Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: dave.woodhall on May 14, 2026, 11:47:00 AM
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Now the other thread is mostly about tickets, may as well start another for everything else.
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How many of you are staying at the Aston Hotel? I can imagine it'll be all Villa.
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Anyone travelling on 17:35 from Brum on Tuesday arriving 23:30 in Istanbul and interested in sharing a Taxi to Taksim please let me know via PM?
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How many of you are staying at the Aston Hotel? I can imagine it'll be all Villa.
Not in the Aston Hotel, but just along the same street.
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Yeah, lots of little hotels along there, and bakeries selling delicious börek! :P
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I read on FB that a lot of Villa congregated near Sultanahmet Square for Fenerbace, so we're booked near there.
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Isn't that a bit of a trek?
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The Fenerbache one was because I believe the transport coaches were picking up from around there but I could be wrong.
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Isn't that a bit of a trek?
It might be, but it seemed logical when I booked a few weeks ago. Forest met there too when they played in Istanbul.
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I read on FB that a lot of Villa congregated near Sultanahmet Square for Fenerbace, so we're booked near there.
I’m booked near there too and getting a taxi from SAW at 1800 on Monday if anyone wants to share.
It’s near all the main tourist sites and I’m assured there will be plenty of Villa supporters around there. I booked in Feb so didn’t know about Taksim then.
Anyone know a good place to head for Monday evening as I’ll be tight for time.
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Looks like there is an easy train up along towards the stadium and the park.
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We'll probably head towards Taksim on the match day anyway. Seems like getting back might be a bit of a pain, but still I'm sure I can work it out
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Hopefully you will be too jubilant to care! ;D
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We are staying at Mangova Studios on Iistiklal Street near Taksim Square. I have quite the wait until AV82EC arrives on Tuesday evening. If anyone knows of any Villa meet ups nearby or fancies meeting for a beer, Tuesday day time, please do drop me a DM.
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I am based at the Faros Hotel Taksim, so right near the square there are 2x Irish pubs, James Joyce and the U2. Might be worth checking. For those all nighters there is actually a club called Villa Hall near the square also haha!
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I am based at the Faros Hotel Taksim, so right near the square there are 2x Irish pubs, James Joyce and the U2. Might be worth checking. For those all nighters there is actually a club called Villa Hall near the square also haha!
But aren't James Joyce and U2 two of the worst things about Ireland? :-X
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Hey I didnt pick the names, but for convenience they are literally around the corner from the square
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I am based at the Faros Hotel Taksim, so right near the square there are 2x Irish pubs, James Joyce and the U2. Might be worth checking. For those all nighters there is actually a club called Villa Hall near the square also haha!
But aren't James Joyce and U2 two of the worst things about Ireland? :-X
Jesus fucking Christ. Wish Forest had won, now.
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Anyone travelling on 17:35 from Brum on Tuesday arriving 23:30 in Istanbul and interested in sharing a Taxi to Taksim please let me know via PM?
Me and my mate are, albeit staying in Sultanahmet. Welcome to jump in with us to there if that helps?
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I read on FB that a lot of Villa congregated near Sultanahmet Square for Fenerbace, so we're booked near there.
I’m booked near there too and getting a taxi from SAW at 1800 on Monday if anyone wants to share.
It’s near all the main tourist sites and I’m assured there will be plenty of Villa supporters around there. I booked in Feb so didn’t know about Taksim then.
Anyone know a good place to head for Monday evening as I’ll be tight for time.
Theres a fab little cobbled street between the Big Blue Mosque and the sea. There's 6 or 7 really good bars along there, and some nice restaurants. If you look for Rounders Irish bar, thats in the middle
We based there for the Fanebace game in Jan, they made us really welcome
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I read on FB that a lot of Villa congregated near Sultanahmet Square for Fenerbace, so we're booked near there.
I’m booked near there too and getting a taxi from SAW at 1800 on Monday if anyone wants to share.
It’s near all the main tourist sites and I’m assured there will be plenty of Villa supporters around there. I booked in Feb so didn’t know about Taksim then.
Anyone know a good place to head for Monday evening as I’ll be tight for time.
