Lonely Planet Istanbul

Average customer rating:

A favourite guide for a favourite city
Functional
Nice book, Great City
Lonely Planet Istanbul
Oversells the city. Functional.

Lonely Planet Istanbul
Virginia Maxwell
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Lonely Planet Turkey
Just Enough Turkish (Just Enough)
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Insight Fleximap Istanbul
Lonely Planet Greek Islands

ASIN: 1740594835

Book Description

Istanbul is a cultural mosaic, a heady mix of the hip and the classical, the ultramodern and the ancient - discover the great intercontinental city with Lonely Planet. Whether you want to shop for carpets, behold architectural treasures, catch a Bosphorus ferry or smoke a nargileh, this stylish and street-smart guide is your essential companion.

• TAP INTO THE PULSE of the metropolis with our Entertainment listings and City Life coverage

• HAGGLE LIKE A PRO - we give you the lowdown on the arcades of the Grand Bazaar, Beyoglu's designer boutiques and the best antique and curio shops

• TRAVEL THROUGH TIME with our walking tours highlighting Byzantine and Ottoman glories and the city's atmospheric neighborhoods

• EAT AND SLEEP LIKE A SULTAN - discerning listings cover Istanbul's burgeoning culinary scene and best rest-your-head options

• GET OUT, GET ABOUT with our Excursions chapter and easy-to-use, full-color maps

Customer Reviews:

A favourite guide for a favourite city.......2007-02-11

I love Istanbul, having lived there in the early 1990s. In 2005 I made my first return visit since then, and although I feel confident I know the city well, much has changed. This guide contained information which locals I stayed with weren't aware of, particularly public transport info.

My main criticism of LP books is that the maps are pretty useless, and this is once again the case. You really need to get a separate map f you are going to venture beyond the really well trodden path. (There are a couple of bookshops on Istiklal Cadessi that sell good maps).

I found the tone of the book suited me - it is enthusiastic about an amazing city, and the author certainly knows the place well. I don;t usually follow guide book suggestions for places to eat, preferring to discover those on my own. I am gald I allowed Maxwell to lead me to a couple of cafes and bars, however, as they were excellent.

I recommend this book for both the novice and experienced traveller to the city (which I don;t with all LP City Guides - some, like Paris, I think reather too basic for the experienced visitor to that city).

Functional.......2006-11-29

This book is already annoyingly out of date, but is still the best guide to Istanbul out right now. The prices are off and for some reason given in Euros, even though most places only want Turkish Lira. Maxwell's opinions are loud, even for a Lonely Planet guide, and I found myself disagreeing with a lot of them. Still, a good size to fit in your coat pocket while running around and discovering Istanbul.

Nice book, Great City.......2006-04-20

I am going back to Istanbul and Turkey for the fourth time. I am buying a copy of this after seeing the library copy.
Istanbul is fun! and this will help with a few details, like the ferry's up the Bospherus. Ignore the review saying Istanbul is not a cool place to go.

Lonely Planet Istanbul.......2006-01-31

This guide is loaded with information about Istanbul. I have found it very useful in planning my trip. i had at first bought another istanbul guide and found it to be really lacking in substance. Mostly pictures, not much text, lots of platitudes designed to dazzle you, and made of heavy paper that is a drag to carry around. the lonely planet guide is lightweight, informative, good maps, and enough pictures to satisfy.

Oversells the city. Functional........2005-12-03

This books makes Istanbul sound better than it is. While the "relative" descriptions were accurate (such as place A is better than place B) I was not nearly as impressed by the city as it was described in the book.

Walking tours are fairly useless. Prices are way off - but that could be due to inflation (though this is 2005 edition and I went there in 2005).

Overall - disappointing for a Lonely Planet book but functional.

