The city where east meets west
Istanbul, Turkey
With one foot in Europe and another in Asia, Istanbul offers two worlds for the price of one. Admire the city’s minaret-studded mosques before shopping up a storm in the colourful bazaars that sell everything under the sun. Other classic experiences include savouring a leisurely meze lunch or being soaked, steamed and scrubbed in a hammam. If you’re in search of a destination with a difference, the largest city in Turkey is the answer.
Shop in magical markets
Retail therapy is a pleasure in the streets of the 15th-century Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world selling anything and everything from Turkish slippers to Ottoman antiques and belly-dancing costumes. Not far away is the atmospheric Spice Bazaar, the place to pick up aromatic spices as well as colourful cubes of lokum, aka Turkish delight.
Marvel at the Hagia Sophia
It’s hard to visit Istanbul without paying homage to the Hagia Sophia, even if you’ve been before. This building is the story of the city in a nutshell: built in the sixth century as an Orthodox cathedral before being turned into a secular museum, it’s currently a mosque. The undeniable crowd-pleaser is the massive central dome adorned with glittering gold mosaics.
Have a hot hammam
You really shouldn’t leave Istanbul without sweating it out in an Ottoman-era hammam – an integral part of Turkish culture and a great place to relax after a day spent pounding cobbled streets. Expect a hot steamed bath followed by a scrub and a soapy massage. All guaranteed to make you feel rejuvenated, and give you a great dinner party story on your return home.
Explore colourful Balat
For a taste of the real Istanbul, we’ll take you to a vibrant neighbourhood not far from the centre. Balat is famous for its brightly-painted wooden houses, traditional cafés and local markets, and for generations it’s been home to Jewish and Greek Orthodox families. A private guided tour of this historic district reveals its distinct atmosphere.
Essential Istanbul
The Greeks, Persians, Romans and Ottomans all fought over Istanbul, which was part of the Silk Road, the ancient trade route to the Far East. Once known as Constantinople then Byzantium, Istanbul was the capital of the vast Ottoman Empire. Today it is simply a city of 16 million people, making it the largest city in Europe. And yes, the city centre is on the European side of the Bosphorus, the narrow waterway the connects the Black Sea with the Mediterranean.
Where it is
Middle East
When to go
March to June
September to November
Why go there
Colourful markets
Unique history
Hammams
What to see
The bazaars
Hagia Sophia
Balat