Theres a fab little cobbled street between the Big Blue Mosque and the sea. There's 6 or 7 really good bars along there, and some nice restaurants. If you look for Rounders Irish bar, thats in the middle
We based there for the Fanebace game in Jan, they made us really welcome
Thank you. That’s great and near where I’m staying. Can find the wider fan base on Tuesday!
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Theres a fab little cobbled street between the Big Blue Mosque and the sea. There's 6 or 7 really good bars along there, and some nice restaurants. If you look for Rounders Irish bar, thats in the middle
That's more like it.
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Yeah Sultanahmet is nicer, around 30mins away on train from Taksim Square. Couple of nice spots around the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque area and a few restaurants etc as you walk back down past the Basilica Cistern. If you go to the Hagia Sophia you can only visit the upper section as the downstairs is reserved for those visiting to prey at the mosque. Theres also loads of places to eat if you walk towards the Egyptian Bazaar from that area also
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(https://i.ibb.co/ZzxLFR9n/IMG-3759.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZzxLFR9n)
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We're in Sultanahmet too!
See you all there!
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We're in Serkeci, just along from Sultanahmet where we stayed last time. The T1 tram runs from Sultanahmet through there towards Kabatas in just five stops, and then you can get the funicular up the hill to Taksim.
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Anyone travelling on 17:35 from Brum on Tuesday arriving 23:30 in Istanbul and interested in sharing a Taxi to Taksim please let me know via PM?
Me and my mate are, albeit staying in Sultanahmet. Welcome to jump in with us to there if that helps?
Thanks ab, but that may not workout well as most taxi driver will take a route for Sultanahmet area by keeping away from Taksim and then it's another half hour to Taksim.
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Arriving ticketless (at present) early Wednesday am.
Airbnb booked 5 mins from Taksim Square.
Obviously Taksim Sq is looking good, but open to suggestions for nearby places to watch the match.
It's a trek down to Sultanhamet, but it's a possibility.
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Also staying in Sultanahmet. Arriving at SAW on Sunday at 18.40 if anyone wants to share a taxi.
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Going with 4 other Bournemouth Lions via Sofia both ways. A mini travel adventure of plane, coach and sleeper train. I never thought it would be a 44 year wait for another European final after being in Rotterdam as 20 year old. 11 Bournemouth Lions making the trip and most of us sitting/standing together. Can't wait. UTV
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Make sure you upload some group pics guys when you are out there! Be great for us to see the ones staying back in the UK.
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We're in Serkeci, just along from Sultanahmet where we stayed last time. The T1 tram runs from Sultanahmet through there towards Kabatas in just five stops, and then you can get the funicular up the hill to Taksim.
Kabatas is closer to Besiktas Stadium than Taksim Square. I stayed in the Intercontinental a few years ago and had a view of the stadium.
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My old man’s going, much my moms disgust. Leaving here in Kos on their holiday and going watching the Villa. I’m in the US figuring out how to watch it.
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I'm not heading the game but if anyone hasn't booked yet I would recommend the Karakoy area to stay in. I've stayed here several times many bars, restaurants round here a local speciality meal is the Fish Kebab! You can walk to the stadium in around 30 mins a long the water there is more here than Taksim square from my experience and Taksim is a bit of a boring place compared to Karakoy. If you have several days in Istanbul I would recommend travelling from the ferry port in Karakoy to the Princes Islands for a day trip or a much easier trip that being across to the Asian side of the city in Kadikoy especially at sunset which is pretty special with the Galata tower and the Mosques in the background. Drinking wise the Asian side is generally cheaper and more authentic experience. Any other questions feel free and enjoy Istanbul if you have a few days it's a city with so much to see.
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I'm not heading the game but if anyone hasn't booked yet I would recommend the Karakoy area to stay in. I've stayed here several times many bars, restaurants round here a local speciality meal is the Fish Kebab! You can walk to the stadium in around 30 mins a long the water there is more here than Taksim square from my experience and Taksim is a bit of a boring place compared to Karakoy. If you have several days in Istanbul I would recommend travelling from the ferry port in Karakoy to the Princes Islands for a day trip or a much easier trip that being across to the Asian side of the city in Kadikoy especially at sunset which is pretty special with the Galata tower and the Mosques in the background. Drinking wise the Asian side is generally cheaper and more authentic experience. Any other questions feel free and enjoy Istanbul if you have a few days it's a city with so much to see.
