Istanbul City Holidays

Find your perfect holiday

Ancient empire meets modern metropolis

Sitting between the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea, sprawling across the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is the epitome of east meets west. Stretching on for miles – and even across two continents – this is a place that is brimming with culture, history, and best of all – life.

Rich doesn’t even begin to cover the history here. Byzantine architecture sits shoulder-to-shoulder with Ottoman in the thriving Old Town, which is a who’s who of UNESCO World Heritage sites. The beating heart of this part of town is Sultanahmet, home to Hagia Sofia and The Blue Mosque, but head further inland along the Golden Horn and you’ll find nods to the city’s more recent history.

The Jewish and Greek communities flourished in Balat and Fener – two neighbourhoods which are in the midst of a 21^st century makeover. The cobbled streets are lined with technicolour townhouses and hipster cafés, but the Greek Orthodox Cathedral still stands proud here.

Not to be outdone, the new city has its fair share of draws, not least of which is buzzy Beyoglu – the epicentre of modern Istanbul. Upmarket hotels, trendy cocktail bars, and dance-til-dawn clubs are mainstays around these parts, particularly around Taksim Square, which sits at the top of the city’s main shopping boulevard – Istiklal Avenue.

Whether it’s the thumping nightlife or the unparalleled sightseeing that draws you here, you’ll find the streets of Istanbul are home to more than you could ever imagine. So what are you waiting for?

Best things to do

Hit the hammam
A visit to an authentic Turkish bath house is an experience not to be missed. A tradition that has survived since at least the Ottoman Empire, modern hammams bring the experience bang up to date. Relax on the hot marble – or navel stone as it’s known – and let the steam work its magic.
Spy the city from above
Galata Tower – which has perched overlooking Istanbul for hundreds of years – has one of the best views of the city. A historical landmark in its own right, it’s been a watchtower, a dungeon, and even an observatory in its time. Head up to the viewing balcony and you’ll be treated to a panorama of the city – both old and new.
Party like a local
Come for the history and stay for the nightlife – Istanbul is a city that knows how to let its hair down. From the trendy bars and restaurants of Karakoy to the clubs of Beyoglu, the new city is a hive of activity after dark, so make like a local and make the most of your nights here.