Istanbul Guidebook
Guidebook corrections:
Please note: The following corrections were submitted by readers and have not yet been confirmed by Rick. Check updates from Rick for the latest.
Bosphorus Cruise - map (pg 283)and description say there is stop at Yenikoy. This no longer on the schedule. (I have photo of schedule if you want - email me at duncan@dbeardsley.net
Duncan Beardsley in HILLSBOROUGH, ca USA 06/12/2013
Prices were often higher than stated, but that isn't terribly surprising I guess.
Dave Anderson in Indianola, IA USA 05/31/2013
Tokes for the tram have gone up to TL 3 a piece. The museum or Turkish ad Islamic arts is closed for renovation. The imperial kitchens at Topati Palace are closed. There is no admission to the tombs of Suelyman and Roxanne.
Erika Malitzky in Spokane, Wa USA 05/06/2013
You might want to further caution travelers trying to walk the city walls. I felt way out of place in several of those areas.
Wil Robinson in Ocean Shores, WA USA 04/28/2013
Hotel Stone gave us one night free when we booked a week (March 25 - April 1, 2013) which was the week before Easter! They gave us a choice between a free night or one airport transfer. We took the free night.
Jeanie Kerner in Aloha, OR USA 03/31/2013
Suleymaniye the Magnificant Mosque - The tombs are closed for repairs.
Istanbul Archaeology Museum - One wing of the main building is closed for renovations (the Alexander Sarcophagus is still open)
Haghia Sophia - They are doing repair work in the dome and scaffolding is up (but it does not obstruct the entire view - still go see it)
The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum is Closed for most of 2013.
Jarrad Wright in Washington, DC USA 03/22/2013
More an update than correction: Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum is closed for renovation until some time in 2013
Philip in Arlington, va USA 12/12/2012
No corrections
Mary D in Wauwatosa, WI USA 12/07/2012
Pandeli restaurant in the Grand Bazar was as you said no longer as good. The food was overpriced and lukewarm and we ate virtually in the dark.
Gail B in Ammerthal, Ba Germany 11/30/2012
The guide book states that the water is unsafe to drink, but others state it's safe, only that it may taste different.
John in Silver Spring, MD USA 11/16/2012
This isn't really a correction so much as a possible addition. The guidebook says that the price of bottled water is insignificant (I don't remember the exact words). In fact, if you have 1 1/2 liter bottles available at 1 lira each, that is true. But it took me several days to figure out where to buy water cheaply and until then, and after if a minimart wasn't available, we were paying 5 or 6 lira per bottle. Since I needed at least three bottles a day (4 to 5 liters), the amount added up. I think you should mention to look for minimarts. Not worth adding to the guifdebook, but I found it wearing to always have to worry about whether or not we had enough water.
Chris Suczek in Bellingham, WA USA 10/25/2012
3TL fare for tram; 4TL fare for bus and need to get electronic fare card at ticket kiosk; tokens are taken only for the trams. Underground Cistern is now 15TL. Cemetery at Suleyman Mosque is closed for renovations.
Winnie in Ngan, TX USA 10/21/2012
I have Rick Steves guide book.
Vivian Lee in Pasadena, USA 10/20/2012
the price for a single transport token for Istanbul is now 3 TL
robert van der biezen greece 10/06/2012
Hotel Troya in Istanbul would not honor the 10% discount stated in the book. I noted in my reservation that I had the book and was requesting the discount. Upon arrival I was told the discount was being applied and then given a smaller room (the standard vs the superior that I booked). Once seeing the room I went to the front desk and questioned the manager. He then said I could have the superior room but would not receive the discount. I chose to stay in the smaller room which with much back and forth he agreed to drop 5%. We will see if this is actually honored at checkout. Generally good hotel recommendations from your guide book but the management at this place seems a little corrupt.
Travis in New York, NY USA 05/31/2012
Yes, admission to Topkapi is 25 Turkish lira per person and 20 for the Harem, in May 2012.
Elisabeth Muhlenberg in Oak Park, IL USA 05/10/2012
The Harem tour at Topkapi Palace has been re-routed. The description in the fourth edition book is fantastic! But the room order is a bit off now with the new route. Just something to be aware of.
Mark DeLoura in Santa Monica, CA USA 04/11/2012
I bought a copy of the Istanbul book that was advertised to be 2012 but when I received it, it was copyrighted 2011. So my corrections may be moot! 1) page 29, regarding toilets. I did not find any public toilets that were 0.50 TL or less. They were all 1 TL. 2) page 56, regarding Dolmabahce Palace. The price listed in the book (20 TL for both sections) was WAY off! it was 40 TL
Joan Carroll in Fort Worth, TX USA 03/15/2012
The Amiral Palace Hotel in Sultanahmet does not honor a 10% discount with the guidebook, but does offer 5% discount for payment in cash. Guests who have arranged airport pickup may want to reconfirm it before they arrive, as the staff is a little forgetful.
Heidi in Doha, Qatar 01/29/2012
Price of the tour of Domabahca Palace is now 30TL (Selamlik section) and 20TL (Harem Section) Combined ticket is 50TL.
George Braun in Manassas, VA USA 11/29/2011
May not be a "correction" but the Treaty of Kadesh has been moved to the main building of the Arch Museum. It may or may not be permanent but have a look in the Assos Hall before going to the Museum of the Ancient Orient.
Dave in Aurora, ON Canada 10/17/2011
No
Harold Chasen in Philadelphia, PA USA 10/11/2011
The City Wall walk was a disaster, it is not safe and contruction prevents its completion. We had to turn back and return to the Chora Church. We barely convinced someone to call us a cab to return to our hotel, it was not a safe experience.
Our Bank of America ATM card did not work well in Istanbul, worked at maybe 1 in 20 ATM's. B of A told us this was a common problem and that your guidebook was just plain wrong about this issue.
Joe Mackenzie in Kenmore, WA USA 08/06/2011
Add information on the Mosaic Museum at the Arasta Bazaar.
Anna McHale in Kensington, Md USA 04/25/2011