Thanks for these tips. Much appreciated. Haven't been to Istanbul since 1984 so really looking forward to exploring it again and seeing how it has changed.
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Our seats have gone up to £2k for Monday out of Manchester. Some grim elastic pricing that.
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I'm not heading the game but if anyone hasn't booked yet I would recommend the Karakoy area to stay in. I've stayed here several times many bars, restaurants round here a local speciality meal is the Fish Kebab! You can walk to the stadium in around 30 mins a long the water there is more here than Taksim square from my experience and Taksim is a bit of a boring place compared to Karakoy. If you have several days in Istanbul I would recommend travelling from the ferry port in Karakoy to the Princes Islands for a day trip or a much easier trip that being across to the Asian side of the city in Kadikoy especially at sunset which is pretty special with the Galata tower and the Mosques in the background. Drinking wise the Asian side is generally cheaper and more authentic experience. Any other questions feel free and enjoy Istanbul if you have a few days it's a city with so much to see.
Just booked in the Karakoy area based on this - thanks :)
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Our seats have gone up to £2k for Monday out of Manchester. Some grim elastic pricing that.
Ones you have booked?
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No. I think it's about what same flights cost now rather than previously booked seats. Turkish from Brum are sold out Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday (match time) for economy.
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Yeah, we decided on Stansted, going Tues and coming back Thursday. Those are now £1.8k.
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Yeah, we decided on Stansted, going Tues and coming back Thursday. Those are now £1.8k.
My flight is now £1397.00 Incredible!
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It's getting to the stage where hiring a private jet might be cheaper.
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I take it your Learjet is otherwise occupied?
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I take it your Learjet is otherwise occupied?
Learjet? How frightfully nouveau.
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I'm not heading the game but if anyone hasn't booked yet I would recommend the Karakoy area to stay in. I've stayed here several times many bars, restaurants round here a local speciality meal is the Fish Kebab! You can walk to the stadium in around 30 mins a long the water there is more here than Taksim square from my experience and Taksim is a bit of a boring place compared to Karakoy. If you have several days in Istanbul I would recommend travelling from the ferry port in Karakoy to the Princes Islands for a day trip or a much easier trip that being across to the Asian side of the city in Kadikoy especially at sunset which is pretty special with the Galata tower and the Mosques in the background. Drinking wise the Asian side is generally cheaper and more authentic experience. Any other questions feel free and enjoy Istanbul if you have a few days it's a city with so much to see.
Thanks for these tips. Much appreciated. Haven't been to Istanbul since 1984 so really looking forward to exploring it again and seeing how it has changed.
I would assume it's changed a lot but looking forward to hearing how you find it!
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I'm not heading the game but if anyone hasn't booked yet I would recommend the Karakoy area to stay in. I've stayed here several times many bars, restaurants round here a local speciality meal is the Fish Kebab! You can walk to the stadium in around 30 mins a long the water there is more here than Taksim square from my experience and Taksim is a bit of a boring place compared to Karakoy. If you have several days in Istanbul I would recommend travelling from the ferry port in Karakoy to the Princes Islands for a day trip or a much easier trip that being across to the Asian side of the city in Kadikoy especially at sunset which is pretty special with the Galata tower and the Mosques in the background. Drinking wise the Asian side is generally cheaper and more authentic experience. Any other questions feel free and enjoy Istanbul if you have a few days it's a city with so much to see.
Just booked in the Karakoy area based on this - thanks :)
Brilliant I forgot to recommend where I've stayed twice in Karakoy which is the Ada Karakoy Boutique Hotel has a decent view across the Bosphorus straight.
For anyone staying in Sultanahmet whilst the area has many of the Big tourist sites in Istanbul it also has less bars but many good cafe/restaurants this is due to the fact it has a lot of religious sites in a proximity. If the weather permits I would recommend also walking along the Kennedy Cad road in this area which loops back to Karakoy.
