Snapshot: Istanbul, Turkey

Snapshots are mini town/city guides for smaller places or cities I have only experienced briefly. Here’s a little snapshot of Istanbul.

Sultanahmet

What are one’s first impressions of Istanbul?

Most visitors stay in the historical Sultanahmet area. From here, Istanbul looks absolutely beautiful. Truly, it is one of the world’s great cities. It’s highly developed, more so than most Eastern European cities, the streets are clean, the buildings range from grand to charming, and the hustle and bustle is infectious. On first impressions Istanbul looks like a winner, but the nightlife lets it down. Sultanahmet itself is dead after hours, forcing you to venture further afield.

Leyla Tutgutlu

What are the women like?

Slightly disappointing. I was expected Turkish chicks to be smoking, but it’s not to easy to find a good looking one. After coming from West Africa, Turkish girls looked frumpy and a little pudgy with wider hips. That said, there is a huge ethnic mix given the city’s significance in the Ottoman empire. There are gems to be found.

In terms of mindset, they are a Mediterranean culture, therefore usually warm and friendly. They’re Muslim, but barely. The girls are extremely liberal. Hijabs are rarely seen in Western Istanbul. For all intensive purposes, consider Istanbul a European city. Street game and pipelining are the best methods of meeting women, as nightspots are, in my experience, horrendous cockfests. Turkish girls are very interested in meeting foreign men and many speak English. Sex can happen fast. Turkish are considered very loyal in relationships.

Recommendations for street game: Istiklal Caddesi and Taksim square. If you’re serious about getting the flag, it is recommended you don’t stay were we did in Sultanahmet (personally I don’t regret it, it’s gorgeous). Lumiere from Roosh’s Turkey forum recommends staying here, near Istiklal Caddesi. Defo a better location for nightlife and gaming.

Where should I go at night-time?

Sigh… this is Istanbul’s biggest downfall. The hookah bars are cool, but if you want a proper night out this usually requires trekking across the city.  Taksim is one of the main nightlife centers. It’s not cheap and options are great either.

Another area is Istiklal Caddesi, which apparently has some really cool bars. When I return, I’ll be checking out that area.

The Bottom Line

Absolutely amazing city, but don’t go for nightlife. Perfect place for a romantic getaway.

 

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5 Responses to “Snapshot: Istanbul, Turkey”

  1. Lumiere Says:

    Thanks for the mention but the linky to the hostel does not work.

  2. Sid Says:

    I agree with the romantic getaway idea. Istanbul is a gorgeous, gorgeous city, but it’s not great for game. I went into a bar in Taksim, and it had one of those lovely bar scams where you’re expected to pay hundreds of bucks on a glass of wine for a chick. I booked it before they got me, but even Turks agree that the place can get sketchy outside of Sultanahmet. Ultimately, the Muslim atmosphere renders the place too prudish to be worth it just for flagging.

  3. Buck Dangler Says:

    Was this post for me? I feel so special! I’ll let you know if we find any hidden gems next weekend.

  4. ExtraStout Says:

    Intensive purposes?

    LOL

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