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Sitting where continents meet, Istanbul is a mesmerising sum of its historic parts, showcasing layers of time alongside modern-day Turkish city life.
In Turkey’s largest city, it’s very much the case of two’s company; it sits across two continents, links two seas and was once at the epicentre of two vast empires, Ottoman and Byzantine. It was the gateway to the Silk Road, a network of trade routes that branched out across Asia, and it very much wears its history on its sleeve. The city is packed with heritage sites, including mosques, bazaars, palaces, churches and city walls.
Of course, you won’t want to miss the tick-list sights of the Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque (also known as the Sultanahmet Mosque), the Bosphorus Strait-side Dolmabahce Palace and the Topkapi Palace, but make sure you set aside time to get lost in the Grand Bazaar, revel in the scents of the Spice Bazaar and slowing down over a cup of foamy cup of Turkish coffee boiled over hot coals in a copper cup; some of the best coffee shops can be found near the medieval Galata tower. You can also seek out some of the best street food in Istanbul; kebabs, Simit and Balik-Ekmek are just a handful of dishes that we recommend should giving a go.
Our Personal Travel Experts are here to help you create your perfect Istanbul holiday, filling you in on the hot spots and hidden gems and picking out the best addresses to stay at.
Istanbul Hotels
Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Istanbul
DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel, Istanbul-Sirkeci
Contemporary interiors and luxury touches create a chic hideaway in the centre of Old Istanbul.
Holidays in Istanbul
- Istanbul
- 5 Star
Glossy interiors and sleek finishes create a luxurious cocoon away from the buzz of Istanbul.
Price based on:
- 7 nights from £1,217 p/p
- 2 adults
- Bed and Breakfast
- Return flights from London Gatwick
- Transfers included
- Travel on Tuesday 16th February 2027
- Istanbul
- 4 Star
Contemporary interiors and luxury touches create a chic hideaway in the centre of Old Istanbul.
Price based on:
- 7 nights from £1,018 p/p
- 2 adults
- Bed and Breakfast
- Return flights from London Gatwick
- Transfers included
- Travel on Tuesday 10th March 2026
- Istanbul
- 5 Star
A gleaming tower of glass and steel overlooking the Bosphorus, this five-star hideaway epitomises contemporary luxury
Price based on:
- 6 nights from £1,617 p/p
- 2 adults
- Bed and Breakfast
- Return flights from Manchester
- Transfers included
- Travel on Tuesday 5th May 2026
- Istanbul
- 5 Star
Sweeping views meet chic modernity at this hillside high-rise at the epicentre of the vibrant Taksim area
Price based on:
- 7 nights from £1,040 p/p
- 2 adults
- Bed and Breakfast
- Return flights from London Gatwick
- Transfers included
- Travel on Tuesday 10th March 2026
- Istanbul
- 5 Star
Ottoman-style luxury gets a 21st-century update at this grand yet welcoming hotel with Bosphorus views.
Price based on:
- 7 nights from £1,181 p/p
- 2 adults
- Bed and Breakfast
- Return flights from London Gatwick
- Transfers included
- Travel on Tuesday 10th March 2026
- Istanbul
- 4 Star
This recently built hotel has an inviting sense of place as well as welcome facilities for travellers of all ages.
Price based on:
- 7 nights from £817 p/p
- 2 adults
- Bed and Breakfast
- Return flights from London Gatwick
- Transfers included
- Travel on Tuesday 10th March 2026
- Istanbul
- 4 Star
This welcoming four-star bolthole at the southern end of Taksim offers gourmet dining and sophisticated nightlife
Price based on:
- 7 nights from £933 p/p
- 2 adults
- Bed and Breakfast
- Return flights from London Gatwick
- Transfers included
- Travel on Tuesday 10th March 2026
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Grand Bazaar Rooftop Tour
Experience the Grand Bazaar from a unique birds-eye view on this extraordinary James Bond-esque tour. Guided by a local expert, you’ll hop from rooftop to rooftop as you soak up stunning skyline vistas and feel the pulsating energy from the lively alleys below. When you’re not busy taking holiday snaps, you’ll learn of the rich history of one of the world’s most iconic bazaars. Once your feet are firmly back on the ground, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore the bazaar’s bustling backstreets, where Ottoman traditions and the modern day intertwine. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, getting lost in winding lanes as souvenir-filled shops lure you in.
Anthony Bourdain Street Food Tour
A rich tapestry of flavours, Istanbul’s culinary scene is bursting with mouth-watering delights – and you can experience it for yourself on this gastronomic adventure through Istanbul. Led by a local, you’ll follow in the footsteps of chef, writer and explorer, Anthony Bourdain, on a private indulgent food tour. Hop from traditional restaurants and up-and-coming eateries as you sample authentic delicacies, from sweet baklavas to flavour-filled dürüms. Not forgetting Turkey’s traditional tipple, raki.
Turkish Cooking Class
Whether you’re looking for an exciting introduction to Turkey’s culinary scene or just fancy a fun-filled afternoon, this hands-on cooking class makes a sumptuous addition to your itinerary. And with it being just half a day, it’s easy to squeeze it in. Grab an apron, roll up your sleeves and get ready to show off your skills as you prepare three authentic Turkish recipes. After you’ve done the hard work, it’s time to indulge. Sit back and relax as you savour traditional dishes bursting with spicy aromas and fiery flavours, all whilst sipping on a crisp glass of local wine.
The Sema Ceremony
Embark on a spiritual journey as you experience the Sema ceremony, a mesmerising ritual of the whirling dervishes said to achieve perfection through mind and love. Beginning at 7pm every evening, this extraordinary tour offers a glimpse into Turkey’s rich and fascinating culture. Have your camera ready as the music and moves of the ceremony leave you in awe. After that you’ll get to browse the exhibition, where you can delve even deeper into the dervish world. Spot objects used in the ceremony, admire intricate dervish statues and look out for the video shows offering a unique perspective of the ceremony.
Ottoman Splendours
The Ottoman Dynasty made Istanbul (then Constantinople) its capital and a centre point for trade from the mid 1400s which lasted nearly 500 years. As such many iconic splendours remain, including Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.
Start at Topkapı Palace, the principal residence of the Ottoman Sultans. It's now a museum and has unrivalled collections of jewelry, including the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, the 3rd largest in the world. See Ottoman court costumes and ceramics, including one of the world’s finest collections of Chinese celadon ceramics and many gifts from other rulers. You'll see the Imperial Armory, displaying centuries of Ottoman weaponry and its loveliest feature - courtyards of ancient trees. Then on to Hagia Eirene, the Church of the Holy Peace and one of the few churches in Istanbul that was never converted into a mosque. From there, we visit Gülhane Park, once a part of the outer gardens of Topkapı Palace, where the Edict of Gülhane, a declaration of rights and liberties that played an essential role in the modernization of the Ottoman Empire.
Get to know Istanbul and those all-important practicalities when planning your perfect holiday.
TIME DIFFERENCE
GMT +3 hours (BST +2 hours)
CURRENCY
Turkish Lira
FLYING TIME TO DESTINATION
4 hours
LANGUAGE
Turkish
Where is Istanbul
The city is bisected by the Bosphorus Strait which links the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea and marks the Asia-Europe continental boundary; the European side of the city bisected by its inlet, the Golden Horn.
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