If anyone wants to stay more upmarket or spend time in a more upmarket place I'd recommend Arnavutkoy very fashionable area and also has many boats available to hire in the area.
While the Main Istanbul Airport is closer to Taksim it will still take a while to get there and from experience SAW Airport sometimes can be just as fast. I would recommend using Uber for Taxis in Istanbul as it gives a set rate generally and reduces the risk of getting scanned.
Just a final note the tourist sites are generally very expensive in Istanbul now and if you decide to do them you'll end up spending a lot of Money for example Galata Tower is £30 and Dolmabahçe Palace near the ground is £45.
Any other questions please ask.
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Thanks Matt
I’ve booked to see Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, & Basilica Cistern. Is Topkapı Palace a must see or can i have a break and start drinking?
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I didn't get to do Topkapi when I was there as got my dates mixed up. It's closed on Tuesdays.
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Thanks Matt
I’ve booked to see Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, & Basilica Cistern. Is Topkapı Palace a must see or can i have a break and start drinking?
You seem to be doing a lot already time to start drinking now 😉
Personally I'd skip it a great building to visit for free en route to Taksim square if you walk from Galata tower area which is a fairly easy walk is Saint Athony of Padua church.
There is so many free things to see/do in Istanbul whilst a lot of the tourist sites are very costly to visit which is sad as it didn't used to be like this.
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Flights I booked are now £1300 plus. Grateful to the forum for wising me up to cancellable fares which meant I booked early enough.
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I know a couple of lads going over without tickets just to watch in a bar over there, also with the hope of picking a ticket up on the day.
Are there any on here doing that?
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Thanks Matt
I’ve booked to see Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, & Basilica Cistern. Is Topkapı Palace a must see or can i have a break and start drinking?
Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia bars don't do any real ale, just to warn you!
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Thanks Matt
I’ve booked to see Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, & Basilica Cistern. Is Topkapı Palace a must see or can i have a break and start drinking?
Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia bars don't do any real ale, just to warn you!
Yeah, you have to bring your own.
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Anyone doing Pegasus been able to online check in yet for Monday flights?
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Anyone doing Pegasus been able to online check in yet for Monday flights?
I'm flying on Sunday and i've not been able to check in yet.
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Anyone doing Pegasus been able to online check in yet for Monday flights?
I'm flying on Sunday and i've not been able to check in yet.
I got an email telling me to check in for.Tuesday flight but I havent tried yet
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My flight out of Stanstead on Tuesday shows that check in doesn’t open until 24 hours before.
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I was able to check in for my Pegasus flight, got a seat number but can’t seem to get a boarding pass.
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My flight out of Stanstead on Tuesday shows that check in doesn’t open until 24 hours before.
Mine too, it sucks.
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My flight out of Stanstead on Tuesday shows that check in doesn’t open until 24 hours before.
Mine too, it sucks.
So does my TK.
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Can I just say that Madrid 2927 is already looking quite pricey!
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Can I just say that Madrid 2927 is already looking quite pricey!
Yeah, but it depends if you’re going by jetpack or teleporting.
The Mars colonists will moan, as per.
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Ah - stupid thumbs!
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Anyone doing Pegasus been able to online check in yet for Monday flights?
I'm flying on Sunday and i've not been able to check in yet.
I got an email telling me to check in for.Tuesday flight but I havent tried yet
I was able to check in today.
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Anyone doing Pegasus been able to online check in yet for Monday flights?
I'm flying on Sunday and i've not been able to check in yet.
I got an email telling me to check in for.Tuesday flight but I havent tried yet
I was able to check in today.
Did they charge you for checking in early?
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Anyone doing Pegasus been able to online check in yet for Monday flights?
I'm flying on Sunday and i've not been able to check in yet.
I got an email telling me to check in for.Tuesday flight but I havent tried yet
I was able to check in today.
Did they charge you for checking in early?
No
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BBC weather now showing a sunny Tuesday, but still cloudy and showers on Wednesday.
Typical.
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BBC weather now showing a sunny Tuesday, but still cloudy and showers on Wednesday.
Typical.
