Istanbul

David for Fun <davidffun.DeleteThis@btinternet.com> wrote in message
news:bmkmtj$7nk$1@hercules.btinternet.com...
 > Hi there
 >
 > My girlfriend and I are lucky enough to be travelling to Istanbul this
 > weekend to stay a week or so. We would really appreciate any info on
great
 > or unusal nightclubs or bars that we should visit whilst we are there,
plus
 > traditional & cultural night bars with a relaxing atmosphere.
 >
 > Any information on great local restaurants would also be appreciated.
 >

Istanbul is one of those places that has lots of middle of the road
restaurants, all of which are good, and reasonably priced. The usual advice
seems to be to aim for the ones that are filled with locals, and avoid empty
one where someone is trying to coerce you into dining.

Taksim Square is close-ish to Sultanahmet (where you may end up staying),
and is much more of a locals area. It is relatively modern, and buzzing
24/7.

 > Also, has anyone had experience of relaxing cafes where you can smoke
 > hookers & drink raki?
 >

Yeah, you can do this all over Istanbul. You wont see any women in them
though, and your girlfriend may feel a little intimidated by this. It is
perfectly acceptable for her to be there though.

 > And would be fab to visit a Turkish Baths / Sauna so if anyone has some
 > recommendation please do tell.
 >

If you can find one centrally that isn't a tourist trap, please report back!
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DFM<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
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