• Let Frommer''s Istanbul take you beyond the tourist circuit to discover the city''s hidden pleasures and historical secrets. Our expert author shares her insights and opnions on buying authentic rugs and Turkish crafts, visiting a hamam, haggling in the markets, dining on street food, and avoiding time-honored scams.
• Our walking tours introduce you to the city''s many faces, from the back streets of ancient neighborhoods to the underground world of Byzantine ruins.
• Frommer''s Istanbul includes suggested itineraries for seeing the city on a tight time-budget; side trips to get you out of the city and exploring a different perspective on Turkish life; an in-depth discussion of the city''s complex history and culture; and a beginner''s Turkish glossary, to help you greet your Turkish counterparts in their own language.

You can find charming souvenirs and other Turkish treasures in Istanbul''s Grand Bazaar. See chapter 7.

• Detailed maps throughout

• Exact prices, directions, opening hours,and other practical information

• Candid reviews of hotels and restaurants,plus sights, shopping, and nightlife

• Itineraries, walking tours, and trip-planning ideas

• Insider tips from local expert authors

Lynn A. Levine is author of Frommer''s Turkey and has contributed to a number of other titles, including Frommer''s Italy from $90 a Day and Frommer''s Southeast Asia. When not writing about travel, Lynn is a communications consultant for organizations including UNICEF, the United Nations Development Program, and the International Fund for Animal Welfare, specializing in the development of campaign and cutting-edge strategic communications to create social change. She maintains the travel website www.talkingturkey.com as well as the portal www.wordandeed.com.

Let "Frommer's Istanbul" take you beyond the tourist circuit to discover the city's hidden pleasures and historical secrets. Our expert author shares her insights and opnions on buying authentic rugs and Turkish crafts, visiting a "hamam, " haggling in the markets, dining on street food, and avoiding time-honored scams.Our walking tours introduce you to the city's many faces, from the back streets of ancient neighborhoods to the underground world of Byzantine ruins."Frommer's Istanbul" includes suggested itineraries for seeing the city on a tight time-budget; side trips to get you out of the city and exploring a different perspective on Turkish life; an in-depth discussion of the city's complex history and culture; and a beginner's Turkish glossary, to help you greet your Turkish counterparts in their own language.