It's an improvement from a couple of days ago, was showing thunderstorms all day Wednesday. Hopefully the wind blows Tuesday's weather into Wednesday. I assume that's how weather works.
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Spot on. That's exactly how it works.
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Aston Villa
Now you have your match ticket secured, it’s time to get planning! You’ll find all the key information you need to know for your trip to Istanbul. 👊
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/event-guide/aston-villa
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I don't care as long as it's a sunny dry day for the TROPHY parade on Monday 25th.
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Villa shirts selected, jaffa cakes acquired, and everything packed, ready to head out to Stansted tomorrow after work.
I’m going for a home shirt for the game, even though we are playing in white, as I think we should make the stands claret and blue. I consider this season’s home shirt cursed, so I’m taking last season’s beauty.
It’s one of my two shirts with Dogtanian on the back, so if you see me feel free to say hello (unless you’re one of my enemies! >:(). Just remember, I am incredibly shy and always look angry, it’s honestly nothing personal! ;D
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Hopefully there is no Villa fans called Rochefort or Richie Lieu around.
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Hopefully there is no Villa fans called Rochefort or Richie Lieu around.
It’s Juliette I’m worried about meeting, because I have some bad news about our relationship. :-[
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Villa shirts selected, jaffa cakes acquired, and everything packed, ready to head out to Stansted tomorrow after work.
I’m going for a home shirt for the game, even though we are playing in white, as I think we should make the stands claret and blue. I consider this season’s home shirt cursed, so I’m taking last season’s beauty.
It’s one of my two shirts with Dogtanian on the back, so if you see me feel free to say hello (unless you’re one of my enemies! >:(). Just remember, I am incredibly shy and always look angry, it’s honestly nothing personal! ;D
I think someone needs to identify a meeting place for those on this forum. We could all display our moniker, give a thirty second summary of why we support Villa and then get stuck into to some Efes beer.
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Don't they sell Jaffas in Turkiye?
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But do they have clubcard points?
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What's been the experience of getting through Istanbul airport snd into the city centre,?
Any hints/tips observations woukd be welcome.
I'll only be bringing a rucksack- so no luggage issues.
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For anyone arriving on Tuesday, it's a Bank Holiday in Turkey. So I'm not sure what public transport will be like.
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The travel guidance says there’s free transport/shuttle buses from the airport to Taksim, just need to show your match ticket.
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Free travel is on the match day only, I believe.
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Free travel is on the match day only, I believe.
There’s a free shuttle from the airport on the Tuesday and Wednesday too.
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Free travel is on the match day only, I believe.
There’s a free shuttle from the airport on the Tuesday and Wednesday too.
where to?
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The Stadium , I think.
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Is there any particular Bar people are meeting up tomorrow?
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Free travel is on the match day only, I believe.
There’s a free shuttle from the airport on the Tuesday and Wednesday too.
where to?
The “city centre”.
(https://i.ibb.co/1JfnYKTg/IMG-6402.png) (https://ibb.co/1JfnYKTg)
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Free travel is on the match day only, I believe.
There’s a free shuttle from the airport on the Tuesday and Wednesday too.
where to?
The “city centre”.
(https://i.ibb.co/1JfnYKTg/IMG-6402.png) (https://ibb.co/1JfnYKTg)
🍻
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Just got back from dropping my brother and niece off at Stansted. They should be on the plane waiting to go now if everything has gone well.
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Free travel is on the match day only, I believe.
There’s a free shuttle from the airport on the Tuesday and Wednesday too.
where to?
The “city centre”.
(https://i.ibb.co/1JfnYKTg/IMG-6402.png) (https://ibb.co/1JfnYKTg)
🍻
Not sure if I can be bothered with the bus - it's 25 miles from the airport yo Taksim Sq. Could be on it fior some time. The metro sounds more attractive- and quicker.
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On the 0655 flight out of Stansted in the morning. We’ve booked a few taxi’s to our hotel at 50 lire each from the airport and should be in Taksim square for a late lunch and a few beers by 2-3. It’s great to see the younger generation enjoying this, including my lad who keeps texting me from work. I was in Rotterdam as a very young lad and never thought I’d get to see us in another final in Europe. Can’t wait!
