + 22 ° С.
Lilia Migal: "How wrong I was when I thought that it would be unbearably hot and stuffy here in July. Not at all. Because of the constant winds, the heat was not felt at all."
According to tourists, the velvet season in Istanbul is an ideal time for relaxing by the sea, hiking and cruises on the Bosphorus. In September it is still very warm + 25 ° С. Is Istanbul good in October? According to tourists, at the beginning of the month the air temperature during the day is + 19 ° С, at the end + 15 ° С. Sea water +16 ... + 19 ° С - it's already cool to swim.
Olga Svetikova: "No hats and scarves. A light blouse is enough during the day. You can warm up a little for the evening. But it all depends on the place of the walk."
According to tourists, it is better to refrain from a trip to Istanbul in November. In late autumn, the weather in Turkey is cool and humid.
Reviews of tourists about hotels in Istanbul
Look for hotels with discounts on Rumguru. Here are the main rules for finding hotels.
Guests of Istanbul have no problems with accommodation. There are hotels of different levels in any area of the city. Tourists who go to see the historical center like to stay in Sultanahmet and Beyoglu, connoisseurs of luxury hotels - on the Bosphorus coast, and those who come for nightlife - in the area of Istiklal Street.
To make your holiday in Istanbul in 2021 a success, study the reviews of tourists about hotels. They will help you make the right choice.
Irina: "I liked the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti 5 * hotel very much. Clean, comfortable, modern. An incomparable SPA area. The staff deserves special praise, requests were fulfilled quickly."
Tatiana: "I like everything in Sapphire Istanbul 4 * hotel: location, service, decent breakfasts." Sapphire "gives additional charm to this wonderful unique city."
Nigar: "Element Suites 3 * has helpful staff. Allowed to leave luggage with them both before check-in and after check-out."
We also found negative reviews of tourists about Istanbul hotels.
Shavkatjohn: "In Titanic Business Golden Horn 4 * everything is super! Minuses - windows creaked and there were sounds from the wind. I wish the noise insulation was better."
Reviews of tourists about excursions in Istanbul
Look for author's interesting excursions on the Sputnik and Tripster websites. Individual and group, no crowds of tourists and in Russian.
Istanbul has a large selection of excursions with Russian-speaking guides. A tour of the Old Town, an evening walk along the Bosphorus, a bus and walking tour through the history of Istanbul and a sea trip to the mountain resort of Yalova received many positive reviews.
To plan your vacation in Istanbul in 2021, read the reviews of tourists about the excursions. Choose tours to your taste!
Learn about the 7 best hammams in Istanbul.
Ninaanto: "I liked everything on the excursion" City of Two Continents "! The guide answered our questions, told and explained everything in detail. We advise." More about the excursion →
Roksolan: "Old Istanbul and its antiquities" - everything was organized. Very good guides. "More about the excursion →
Dilyara: "Turkish street food is a very tasty excursion. I advise everyone to try it." More about the excursion →
Reviews of tourists about entertainment
The many-sided Istanbul is a city of contrasts. Here spacious squares coexist with small cozy courtyards, and majestic temples with modern mansions. Visitors drop in at the noisy bazaars, visit the Sophia Cathedral, the Blue Mosque, Topkap Palace, the Basilica Cistern and the Galata Tower.
There are many interesting museums in the city. According to tourists, with children in Istanbul, it is worth going to the Miniature Park, Jurassic Land Dinosaur Park, Toy Museum, Dolphinarium, Vialand amusement park and aquariums.
Learn about the best beaches in Istanbul.
Ekaterina1903: "After watching the series" The Magnificent Century "I wanted to visit the burial place of Sultan Suleiman and his wife. The Suleymaniye Mosque was very interesting."
Culture4645455882: "TurkuaZoo is a beautiful aquarium. You can see everything in the tunnel. It looks like you can pet a shark or stingray."
anamax1976: "There are no trees or any shelters in the Miniature Park. If it is a hot summer day, you will fry in the sun. Well, if it rains or winds, you will get wet or cold."
Reviews of tourists about shopping in Istanbul
Shopping in Turkey is profitable. Istanbul is considered one of the centers of world trade since the Middle Ages. Sale seasons there are twice a year: from mid-January to the end of February and from July to September. During July, the city hosts a large-scale shopping festival.
Look for high-quality clothes, baby clothes, leather goods, carpets, jewelry, furs, dishes and shoes in boutiques, outlets and shopping centers. Souvenirs, Turkish sweets, sauces, spices and wine are best bought in oriental bazaars. According to tourists, there is good shopping in Istanbul on the Istiklal shopping street, in the Zeytinburnu quarter and the Laleli district.
Vasilisa P .: "Various Turkish brands are sold in the Cevahir Istanbul mall, most of which are simply not available on the Russian market."
Jutta: "Shopping has never been the main goal of my trips to Turkey. However, it is often a pleasant bonus, an opportunity to get positive emotions, save money on something and bring pleasant memories."
Pros and cons of staying in Istanbul
One of the oldest cities in Turkey leaves no one indifferent. According to tourists' reviews for 2020, fabulously beautiful Istanbul captivates with its rich history and special atmosphere. You will definitely want to return to this city.
pros holidays in Istanbul in 2021, according to tourists:
- Russians do not need a visa.
- Short flight.
- Warm climate.
- Rich historical heritage. Many architectural landmarks.
- All inclusive hotels.
- Excellent shopping experience.
- Developed infrastructure.
- Comfortable public transport.
- International traditions.
LV_Pff: "East and West unite in Istanbul, not only geographically, but also in spirit. Here everyone will find something that interests him."
Minuses:
- There is a lot of hustle and bustle.
- Rubbish.
- There are beggars and homeless people.
- Tourists are perceived as a bag of money and often want to cheat.
Kirpichenkova Sv: "You need to go, but be on the alert, ready for rudeness and deception, and not let this ruin your vacation."
The nuances of rest in Istanbul and tourist advice
Istanbul is a real tourist mecca. Due to the influx of visitors, queues often line up at the ticket offices of popular attractions. Fewer people happen in the morning or just before closing.
Kiticka: "There are long queues to Hagia Sophia. It is worth going as early as possible. When buying a ticket, take tickets to Topkapi and the Archaeological Museum right away."
Most shops are closed on Sundays. This does not apply to large shopping malls in the city center.
According to tourists, you need to know how to bargain in Istanbul. With good bargaining, the seller can lose in price by 1.5-2 times.
The Muslim world celebrates Ramadan every year. The dates of the sacred holiday fall in late spring - early summer. You can come to Istanbul on holidays. The city is decorated with bright illumination, many concerts are held. The beaches and water parks are free because Muslims are not allowed to swim.Cons - during Ramadan, almost everywhere, including hotels, do not sell alcohol. In addition, in the evenings it is difficult to find a place in restaurants and cafes, as believers gather after setting for Iftar - an evening meal.
