Eyewitness Travel Guide to Istanbul (Paperback)

by Mehmet Arap (Contributor)

Editorial Reviews

Review
...You feel, looking at them, as if you could close the book and step into the street. -- Contra Costa Times

...considered to be the world's best travel resource to over 30 destinations around the world, make it easier to plan a splendid vacation. -- North American Press Syndication

Both novice and experienced travelers will be captivated. -- US News & World Report

Each book is a visual as well as informational feast about a particular place. -- The New York Times

Encyclopedic in scope, it's meant to be used before, during, and after your stay. -- Travel & Leisure

The Best Guidebooks Ever -- SKY MAGAZINE

The best travel guides ever. -- Sky Magazine -Delta In flight Magazine

The most graphically exciting and visually pleasing series on the market. -- Chicago Tribune

Want to know where to get a great espresso on your way to the Uffizi? Or how much to tip a hotel maid in New York City? Try these travel guides, each an intricate trove of 3-D aerial views, landmark floor plans, color photos and essential eating, shopping and entertainment info. With titles covering Paris, Prague, and London, these pocket-sized guides are like a Michelangelo fresco: deliriously rich in detail. -- People Magazine

Product Description
The guide that shows you what other travel books only tell you!

Capturing the vivid atmosphere of its unique subject, DK's Eyewitness Travel Guide: Istanbul explores the exotic port of call that sits between European and Asian Turkey. With more than 700 full-color photographs, street-by-street maps, and 3-D aerial views-this handbook is the most visual reference to Istanbul imaginable. See art and artifacts from Topkapi Palace and the various collections of the city's Archaeological Museum. Special features highlight the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. The guide also recommends side trips to the Bosphorus, the straits separating Europe from Asia that link the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara. Istanbul's phenomenal history, blend of cultures, people, landscape, landmarks, and cuisine are fully captured in numerous features throughout this educational and entertaining travel companion.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: DK Travel (March 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789427516
• ISBN-13: 978-0789427519
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #505,802 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the best on Istanbul, August 1, 1998

By	Stephen McHenry (Olney, MD USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

The maps are the most useful of any of the Istanbul travel books I have seen; although this book gives history and analysis, it is not too in depth, as the Knopf book can be, so that you lose sight of where you are. The tours laid out in this book contain references to small cafes and shops and restaurants that none of the others do. It is a 1998 version so is very up-to-date. Excellent book.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Both necessary and sufficient, March 25, 2001

By	vcrs (Madison, WI, USA) - See all my reviews

This lightweight volume is all you need in Istanbul--you don't even need additional maps, as the ones in here are excellent.

Despite its relatively small size it includes surprisingly detailed information on the nooks & crannies of major monuments (even including interior plans), plus numerous listings of off-the-beaten path sights that give a real thrill to history/architecture buffs. Every sight mentioned in here is well worth seeing.

The historical overview at the beginning is excellent and accessible--definitely adequate to help the traveler understand the context of what s/he is seeing. For the person who may have read up on history and architecture at home, the handy timelines serve as helpful refreshers. The map of Constantinople in particular is a real gem and helps you identify the otherwise unmarked ruins you may sometimes come across (Byzantine bits & pieces are everywhere!)

A word of caution--although this book provides a useful overview of Bursa & Edirne, don't attempt those cities without more extensive information, especially maps--Bursa is hell without a good map.

Good luck & enjoy!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I agree with everyone else, this is the best Istanbul guide, July 27, 2001

By	O. Lee "nycreader" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book was great. It was short but had all the major information on attractions, lodging, restaurants and travel. It was small enough that I didn't mind carrying it around everywhere also. I really liked the suggestions (for example, you may want to go somewhere friendly for your first Turkish bath, as it can be rather intimidating. Their suggestion was friendly and nice). We were short on time, so the highlighted attractions were really nice too. And it had suggestinos on navigating through some of the larger attractions, like Topkapi Palace (it's huge) or putting together attractions that are near each other (Blue Mosque and Hippodrome). The lodging descriptions were quite accurate, nice hotels were truly magnificent and well-described. The pictures were very pleasant, lots of pictures but generally relevant. Also, the food guide was great, because you have to enjoy the wonderful food in Istanbul. It described local specialties, what's in season and a detailed restaurant price and location guide. Also, the maps were very clear and very well done. All-in-all, a great guide, and that if very useful in Istanbul.