Lonely Planet Istanbul to Kathmandu: A Classic Overland Routes (Lonely Planet Istanbul to Kathmandu)

Average customer rating:

Lonely Planet Istanbul to Kathmandu: A Classic Overland Routes (Lonely Planet Istanbul to Kathmandu)
Paul Harding , and Simon Richmond
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1864502142

Book Description

From the edge of Europe to the rooftop of the world, retrace the trail made famous by ancient conquerors, and then infamous by backpackers of the 1960s. Whether you're looking for a meandering journey, an adrenaline-pumping adventure, or simply the chance to marvel at the myriad architectural wonders, this route guide is the one for you. <ul>

over 95 maps of the route, plus cities, towns and sights </li>

essential information about visas, permits and border crossings </li>

thousands of budget options for food and accommodation </li>

ancient ruins, crowded bazaars, extravagant palaces and atmospheric teahouses </li>

tips for the adventurous, from action sports to venturing out to wild frontiers </li></ul>

Lonely Planet Istanbul to Cairo on a Shoestring (Lonely Planet Shoestring Guides)

Average customer rating:

Great Guide...
Very good, if...
Very good, if...
not bad
Travelling from Istanbul to Cairo

Lonely Planet Istanbul to Cairo on a Shoestring (Lonely Planet Shoestring Guides)
Andrew Humphreys , and Jeff Williams
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0864427492

Book Description

Istanbul to Cairo is a classic overland route offering an extraordinary range of travel experiences in six of the Middle East's most fascinating countries. With over 75 maps this brand new budget-travellers' guide covers all the essentials and more.

Coverage: Egypt, Israel & the Palestinian Territories, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey. <ul>

wander through some of the 400 rooms of the harem in Istanbul's Topkapi Palace </li>

explore the fine Roman-era ruins and palm-fringed oasis at Palmyra </li>

retrace the steps of Lawrence of Arabia among the rockscapes of Wadi Rum </li>

dance the night away in Beirut, home to the Middle East's best nightclubs </li>

bob about like a cork on the Dead Sea </li>

be awestruck by the Pyramids of Giza or the Great Temple of Karnak </li></ul>

Customer Reviews:

Great Guide..........2002-01-01

This is a great and detailed guide to the classic land route, covers the area and the trip in outstanding detail, but at the same time does not try to force you to stay on a certain itenerary. Highly reccomended.

Very good, if..........2001-08-27

This book outlines an excellent journey from Istanbul to Cairo, with all the detail and information we expect from Lonely Planet. The only problem emerges if you want to take a different route than the one they've outlined. They make hardly any allowance for this possibility, and this is the book's fatal flaw. Use it as a suggestion book, as a guide; but consider buying a guide to the Middle East instead, and thus providing yourself with much more information on the places between Istanbul and Cairo, places you may want to visit even though they're "off the beaten track." For instance, with more information I chose to go South through Jordan, ferry to Egypt, and then go back North into Israel, ending in Jerusalem. This made sites such as Petra in Jordan and St. Anthony's Monastery in Egypt fit nicely on the itinerary, and for me ending in Jerusalem provided a more fitting climax. No one trip can fit everyone. Whatever your desires, consider a guidebook that presents more options. Make sure you include Istanbul, Ephesus, Damascus, Baalbek, Beirut, Petra, Jerusalem, Cairo. Strongly consider Nazareth, Haifa, Luxor, and Mt. Sinai. Have fun!

Very good, if..........2001-08-27

For instance, with more information I chose to go south through Jordan, ferry to Egypt, and then go back north into Israel, ending in Jerusalem. This made sites such as Petra in Jordan and St. Anthony's Monastery in Egypt fit nicely on the itinerary, and for me ending in Jerusalem provided a more fitting climax. No one trip can fit everyone. Whatever your desires, consider a guidebook that presents more options.

