Istanbul holidays - Short breaks, weekend breaks and trips to Istanbul

Istanbul City Guide

Istanbul, with its unique blend of Western and Eastern history and culture, attracts tourists from all over the world. Enjoy modern Turkey in the malls, galleries and clubs while also indulging in the exotic appeal of the traditional Turkish bazaars, palaces, coffee houses and mosques. The natural beauty of the city plus the pleasant Mediterranean climate completes the picture. The largest city in Turkey, it was for centuries the capital of a mighty empire. Istanbul is now all things - modern and traditional, familiar and exotic.

Istanbul is situated on the Bosphorus, the strait that connects the Sea of Marmara to the south with the Black Sea in the north. Istanbul is the link between Europe and Asia and this strategic location has been involved in many struggles over the centuries. It’s gone by many names over the centuries, including Byzantium and Constantinople, having been part of or even capital of the Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman empires in the past. The city was even once the capital of Islam.

The varied political and religious past is still recognizable all around the city, especially in architecture. The monumental Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), for example, was once a Christian cathedral, before later becoming a mosque. Visit the nearby Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı), Hippodrome (Hipodrom) and the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), and also save some liras to buy souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi). From the top of the 14th Century Galata Tower (Galata Tower) you have a fantastic view of all these buildings, while miniature versions are on display in Miniatürk. When it all gets a bit much, cool off in the underground Basilica Cistern.

Cross the Galata Bridge over the Golden Horn over to visit Taksim Square. Here in the new city you can enjoy the modern skyscrapers, nightclubs and shopping and mingle with the young and hip, and the businessmen who populate the streets.

Istanbul houses than 13 million people and it is the most populous city in Europe. It's not hard to see why the city has such great appeal. The fusion of East and West makes it rich in the culture, architecture, art and cuisine. It is a truly unique city.

Guide to Exploring Istanbul

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

Once a church, then a Byzantine cathedral, later a mosque and now a monument, this iconic building is a national treasure.

Istanbul City Guide

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

Hippodrome (Hipodrom)

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

Topkapi Palace

Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)

Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)

Dolmabahce Palace

Suleymaniye Mosque

Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi)

Bosphorus Bridge

Chora Church (Kariye Museum)

Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi)

Miniaturk

Rüstem Pasha Mosque

Galata Bridge

Gülhane Park

Courtyard by Marriott Istanbul International Airport

ISG Airport Hotel - Special Class

Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel

WOW Airport Hotel

Hilton Istanbul Kozyatagi

Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center

Sarnic Premier Hotel

Levni Hotel & Spa

Divan Istanbul

GLK PREMIER The Home Suites & Spa

Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus

Erguvan Hotel - Special Class

Best Western Premier Regency Suites Hotel-Spa

Midtown Hotel Istanbul

10 Karaköy, A Morgans Original - Special Class

Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus

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