Istanbul for dummies

[kingrollo]

I'm hoping to attend the Europa League final in Istanbul on May 20.

Never been to Turkey before .and a lot of my friends have winced at the thought of attending a football match in Istanbul!!!

The game is at the bekistas stadium - anyone any insights about which district (or whatever) this is in ? - distance from the airport, availability of transport, Taxis etc.

 

[si_c]

Transport in Istanbul is pretty good - one thing that caught us out is that you want to get a Red transit card not the tourist card from the airport. Just get a ticket for the train all the way in then you can a pre-pay transit card at one of the metro/tram stop vending machines. You can apparently get one in the airport but got the wrong one (3 day pass) you just need the red prepay card.

 

[Punkawallah]

Two general points about Istanbul.
1, The people wandering about with bandages on the back of their heads have had hair transplants.
2, Avoid tight collars, because the constant head turning for vehicles driving on the pavements will give you a sore neck.

 

[markemark]

Istanbul was Constantinople
Now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople
Been a long time gone, Constantinople
Now it's Turkish delight on a moonlit night

I hope that helps.

 

[vickster]

Be careful using cash points, friend of mine was robbed although to be fair years ago. Same for any major city I guess!