Travel to Middle East

Lonely Planet Istanbul

Format: Paperback
Author: Virginia Maxwell
ReleaseDate: February, 2005
Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications
Rating:

A favourite guide for a favourite city
In 2005 I made my first return visit since then, and although I feel confident I know the city well, much has changed. I love Istanbul, having lived there in the early 1990s. This guide contained information which locals I stayed with weren't aware of, particularly public transport info.

My main criticism of LP books is that the maps are pretty useless, and this is once again the case. You really need to get a separate map f you are going to venture beyond the really well trodden path. (There are a couple of bookshops on Istiklal Cadessi that sell good maps).

I found the tone of the book suited me - it is enthusiastic about an amazing city, and the author certainly knows the place well. I don;t usually follow guide book suggestions for places to eat, preferring to discover those on my own. I am gald I allowed Maxwell to lead me to a couple of cafes and bars, however, as they were excellent.

I recommend this book for both the novice and experienced traveller to the city (which I don;t with all LP City Guides - some, like Paris, I think reather too basic for the experienced visitor to that city). .

Functional
The prices are off and for some reason given in Euros, even though most places only want Turkish Lira. This book is already annoyingly out of date, but is still the best guide to Istanbul out right now. Maxwell's opinions are loud, even for a Lonely Planet guide, and I found myself disagreeing with a lot of them. Still, a good size to fit in your coat pocket while running around and discovering Istanbul.

Nice book, Great City
I am buying a copy of this after seeing the library copy. I am going back to Istanbul and Turkey for the fourth time.
Istanbul is fun! and this will help with a few details, like the ferry's up the Bospherus. Ignore the review saying Istanbul is not a cool place to go. .

Related products:
click image or link for details on these Middle East travel books.

	Lonely Planet Turkey
	Istanbul (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
	Insight Fleximap Istanbul
	Turkey (Eyewitness Travel Guides)