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.

Explore our map of Istanbul City

Why book with us?

Your Istanbul City questions, answered

What’s the public transport like in Istanbul?

In a word – extensive. Trams, metros, trains, buses, and ferries zigzag their way across the city (and the water) to get you from A to B. Do yourself a favour and get an Istanbulkart – a prepaid transport card that’ll make navigating the public transport system a cinch. You can pick one up at the airport or in various public transport terminals in the city.

Where should I stay in Istanbul?

With dozens of neighbourhoods, there are plenty of great spots to base yourself in Istanbul. A hotel in the Old City might suit you best if the Grand Bazaar or the mosques of Sultanahmet are top of your list, while a pad in the New City is ideal for shopping and making the most of the nightlife. The more central you stay, the better the public transport links for getting around this vast city, so bear that in mind when making your choice.

How many days should I spend in Istanbul?

How many have you got? You’ll manage most of the main sights in a long weekend, but if you can stretch a few more days away you won’t regret it. There’s no shortage of things to see and do here.

When’s a good time to visit Istanbul?

Whenever you like! There are a few things to bear in mind when booking, though. Summer months are typically hot and humid – and very popular with tourists, so you can expect big crowds at the main attractions. Spring and autumn are milder and tend to be less crowded, while winters are usually the quietest (and the coldest) time of year.