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There's a number of bars there that have subtle hints that they are Villa bars
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HIi90RlWAAA48o_?format=jpg&name=small)
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I see the loving isn't free in that bar.
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There's a number of bars there that have subtle hints that they are Villa bars
These AI-generated images are getting out of hand.
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I arrived on Sunday and followed advice from these guys: https://www.moganddogtravels.com/blogs/saw-airport-to-istanbul-city-center
It worked perfectly. After passport control I just followed word for word and timing of metro(s) couldn't have been better. It was about 50 mins on the M4 and another 10mins on the B1 and I was at Yenikapi station on the European side.
Also very cheap. I put 500tl on the Istabulkart as I am here for a week but each journey costs 50tl so you can add accordingly.
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Just arrived in sulranahmet, all I can hear is the onana Kamara song from mt balcony, it's 2am here 🤣
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Tracking my brothers flight from Luton. Just flew over the top of Rotterdam. A Wizzair pilot with a sense of humour/history?
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Heaving with Villa already.
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Any nice quiet bars around Taksim where boring wankers like me can go and have an awful beer whilst gazing peacefully into the abyss without having to listen to Sweet Caroline nine times in 25 minutes?
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Any nice quiet bars around Taksim where boring wankers like me can go and have an awful beer whilst gazing peacefully into the abyss without having to listen to Sweet Caroline nine times in 25 minutes?
The best bet is to Google craft beer bars, which will at least filter out the Irish ones.
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The boat trip, is great value at 1000l each for a out a 90mins punt around the harbour. Google maps bhosporus ferry and there's loads of operators. The ale has been expensive in places though...anyone found a sub 200l beer in the main areas ?
(https://i.ibb.co/hJ0mgxsT/IMG-20260518-WA0037.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hJ0mgxsT)
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Well of course you would be attracted to the boat rides...
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LHR.
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Heathrow runway.
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The boat trip, is great value at 1000l each for a out a 90mins punt around the harbour. Google maps bhosporus ferry and there's loads of operators. The ale has been expensive in places though...anyone found a sub 200l beer in the main areas ?
(https://i.ibb.co/hJ0mgxsT/IMG-20260518-WA0037.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hJ0mgxsT)
200tl is about £3.60, isn't it? That is cheap.
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The travel guidance says there’s free transport/shuttle buses from the airport to Taksim, just need to show your match ticket.
Just checked in at a hotel near SAW, but am going to head back there tomorrow to head towards the stadium. Any idea where those buses are going to be going from please?
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The travel guidance says there’s free transport/shuttle buses from the airport to Taksim, just need to show your match ticket.
Just checked in at a hotel near SAW, but am going to head back there tomorrow to head towards the stadium. Any idea where those buses are going to be going from please?
Free travel is for the Metro line, sure it's public transport, go on the UEFA site it's got travel from the airports
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Prince William is on his way. He hasn't confirmed which bars he's heading to yet.
https://www.itv.com/news/central/2026-05-19/prince-william-to-join-aston-villa-fans-in-turkey-for-europa-league-final
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Prince William is on his way. He hasn't confirmed which bars he's heading to yet.
https://www.itv.com/news/central/2026-05-19/prince-william-to-join-aston-villa-fans-in-turkey-for-europa-league-final
Cannot recall him doing 8 home games.
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Prince William is on his way. He hasn't confirmed which bars he's heading to yet.
https://www.itv.com/news/central/2026-05-19/prince-william-to-join-aston-villa-fans-in-turkey-for-europa-league-final
Cannot recall him doing 8 home games.
He got his ticket on Ticombo.
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Tracking my brothers flight from Luton. Just flew over the top of Rotterdam. A Wizzair pilot with a sense of humour/history?
Apparently Stan Collymore was on the same flight.
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Any good vids of the fans ?
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(https://usagif.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/fzk5d/fan-gif-6-pink-ventilator-acegif.gif)
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This is great
https://x.com/TheHolteHQ/status/2056842738704764932
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https://x.com/swolenshoulders/status/2056850340331262090
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John Townley
@johntownley11
1h
Alan Hutton and James Chester being mobbed by Aston Villa fans in Taksim Square are exactly the scenes you want to see.
