Honest question: is Istanbul overrated?

Question

Some friends loved it, some said it was crowded and stressful. What do you think?

lukas_h · Answer

It's huge and crowded, yes. But nowhere else feels like it. Stay a few days longer than you think and slow down.

magda.z · Answer

If you only see Sultanahmet you'll get the stressful version. Go to Kadıköy, Moda, Kuzguncuk, Arnavutköy.

kemal.b · Answer

The ferries changed my opinion completely.

harry_g · Answer

Avoid peak summer.

noor.b · Answer

I've been 6 times and still find new things.

hiker_hanna · Answer

Crowds in the main sights are real. Go early.

sara_m · Answer

The food alone is worth it.

sanne.d · Answer

Not overrated at all.

nicolas_b · Answer

Learn a few words of Turkish, people warm up quickly.

roaming_rob · Answer

It can be overwhelming the first day. Day 2 it clicks.

10 answers