----UPDATE: I didn't take that trip actually; but I think the principle is still valid! Design your own trip! Lonely Planet's general guide to the Middle East is not bad.

not bad.......2001-04-12

I used this book for Israel and Jordan. I liked the layout and found it useful. The entries for each country are basically abbreviated versions of Lonely Planet's single-country books. Instead of giving it five starts, I'm giving it only four because I usually found the city maps to be deplorable. These maps are more like sketches than real maps. The main problem is that all the city streets are not on the maps, and the steets that are there often don't have their names. This makes it impossible to orient oneself when lost, and it is very difficult to find something marked on a steet that has no name on the map and located amidst other streets that aren't on the map. I realized I was not alone in this appraisal when I went to the tourist information office in Eilat, Israel. I asked where a bicycle shop was and asked the man to show me where it was on Lonely Planet's map. He glanced at the map and had obviously seen it before because he gave a disgusted grunt and brushed the book aside saying, "That's not a map," and proceeded to give me verbal directions.

Travelling from Istanbul to Cairo.......2001-03-27

I have backpacked in this area extensively. Most of the guides I have used in the past weren't really that useful. I was therefore really surprised by this guide. I found it useful in Turkey, Jordan and Eygpt - detailing all the major sites (relatively in depth for a guide this length) and finding cheap guesthouses. It wasn't, however, very helpful in getting around - for example - the "travel agencies" recommended in Istanbul beyond being run by westerners for backpackers were much more expensive than any of the other local agencies. However, as I've never lived in any of those countries I can't really give a proper opinion beyond saying I personally found the guide helpful. On Israel it's a different matter - and I can only say well done to the writers - I didn't know you could find such cheap guesthouses in Israel, and I've travelled around the country quite a bit. I still use this guide when I travel here which says alot - especially seeing as I only bought the guide for its coverage of the neighbouring countries. All in all I recommend this guide and the route it contains.

Lonely Planet Istanbul Encounter (Lonely Planet Encounter Series)

Average customer rating:

Lonely Planet Istanbul Encounter (Lonely Planet Encounter Series)
Verity Campbell
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Pocket Map and Guide Istanbul (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
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ASIN: 1741044928

Book Description

WHAT WILL YOUR ISTANBUL ENCOUNTER BE? ...crossing your legs and admiring the tilework in the Topkapi Palace Circumcision Room (p44) ...shots of raki (aniseed brandy) while carousing with wandering musicians on Nevizade Sokak (p17) ...warm stone, soft suds and the masseur's firm hands in the hamam (p19) ...zigzagging between continents on a Bosphorus cruise (p113) ...scents of saffron, caviar and Ottoman aphrodisiacs in the Spice Bazaar (p61) ...savoring smooth apple-scented tobacco in a nargileh (water pipe) - but not inhaling (p20) DISCOVER TWICE THE CITY IN HALF THE TIME... ...full-color pull-out map and detailed neighborhood maps for easy navigation ...our discerning author recommends the very best neighborhoods, sights, restaurants, shops and entertainment ...unique itineraries and highlights help you make the most of a short trip ...locals reveal Istanbul's secrets: from a guide's Topkaki Palace highlights to a bazaar spruiker's shopping tips

Average customer rating:

read in bookstore, but not impressed, LP Turkey better
On the fence
Real men drink tea
Great reference book!
A Package Tour in Book Form

Lonely Planet Istanbul (2nd ed)
Tom Brosnahan
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books

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Just Enough Turkish (Just Enough)

ASIN: 0864425856

Book Description

20 Maps

Customer Reviews:

read in bookstore, but not impressed, LP Turkey better.......2004-12-14

Evaluated this in bookstore, but the LP Turkey had a bigger section on Istanbul and seemed better to buy overall. LP Istanbul didn't attract me with its layout, when compared to DK Istanbul. I could get a much better "big picture" using DK. Tom is an authority on travel to Turkey, and I think his website does a much better job at showcasing his expertise than this book does--it's more dynamic, updated, has discussion forums.

