After 4 days in Istanbul I have to say that it is way more than I expected (and I expected a lot). The key is to stay in a hotel close to main attractions (Sultanahmed) and you won't have to expend money on transportation. Fours days were enough to grasp the essence that is ancient Istanbul. From all the attractions I chose to explore in detail the Haghia Sophia, Topkapi palace and the Blue Mosque. Using the sight seeing bus I got glance of the main attractions of Istanbul. I didn't really have time to explore the Asian side of the city, but couldn't resist just to cross the Bosphorus Bridge to be in Asia for the first time. The only down side of Istanbul is the amount of harassment and scams made for tourist. Often times you start a negotiation in Turkish Lira and they try to finish in Euro or you order something from the menu and they will try to charge differently from what you ordered. The other way they try to trick you is a local that comes to you with the excuse of "practicing their English" and drag you to an expensive Rug store. Overall the experience was amazing. I really want to come back in Istanbul and other parts of Turkey.
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