Dating in Istanbul

The guy always pays. No exceptions.

There are a lot of wonderful places to go, from the very cheap (tea on the Bosphorus, walk in the park, ferry ride at sunset, renting a wooden rowing boat), to the rather pricey (fancy nightclubs, cocktails at a rooftop bar, renting a yacht for the evening).

He really should make an effort for the first date and make a decision about where to go.

The man should meet you in a suitable place and make sure you get home safely.

He should help you in crowds and help you cross the road. As much as that may sound like you're a decrepit old lady, in Istanbul, it's necessary.

Istanbul websites

Hurriyet newspaper

Todays Zaman newspaper

Time Out Istanbul

My Destination Istanbul

places to go

:Limonlu Bahce. This is a lovely bar/cafe/restaurant, just off Istiklal Street. Go down the hill next to Galatasaray High School and you'll see it on the right. It has a lovely shaded garden with lemon trees and kittens. The menu is impressive - a small beer is 8TL and cocktails are around 20TL.

:Sanat. This is a bar in Nevizade. I don't know the name of the street it's on but if you go into the Balik Pazar and ask someone, they'll point it out to you. You should use the lift to go to the top floor. Sanat has a great terrace and view over Istanbul. It's nice to go there when the sun is setting and share some of your nuts with the seagulls.

:Moda seaside. In my opinion this is the best bar in Istanbul. Here's how it works. Find some company. Walk to Moda from Kadikoy. Go to a tekel (off licence) on the way. Buy beer (or another drink of your choice) and snacks. Enter the Moda Cay Bahcesi (tea gardens) and go down the steps to the seaside. Find a rock - sit on it - drink and enjoy the panoramic view over to Sultanahmet. Singing is optional.