Honeymoon help - Athens or Istanbul ?

Athens is indeed quite different from an island. Athens is a big city, so a lot of people want the idyllic island experience and skip it. I prefer a more cohesive experience--Greek city, Greek island--but you should choose the one you are more drawn to. I loved seeing the Acropolis, and enjoyed my limited time in the city. I admit I enjoyed Istanbul more, but it is not fair to compare such different places.
Turkish air has some great deals and is a fine airline, so that might cinch it. Once you have your islands selected, see how that affects the itinerary.

Athens is very different to the islands. There is enough to keep you occupied for a few days, but it’s not the place to spend a week in July (v hot).

Sorry. Santorini is my least favourite Greek island by a long margin. I prefer my islands to be more Greek and less Disney.

Istanbul has a very different feel, being a muslin culture. There is more to see than in Athens but I didn’t like being hassled by locals everywhere we went to buy things and being elbowed when I dared to walk in front of my husband. July would be too hot for me to spend many days in either city.

Both cities have so much to offer. You will enjoy whichever one you choose, but getting to Istanbul from an island is time-consuming and most likely will require a return to Athens for a flight. The exceptions would be Rhodes>Bodrum>Istanbul or Chios>Kusadasi>Izmiir>Istanbul, but again, very time consuming. Save Turkey for another time. It's a wonderful country.

Istanbul was one of my favorite places, but it's not for everyone. Both cities will be really hot that time of year though.

Istanbul is not particularly a treat for women accustomed to a measure of respect in public, in Western countries. And the best architecture dates from its time as a great Greek metropolis. By contrast, I've always enjoyed strolling around Athens, making new discoveries every time, having great talks in shops, meeting fellow tourists in cafes. I've lived all my adult life in 3 of America's largest cities, and Athens, at least to me, feels safer than the cities I've loved here. In Athens, people are out in cafes, walking the avenues at all hours.. a very sociable feeling.

Istanbul is not particularly a treat for women accustomed to a measure of respect in public, in Western countries.

Interesting. I was in my late 20s (female) when I was in Istanbul and never felt this. I understand Greek though and heard some things men said not knowing I understood them...sometimes you just don't know.

Visit Athens this trip and save Istanbul for a trip focused on Turkey. And Athens is not like the islands but is filled with incredible history and more Greek culture.
The least Greek place you have on your itinerary is Santorini. It looks Greek but it is so touristy and non Greek feeling. We could not wait to get out of there.

Late to this feed 😂I vote Istanbul!!!

note to all. This is the only OP's post on the forum. She never returned. It's been 5 months.

There's no reason to revive it.