About
We are your local guides; a couple, who were born, grown up, and have been living in Istanbul. We like and do travel a lot, so we can picture a traveller who needs information about the city he/she’s visiting. Istanbul is a great city in all aspects, and you don’t stop exploring new tastes, spots, activities at any time. There are also classics of the city which come from very old times and can not be passed on.
Naturally, you’ll have limited time in this city, so we are willing to give you the highlights of the city to save your time with most updated information, tips and recommendations from the eyes of locals.
In addition to all information you can get from our pages, we’d be pleased to plan a personalized trip for you, just let us know the length of your stay and your interests. We will be happy to create a program to spend a day like a local one in Istanbul according to your interests. This is a great opportunity for the ones who are bored from touristic buses with memorized, repeated speeches of the tour guides.
We’ll try to keep updated information for all of our Best4 lists, but your comments are vitally important to share your valuable experiences about Istanbul.
As we say in Turkish ”Hoş geldiniz” (Welcome)
Petek A. & Cenk G.
info@best4istanbul.com
I’m pleased to know some information from your blog.
I’ll go istanbul this sept for trip.
I’d like to see belly dance for this visit.
and I just know a little information about some places(Orient House, Kervansaray, Istanbulinn, Galata..)
but It’s expensive for backpackers.
Could recommend some places for reasonable price?
Dear Seung,
It is very nice to hear comments about our blog.
Istanbul is an expensive city but there are also many things you can do with a very short budget but to watch a belly dancer show is not easy with reasonable price. Actually the problem is all places you have mentioned above have touristic shows including local dances, local singers, Turkish wedding ceremony etc. and totaly they quote all the program with an awful dinner. According to my experience the best choice can be Galata Tower, not only its program but also its location and wonderful view worth to this price, other places are indoor restaurants without any view.
Today I will learn the cost and advise to you , hope it helps
We are looking forward to hear your experiences,
ps: do not forget you can not just watch the belly dancer you have to give tip too
Dear Seung,
I have checked the price of the program at the Galata Tower including 4 courses meal and all program their fix price is 85,00 ytl / 40 Euro .
If we will find any other reasonable show we will let you know
Thank you
Thank you very much for your kind reply.
I have more questions..
Can you tell me when Galata Tower show starts?
How can i make a reservation for a the show?
Dear Seung,
Show will start at 9,30 pm. When you arrive to Istanbul if you fix the date we can also make your reservation or advise the phone number to you and we will appreciate if you can share your experience about us on trip advisor.com
Regards
petek
Hello..
I’ve read your new archives and it’s very helpful to me.
I’ll go there next week.
but I still don’t fix my schedule about belly dance.
Could you advise the phone number?
Dear Seung,
Their phone number is 90 212 293 81 80, you can also contact us if you need any more information
wish you a nice trip
Best regards
Hi Patek,
Your blog is wonderful.
I’m visiting Istanbul with my husband in late December and early January. We will be there during New Year’s Eve. I was wondering if you have any advice on what we should do. We love to have fun. I’m 32 and my husband’s 42. We’re not looking for an over crowded club but more like a full lounge with great music and interesting and artistic people. If you have any advice it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Rebecca
Dear Rebecca,
First of all very sorry for my late reply, I will be happy to assist you and for 2011 new year eve
there are many alternatives but depending on your request we will advise for good music & artistic people
below adresses
1) Suada; It is a small island on the Bosphorus with different restaurants and at new year eve they are hosting
a very popular Turkish band MFÖ with an openair party and concert, great music with great ambience and view
for tickets you need to call 0212 263 73 00
2) Ghetto ; Ghetto is another popular music lounge at Beyoğlu and they are welcoming new year with two turkish dj Murat Kanar & Gökçe Özücoşkun with hit dance music, it is a great place for dance if you would like to reserve also for dinner their contact phone no is 0212 251 75 01 or to buy tickets http://www.ghettoist.net/tr/program/
3) 360 ; It is also in our best 4 restaurants with its beautiful İstanbul view, fancy restaurant with artistic people who will
welcome New Year Eve with English Dj Filth they have two programs with meal or only bar for reservastions 0212 2511042 and for the web site http://www.360istanbul.com
Sorry for our late reply again and I will be happy to answer any regarding questions if you send your mail to petekatakurt@gmail.com immediately
Thank you & wish you a great New year
Petek & Cenk GURSOY