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The travel guidance says there’s free transport/shuttle buses from the airport to Taksim, just need to show your match ticket.
Just checked in at a hotel near SAW, but am going to head back there tomorrow to head towards the stadium. Any idea where those buses are going to be going from please?
Free travel is for the Metro line, sure it's public transport, go on the UEFA site it's got travel from the airports
Off another site For anyone who wants the free bus from SAW airport to Taksim, go out the main terminal across the road to the Havabus, don’t get on them unless you want to pay, it’s the yellow buses parked behind them
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This is fucking incredible. Nearly 3am and it's rammed.
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What! Are you still on the runway Dave?
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4am and the bars, kebab shops and brothels are still buzzing.
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4am and the bars, kebab shops and brothels are still buzzing.
Yes the number of young ladies trying to “comfort” us is quite overwhelming. However kebabs smell nice, which is not normal.
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Prince William is on his way. He hasn't confirmed which bars he's heading to yet.
https://www.itv.com/news/central/2026-05-19/prince-william-to-join-aston-villa-fans-in-turkey-for-europa-league-final
Cannot recall him doing 8 home games.
He got his ticket on Ticombo.
A bargain for the British taxpayer
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I'm carrying a heavy cold around with me so gobbling Ibuprofen and Jakemans. Didn't stop me having a few yesterday and a kebab, feed a cold etc.
Nursing a tea at breakfast now, this 10pm kick off means leaving the handbrake on for most of the day.
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4am and the bars, kebab shops and brothels are still buzzing.
Yes the number of young ladies trying to “comfort” us is quite overwhelming. However kebabs smell nice, which is not normal.
You poor lambs!
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John Townley
@johntownley11
1h
Alan Hutton and James Chester being mobbed by Aston Villa fans in Taksim Square are exactly the scenes you want to see.
Also out there, as seen on FB, Ross Barkley having a beer, Gabby, Stan Petrov, Ashley Young
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Amazing day yesterday. Stunning city and great people. Even found a pub that sells cheap beer.
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+Lee Hendrie.
+Marc Albrighton
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Looking at all the stuff online, everyone is having a great time. Take care out there!
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The travel guidance says there’s free transport/shuttle buses from the airport to Taksim, just need to show your match ticket.
The driver on Havaist bus didn’t get that or wasn’t able to understand it. So we had to pay.
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"Ücretsiz bilet" is the lingo for "free ticket". Add "mi" to make it a question.
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Just waved the ticket page at the bloke on the Metro barrier and was let straight through.
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Absolutely torrential here at the moment. Fan park is a damp (soaking) squib.
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John Townley
@johntownley11
1h
Alan Hutton and James Chester being mobbed by Aston Villa fans in Taksim Square are exactly the scenes you want to see.
Also out there, as seen on FB, Ross Barkley having a beer, Gabby, Stan Petrov, Ashley Young
Young Jimoh-Aloba is there too!
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Just waved the ticket page at the bloke on the Metro barrier and was let straight through.
I wish someone had told the bus drivers.
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Tried to add photo. Don’t know what happened
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(https://i.ibb.co/tMv0V5Cz/IMG-1165.png) (https://ibb.co/tMv0V5Cz)
My brother arrives in Istanbul
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(https://i.ibb.co/tMv0V5Cz/IMG-1165.png) (https://ibb.co/tMv0V5Cz)
My brother arrives in Istanbul
Why is someone beardy fella sitting on your brother?
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(https://i.ibb.co/tMv0V5Cz/IMG-1165.png) (https://ibb.co/tMv0V5Cz)
My brother arrives in Istanbul
Why is someone beardy fella sitting on your brother?
😂
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(https://i.ibb.co/tMv0V5Cz/IMG-1165.png) (https://ibb.co/tMv0V5Cz)
My brother arrives in Istanbul
Why is someone beardy fella sitting on your brother?
Brian Blessed will do anything for a couple of quid these days!
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Shame Sid hasn't traveled otherwise brother could have gone up to him and said "Gordon's alive"