Wonderful atmosphere and amazing smells. Read Less

This is now a museum so our guide was able to enter with us to explain the amazing architecture and artwork. Read Less

No tour needed. We rented audio guides for the short but interesting exploration. Read Less

Using the tram is an excellent way to see Istanbul, unless you have mobility problems - no need to use a ship's excursion as everything is very close together, the Blus Mosque, Agia Sophia, Topkapi. Tip - download instruction for Jeton Machines and Tram map and go to Tophane stop where there is a Jeton machine, left out of the port and a 5 - 10 min walk. The tram line runa along the middle of the road and the stops therefore are in the middle too. When you purchse the ticket, it is a red token which is used to enter the tram stop. It takes only 5-10 mins to the tourist center. Read Less

One of the best places. It would be very nice if P&O docked in abetter place. Not where building are being pulled down. Read Less

Istanbul was great, we stayed at a hotel in the sultanahmet area, walking distance to hagia sophia, blue mosque, topi kapi, grand bazaar, and spice market. food was alright, nothing oustanding, better than the ship food. We wanted to go to turkuazoo but didn't have the time unfortunately Read Less

After, taking off my shoes, putting on a scarf and a cotton shawl to cover my elbows (!) I viewed the beautiful mosque. Read Less

Boat ride on the Bosphorus, learning about the points of interest and seeing the old and the modern Istanbul. Read Less

Beautiful inside and out. Read Less

Walked around a no longer used palace with some interesting artifacts. Read Less

You must see this. Amazing that it was built in the 6th century AD. Read Less

See the 60+ carat diamond. Read Less

Guide was excellent and knowledgable, glad we took this tour (Same as Cruise line tour at a fraction of the cost). Covered all the main points of interest, with clear directions and sufficient independent time to explore. Read Less

Guide was excellent and knowledgable, glad we took this tour (Same as Cruise line tour at a fraction of the cost). Covered all the main points of interest, with clear directions and sufficient independent time to explore. Read Less

Guide was excellent and knowledgable, glad we took this tour (Same as Cruise line tour at a fraction of the cost). Covered all the main points of interest, with clear directions and sufficient independent time to explore. Read Less

Guide was excellent and knowledgable, glad we took this tour (Same as Cruise line tour at a fraction of the cost). Covered all the main points of interest, with clear directions and sufficient independent time to explore. Read Less

take a tram from ship to tourist area Read Less

Very hot and busy but get out and explore. Get the tram a short walk from the port to the historic area. So much to see and not that much time. Read Less

Great place. Loved everything here. We took a full day tour with True Blue Tours of Istanbul who I can't recommend highly enough. Very small groups (just my wife and I in the morning with superb guide, Elif.) We did their full-day Best of Istanbul tour which included, funicular to Pierre Lotti cafe with great city views, Ruston Pasha mosque, 90 minute Bosphorous cruise, dropping on the Asian banks so taking a train back, lunch (price included) in a beautiful boutique hotel, Hagia Sophia, Cisterns, Blue Mosque and Hippodrome. We didn't actually go in the Blue Mosque as it was a Friday (Holy Day) and its hours for visitors are erratic so queues were massive. Our choice, not the guide's. 8hr tour. Ruston Pasha, Hagia Sophia and the Cisterns were amazing. If you've got a bay-looking balcony, just sit and watch the traffic on the Bosphorous; it's phenomenal. Boats everywhere. Transport to/from the dock was easy, we took the tram. However, be aware, if another ship or two are embarking/disembarking there, you will dock about 1km from the terminal. Read Less

Exhausting easy to diy if u do your research 1st! Read Less

We had seen the main sites previously and did our own thing - going to the Cistern (amazing), gardens, Grand Bazaar and Spice Market. The feedback from the main tours was that they were crowded and rushed. We were able to take our time and thoroughly enjoyed Istanbul. Read Less

Love it all. Everything can be done very easily using the tramway. all major attractions are easily accessable Read Less

A bit crowded and touristy, everyone wants your money. Even the toilets are pay to go at the main places. Read Less

Such an interesting city. We visited the Blue Mosque, Haiga Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Market and a Bosphorus cruise to the Asian side of Turkey. Read Less

Loved Istanbul - spent 3 days here prior to sailing. It was just the right amount of time. Stayed in Old City and walked everywhere. Saw all of the major attractions - Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Cistern, Cruise to Asia on Bosphorus. Read Less