ABOUT
Galata Antique Hotel Istanbul was built in the early 19th century in Pera (former name of Beyoglu) as a mansion for a French levantine family "Décugis". Neo- Renaissance style mansion is constructed by the talented architect Alexander Vallaury. 5 storey building consists of 22 guest rooms and a roof top terrace where the breakfast is served. Galata Antique Hotel Istanbul is conveniently located in Istanbul's one of the famous bohemian quarters Tunel (Tünel Meydani). Istanbul's best restaurants, bars, cafes and a short stroll to everything else is in this genuine district, Beyoglu.
Taksim - Beyoglu (Istanbul's SoHo) is considered as the most lively district of Istanbul. The famous Istiklal Street is a meeting point for both local people and independent tourists.
During the year Istikal Street and Taksim hosts various festivals, art exhibitions, theater, opera and ballet performances in AKM. Taksim is a unique place where the art, history and culture and social life combines.
A stay in Hotel Galata Antique will be an opportune decision if you intend to discover the real Istanbul. The friendly staff and the two sister-managers of Galata Antique Hotel Istanbul always would be more than happy to assist you about the wonder around places in Istanbul and Taksim in arranging interesting places to visit, according to your personal requests, to include special sightseeing visits to museums, gardens and parks, theatres, concert halls, places for shopping and much, much more!
Please contact our reception desk for this personalised service just for you – and have fun in the magnificent Istanbul!
ABOUT ISTANBUL
Districts
Adalar, Avcılar, Bağcılar, Bahçelievler, Bakırköy, Beşiktaş, Bayrampaşa, Beykoz, Beyoğlu, Eminönü, Eyüb, Fatih, Gaziosmanpaşa, Kadıköy, Kâğıthane, Kartal, Küçükçekmece, Pendik, Sarıyer, Şişli, Ümraniye, Üsküdar, Zeytinburnu, Büyükçekmece, Çatalca, Silivri, Şile, Esenler, Güngören, Maltepe, Sultanbeyli, Tuzla
Geography
The summer months in Istanbul are generally hot and quite humid. The winters can be cold and wet, although not as extreme as other areas of the country. June, July and August see temperatures creep up to 30 degrees, with very little rain. Spring and autumn are popular times to visit because of the comfortable climate, good for lots of walking and sightseeing, with highs between 15 - 25 degrees C, in April, May, September and October. By the winter, the dry cold air mass from the Black Sea and cold damp front from the Balkans brings a chilly season with daytime highs of between 10 - 15 degrees C, and nights much colder. Although rarely falling to freezing point, there is the occasional light snow in the city.
Time Zone
GMT +2 hours / Eastern Europe Time
Population
13.000.000
Currency
Banknote denominations currently range from 5 TL to 200 TL.
Changing foreign currency is best done at the exhange offices "doviz burolari". These are regulated by law, charge minimal commission, and do not require identification for a straightforward currency swap.
Electric Current
The electric current in Turkey is the same as in Europe - 220 Volts and the plugs have two circular metal pins.
Tipping and Bargaining
Tipping is standard practice in bars and restaurants, although not obligatory. Generally 10 % is an acceptable rate, but even if service is included, a small token is expected. On the other hand, there is no need to tip taxi drivers, unless some special service has been provided.
Water
Although tap water is chlorinated and, therefore, safe to drink, it is strongly recommended that you stick to bottled water, which is readily and cheaply available.
Passport
Foreigners are expected to carry an ID with them, which means that you should keep your passport with you at all times.
Public Holidays in 2013
1 January 2013: New Year's day
23 April 2013: National Sovereignty and Children's Day
19 May 2013: Youth and Sports Day
8,9,10 August 2013: Ramadan Bayrami
30 August 2013: Victory Day
15,16,17,18 October 2013: Kurban (Sacrifice) Bayrami
29 October 2012: Republic Day
Basic Turkish Words
Hello : Merhaba (mehr-hah-bah)
Good Morning : Günaydın (gew-nî-duhn)
Good Afternoon/Goodbye : İyi günler (ee-yee gewn-lehr)
Good Evening/Goodbye : İyi akşamlar (ee-yee ahk-shahm-lahr)
Good Night/Goodbye : İyi geceler (ee-ye geh-jeh-lehr)
Goodbye : Güle Güle (gew-leh gew-leh)
Thank you : Teşekkürler (teh-sheh-kewr-lehr)
Yes : Evet (eh-veht)
No: Hayır (hah-yuhr)
Ok : Tamam (tah-mahm)
Sorry: Pardon (pahr-dohn)
Good : İyi (ee-yee)
Please : Lütfen (lewt-fehn)
