Istanbul on New Year's Eve

[Mirazz]

Me and my 17 year old daughter have booked up to go to Istanbul for 9 days over the New Year period. I really am excited as I haven't been to Istanbul before. We are staying in a lovely little 4* hotel called the Romance Hotel, has anyone heard of it? It seems very central and has good reviews on TripAdvisor.

But, the idea was to go to Taksim Square on NYE but I have been advised against it, maybe it is too rough for 2 single women (expecially a mam and 17 year old daughter). Having a nice candlelit romantic meal overlooking the Bosphorus is out, so any suggestions? Miriam

 

[KKOB]

It does get a bit "lively" around Taksim on NYE.

Try to find somewhere on high ground and then you'll be able to see the fireworks that are let off around the city at midnight.

 

[suzyq]

Sadly you were advised rightly not to go to Taksim Square as every year on the news you see women being groped and bothered big time, it wouldn't be nice for you or your daughter.

You could go to the Galata Tower I have put a link although it say 2009 if you click on Galata Tower bit it says it is now taking reservation for 2010 there are pictures and a menu.


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There is lots to see in Istanbul so you should have a lovely time.

 

[chatty cathy]

Hi, We know the Romance hotel, although we've never stayed there but have passed it many times. It's in a street with lots of hotels around and it looks really nice. It's pretty central and the trams run right by the door. If you turn right from the hotel you are within easy walking distance of Sultanahmet, where the Blue Mosque and Agia Sophia are,or if you don't feel like walking take the tram from outside your hotel up to Sultanahmet,or stay on the tram to go to the Grand Baazar, a must, it's amazing. Sultanahmet would be a good place to bring in the New Year as there is lots of restaurants and bars and it's in a tourist area. If you need a bit of retail therapy ask at reception or the tourist information office to point you in the direction of the outlet stores or shopping malls (they could put the UK to shame). If you turn left from your hotel and walk for 5 minutes you will come to Sirkeci train station, where they hold special events like the famous Whirling Dervishes, or walk a little further to the waterfront and take a boat ride down the Bospherous, it's magical, Also beside the Yeni Cami (new mosque)is the Egyptian Spice Baazar, worth a visit.
Can I say that because we live there in the winter and know Istanbul well, we would strongly advise you to stay away from both Taksim Square or Istiklal Caddesi on New Years Eve as it's full of men and you are packed in like sardines, and that's when the trouble starts eg. groping. and although the Galata Tower is a really good restaurant it is in the same area. I would stick to Sultanahmet. Also the live concerts that are advertised for New Year at Taksim are often cancelled for security reasons. There are more family type street parties in Sisli and Kadikoy but they are too far from your hotel.
Do visit Istiklal Caddesi the street that leads to Taksim Square in the daytime,or any night except New Year as it is fantastic for shops and restaurants.
I could go on forever as I love the city and there is so much to see if you know the right places and how to get there.
I hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday there, I'm sure you will.

 

[Tess]

Ah Miriam, that sounds marvellous. What a memorable way to bring in New Year, enjoy and have a brilliant time. A place I would love to visit - someday!!!

 

[tazz]

ah Mariam - what a beautiful name. My first post here I believe. You have very sound advice from Chatty Cathy, do avoid Taksim area on and around new years time. Take care and have great time.

 

[Mirazz]

Thanks you Tazz for your compliment and directing your first post to me. Welcome to the forum - Miriam x

 

[tinkycarol]

Thanks Miriam for posting this. Chatty Cath thanks for the detailed info - I think you have sold it to me. Due to fly into Istanbul in May but may go in January for my birthday - I know it will be cold but I don't think I can wait that long after reading the above.
Carol x
Do you have www details for the Hotel Romance (my friend is very fussy so if I don't do my research she will refuse to come on holiday again!)

 

[Mirazz]

Hi Carol,

Sounds great doesn't it? I can't wait. I booked through Travel Republic here in the UK on the internet but the hotel can be found at www dot romancehotel dot com

It looks nice and very central (I hope someone from there is reading this, I should be on commission) and I am sure it will serve its purpose for me and Lucy.

It was a chuck up between Istanbul and Egypt where we went in January this year but Lucy much prefers a city holiday where she can get out and about and see different things rather than sitting on a beach. She says she can't bear the thought of getting out of bed to lie down again (seems strange but she never has a problem with that here)!!!!

Hope you have a good time x

 

[bodruman]

Hi There,

I will highly suggest you to have dinner at MAIDEN'S TOWER.. Located in the middle of the bosphorous and has a fantastic silhouette view of Istanbul... Foods are great.. It might be a little bit expensive but worth to go... Have a nice time!

 

[uncle fester]

hi yaa if you would like a nice candlelit romantic meal overlooking the Bosphorus,i am free if you would like me to travel upto istanbul from bodrum Mirazz for new year PM me we can see 2010 the 3 of us.x:438qr:

 

[irishmolly101]

Hi,
I agree with the other posts - avoid Taksim square on NYE, it can be quite a scary place! I have been there to take in the bells before and there was a lot of crowds, lots of fighting, groping, being followed etc going on. There wasnt nearly enough police there to manage the situation appropriately. We ended up going somewhere else for the bells and were glad we did. I will always remember the news footage the next day of a woman climbing on top of a bus shelter roof and having her skirt ripped off by the men below her - absolutely shocking!

 

[alison09400]

Lots of great shopping centres in Istanbul. We last stayed in Sultanahmet in March and got a taxi to Cevahir shopping centre...fare was 20tl. (Get your hotel to ring the taxi for you.) 7 floors of fab shops including C&A, Debenhams etc. You'll find a chinese restaurant up on the food floor which does a delicious open buffet for 11.5tl.
A new shopping centre opened this week "Istanbul Forum" which has a large aquarium with underwater tunnel. I'm not sure of the area but google it and as you're there for 9 days you should be able to see it.
"Kiz Kulesi" which sits out in the Bosphorous is somewhere you should have a meal one night.
Places to definitely visit Topkapi, Blue Mosque, Aya Sophia, Grand Bazaar(should all be within walking distance of your hotel). Dolmabahce Palace which is were Ataturk died.....you can get a Tram there. It's only 5 mins walk from the last stop.
There's also St Anthony's church in Istiklal Caddesi, Misir Bazaar (spice market), eating fish in one of the restaurants below Galata Bridge, the underground Cistern near the Blue Mosque....you'll definitely have lots to see and do while you're there.
I can only echo what everyone else says regarding Taksim Sq/Istiklal Caddesi on NYE.....stay well clear! Try and go to an organised party in one of the hotels/restaurants...your hotel may be able to help you with that.

 

[kazz]

I live there and its a normal place. maybe go to ortaköy near by bosphorous to feel better. i can recommend ortaköy where love meets sea.

 

[Istanbul_expat]

I live in Asmalamescit and it is very nice and quiet as I face out at the back away from most of the restaurants. I wouldn't go out strolling on my own in the evening anyway unescorted by a man in any place as it's risky let alone New Year's Eve. Istanbul is the only city to live in Turkey

 

[Roos]

hey,

I will be in Kadikoy on new years eve, does anyone have tips for around there?
Good places to spend the night etc..