Istanbul really is a Turkish delight, an intoxicating mix of breathtaking architecture, a roller-coaster ride of history and a stunning setting combined, with the Turks’ zest for life.
Head for Sultanahmet, the historic heart of the old city and gaze in amazement at the domes of Aya Sofaya and the Blue Mosque. Dive underground into the spooky Basilica cistern and then brace yourself for the Grand Bazaar. There are 4000 shops in here and the locals are very, very keen to sell you something!
While away an afternoon in the teahouse beneath the walls of the Topkapi Palace and count the ferries plying the Bosphorus and the ships sailing towards the Black Sea. At sunset the fishermen who crowd the Galata Bridge head home just as Istanbul’s skyline is a
glowing silhouette of domes and minarets. When the last of the light has gone, sink into a sofa at Café Mesale behind the Blue Mosque in time to watch the whirling dervish spin, while above him, seagulls circle the mosque’s slender minarets in perfect time.
Istanbul Fast Facts
• Population: 10,000,000 (Unofficially some estimates have it millions higher).
• Average Temperature: (Jan 0c & Jul 23c).
• About 2 million tourists visit Istanbul every year.
• It’s the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents.
• Electricity: 220 volts, 50 Hz.
• Istanbul was founded in 660 BC as Byzantium. In 330 it was renamed by Constantine the Great as Constantinople, who made it the capital of the Byzantine Empire. In 1204, the city was ransacked by Crusaders, and two and a half centuries later it was taken by the Turks. In 1930 Istanbul was chosen as the city’s official name. |
Istanbul Highlights
Topkapı Sarayı (Palace) - Home of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, The Treasury in the 3rd courtyard is amazing. A tip is to get there when it opens at 9:00am and go straight to the Harem. Only a certain number of visitors are allowed at one time, so getting there first avoids the queue.
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) - Said to be one of the great buildings of the world it’s a former Byzantine church, a former Ottoman mosque, and now a museum.
The Blue Mosque (Mosque of Sultan Ahmet I) - One of the city’s premier sights it’s called the Blue Mosque because of its light blue interior tiles. You can visit at most times of day and it’s free. A tip is to avoid all mosques on Fridays as this is the Muslim holy day and mosques can be closed for lengthy amounts of time for prayers.
Grand Bazaar - Turkey’s largest covered market sells all kinds of things like beautiful Turkish carpets, glazed tiles and pottery, copper and brassware, leather goods, meerschaum pipes & alabaster bookends. Put your best haggling skills to the test.
Bosphorus Cruise - By far the best way to view the city of Istanbul is by boat on the Bosphorus, the most impressive sights being along the southern shores. You’ll see Topkapi Palace, the Maiden’s Tower, the Selimiye Barracks (where Florence Nightingale worked), Dolmabahçe Palace, Yldz Park & Palace, the village of Ortaköy and the Bosphorus Bridge to name a few.
Hammams (Turkish Baths) - For something a little different why not try a Turkish Bath. You’ll be pulled and pushed, rubbed and scrubbed to within an inch of your life, but you’ll come out feeling wonderful. Some baths are mixed gender and may not be suitable for the more modest of us.
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Flights to Istanbul
Looking for cheap flights to Istanbul? Take a look at our
Cheap International Flights pages for cheap Europe flights that you can book online. Find online bookable fares to Istanbul, Turkey using our mixandmatch Tool. Our airlines flying to Istanbul include:
Istanbul Accommodation
With a range of accommodation in Istanbul, there is something to suit every requirement and budget. Contact your
local House of Travel for full Istanbul accommodation options.
Istanbul Sightseeing
There is so much to see & do in Istanbul! Visit the ancient Topkapi Sarayi, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar or take a Bosphorus cruise. Contact your
local House of Travel for full Istanbul sightseeing options.