On the fence.......2004-02-11

This is one of two books that my wife and I took with us for our week in Istanbul. The other being DK's Eyewitness guide. While we would call neither a difinitive guide, both were helpful. We found the Lonely Planet to be hit and miss. Practical layouts and maps were very helpful with key sights. We never would have found the crusader tomb in the Aya Sofya without it. Nor would we have thought to go to the Museum of Archeology if it was not for it's strong endorsement. The overview of the history was surprisingly in depth and very informative. And what to expect as far as the people and tips on bartering were dead on. The condition of the public restrooms (yikes!) was also a nice heads up.
However, if this is the most recent guide it is outdated. It mentions a book bazaar that has since closed when we arrived in October of 2003. This wasted a signifigant portion of our day looking for it. Also the restaraunt guide was frustrating. The Cozy Pub lived up to it's endorsement. Friendly folks who delighted in telling us the do and dont's of Turkish cuisine. We dined there three times. But the "five star" Sarnich restaraunt was the biggest dissapointment. Even though you could not beat the atmosphere (dining in a 1000 year old cistern)the waitstaff was rude and the food was just plain bad. I swear to god, french fries and frozen veggies with meat the size and hardness of hockey pucks with moderatley decent wine for two for a 100 bucks.

I do recommend this book but with the strong reservations mentioned. There were things that we found in this guide that were not in our other one and vice versa. But this is to be expected, since I have never relied solely on one book for any country.

Real men drink tea.......2003-11-02

It's more lively and entertaining (and cheaper) than the Blue Guide. Sometimes it tries too hard for laughs. I didn't notice any Turks amused at naive tourists drinking non-caffeinated apple tea instead of the hard stuff. Some of the penny-pinching Lonely Planet stuff doesn't make a lot of sense in country that is so cheap once you get there but so expensive to get to. It's full of interesting and practical information but the Blue Guide remains the standard reference for serious study (if serious study is what you travel for).
I'd recommend reading this before you go but carrying the Blue Guide with you at the sites.

Great reference book!.......2001-05-10

We found this book to be very useful before and during our first trip to Istanbul. It was a wonderful resource for hotels, museums, restaurants and other typical "touristy" stuff as well as cultural differences that we may encounter... maps were helpful as well.

A Package Tour in Book Form.......2000-02-14

If you are interested in seeing Istanbul beyond its tourist districts, buying Tom Brosnahan's book is a mistake. Although LP Istanbul covers Sultanahmet and its attractions in depth, the rest of the city is largely left out, and what is included is organized in a format that defies logic. If you are visiting Istanbul on a package tour you might find the book useful, but if your aim is to explore the nooks and crannies of the city I would suggest Eyewitness Guides' Istanbul. It's full of pictures and more expensive than LP Istanbul, but it is by far the most comprehensive guide to the city that I have read.

Lonely Planet Istanbul: City Map (City Maps Series)

Average customer rating:

A map
this is a wonderful map
A good map, just a bit too small

Lonely Planet Istanbul: City Map (City Maps Series)
Lonely Planet
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Map

Maps | Atlases & Maps | Reference | Subjects | Books

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General | Reference | Subjects | Books

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Lonely Planet | Guidebook Series | Travel | Subjects | Books

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Customer Reviews:

A map.......2002-10-17

This map is just too small. Names of most streets do not appear on it which makes it useless to find exacltly where you are. Additional information such as public toilets seem a good idea until you realized that you find them everywhere in Istanbul while according to the map there is only one place for the whole city! In conclusion I found this map useful only the first day as a reminder of the layout of the city and never used it again.

this is a wonderful map.......2000-06-30

This map was much, much better than any of the maps in our guidebook. It was easy to read, well laid out, and had every point of interest we were interested in clearly marked: mosques, museums, ruins, public transportation, Turkish baths, and even public toilets.

It's actually four maps in one: greater Istanbul, old Istanbul (most of the tourist stuff is here), the Topkapi Palace, and central Istanbul. It also includes a walking tour, an index, and a short Turkish-English glossary.

Don't go to Istanbul without it.

A good map, just a bit too small.......2000-03-16

This is a handy map of Istanbul, but unfortunately, it's lacking in size; If you're just visiting the centre city, it'll be great for your travel needs, but if you're venturing out of the city, it's missing a bit in that department. :o)

Average customer rating:

Istanbul (Lonely Planet City Guides)

Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications - Italian editions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

Travel | Italian | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books

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ASIN: 8870635686

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