Why Now Is the Time to Visit Istanbul

Why Now Is the Time to Visit Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey

Two days after I booked my flights to Istanbul, the news broke of a military coup that left 300 dead and over 2,000 injured. In the 48 hours that followed, I contacted KLM to see if I could cancel, but they refused to refund my money or let me change the flights. “Screw it,” I decided; “we’re going anyway”. When I thought about it rationally, there seemed to be as much danger of a terrorist attack in Amsterdam as there was risk of violence in Istanbul; and if there’s one thing these troublemakers want it’s to disrupt people’s lives. I wasn’t going to let them.

A situation that’s been pretty disastrous for Turkey is – ironically – a blessing for the budget-conscious traveller. Despite all instincts to the contrary, this is nothing short of the best time to visit Istanbul.

And so I got on with my usual travel preparations: researching where to eat in Istanbul, booking a food tour, finding somewhere nice to stay. It was business as usual. And when we arrived, that’s exactly what we found in Istanbul too: ordinary Turks just trying to get on with their lives and make enough money to pay the bills. Only it’s pretty tough here right now. In a country that relies on tourism for a significant chunk of its GDP, the diminishing visitor numbers are taking their toll. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
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Sights Featured in This Article

Guide Name: Why Now Is the Time to Visit Istanbul
Guide Location: Turkey » Istanbul
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Article (B))
Author: Vicky Hampton
Read it on Author's Website: http://www.amsterdamfoodie.nl/2016/why-now-is-the-time-to-visit-istanbul/
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
  • Van Kahvaltı Evi
  • Lades 2
  • Norm
  • 1 Kahve
  • Çiya
  • Ziya Bey Sk.
  • Osmanli Kebapçısı
  • Mavi Haliç Pidecisi
  • Aliye Mehane
  • Fasuli Lokantası
  • Taksim Square
  • Café Feride
  • Otto
  • Parantez Deli
  • Cezayir Sokağı

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