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Istanbul is one of Turkey’s most fascinating cities, located in-between Europe and Asia. The Bosphorus Strait of Istanbul separates these two continents, and you can take a Bosphorus cruise, admiring both sides of the city. Istanbul boasts a skyline of colourful structures, a dynamic nightlife with rooftop bars galore, bustling shopping streets and markets, impressive museums, and much more. Brightsun Travel offers superb value luxury holidays to Istanbul from the UK, taking you to the heart of this charming Turkish city.
Istanbul has a rich history that goes back over 2500 years, and the city has been ruled by several ancient dynasties which have left behind many awe-inspiring landmarks to admire. Look forward to immersing yourself in culture in Istanbul by people-watching in cafes, indulging with Turkish delicacies, and exploring the city’s art galleries, to name a few!
Cankurtaran Mahallesi, Ahirkapi Cd No:24, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Ordu cad. No:31, Beyazit-Istanbul, 34130, Turkey
Istanbul's rich shopping landscape ensures there's something for every taste and budget, from traditional markets to modern malls. Enjoy exploring and finding unique treasures to take home!
The city’s Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, and a bustling hub of shops selling everything from carpets to jewellery and souvenirs. Smaller than the Grand Bazaar but equally vibrant is the Spice Bazaar, which is the place to find exotic spices, sweets, and dried fruits. Haggling is expected at Istanbul’s bazaars and markets, so you can try and bag yourself a few bargains.
For upscale shopping, spend the afternoon at Nisantasi where you can browse high-end fashion stores, designer brands, and luxury goods. Or there’s Istiklal Avenue, offering something in-between with modern fashion, Turkish and international brands, books, music, and souvenirs.
Istanbul’s culinary scene is a delicious blend of flavours influenced by the city’s diverse cultural history. A great way to sample a variety of Turkish dishes is to seek out meze platters, available in plenty of local restaurants. You could also explore local markets which offer fresh, authentic ingredients, and ensure you sample a few sweet Turkish desserts, as well as Turkish tea, which is a staple.
Navigating Istanbul can be an adventure in itself due to the city’s vast size and its position straddling two continents.
There’s a Metro line which covers most of the city, operating from early morning until midnight. There’s also a tram service available that is convenient for visiting Istanbul’s major historical sites, as well as an extensive bus network with routes covering the entire city (buses can be crowded during peak hours).
Istanbul also has a rail service called Marmaray, connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul via a tunnel under the Bosphorus, plus ferries which connect various points along the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara.
Hagia Sophia
A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, the Hagia Sophia has served as a cathedral, mosque, and now a museum. Its massive dome and stunning mosaics are truly breathtaking.
Topkapi Palace
This opulent palace was the residence of Ottoman sultans for centuries. It houses a vast collection of treasures, including the famous Topkapi Dagger and the Spoonmaker's Diamond.
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
Famous for its six minarets and stunning blue Iznik tiles, the Blue Mosque is a working mosque that also welcomes visitors to admire its interior beauty.
Basilica Cistern
An underground marvel built in the 6th century, the Basilica Cistern features a forest of columns and an eerie yet fascinating atmosphere.
Istanbul Archaeological Museums
This complex of three museums houses over a million artifacts from various civilisations, including ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine.
Galata Tower Istanbul
Offering panoramic views of Istanbul, this medieval stone tower is a great spot for photos and learning about the city's history.
Dolmabahçe Palace
A grandiose palace on the Bosphorus, Dolmabahçe Palace showcases the lavish lifestyle of the Ottoman sultans with its ornate rooms and grand halls.
Chora Church
The Chora Church is famous for its exquisite Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. It’s a bit off the beaten path but well worth the visit.
Taksim Square & Istiklal Avenue
The heart of modern Istanbul, Taksim Square, and the bustling Istiklal Avenue are lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
Süleymaniye Mosque
Another stunning mosque created by the famous architect Mimar Sinan, the Suleymaniye Mosque Istanbul offers beautiful views over the Golden Horn and a serene atmosphere.
Princes Islands
Reachable by ferry (approx. 1.5hrs) the Princes' Islands offer a peaceful escape from the city with car-free streets, charming Victorian-era houses, and beautiful landscapes. Büyükada is the largest and most popular island of this archipelago, ideal for biking and horse-drawn carriage tours.
Thrace Wine Route
The Thrace Wine Route of Turkey offers the perfect opportunity to admire natural settings, take part in vineyard tours, enjoy wine tasting, dining at fine restaurants, and exploring charming towns like Tekirdag, Kirklareli, and Edirne. The Thrace Wine Route is situated approx. 2-3hrs from Istanbul.
Polonezköy
Around an hour’s drive from Istanbul, the rural village of Polonezköy was founded by Polish settlers, offering traditional Polish cuisine to sample, a museum set in a historic house, a Polish church, and lots of lush greenery with hiking trails.
Kilyos
Kilyos is a scenic coastal hotspot with beaches on the Black Sea, water sports opportunities, seafood restaurants, and a relaxing seaside atmosphere, taking you away from the bustle of Istanbul for a short while. It’s situated around an hour’s drive from the city.
Istanbul experiences a variety of weather conditions throughout the year, influenced by its location between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.
Spring is mild and gradually warms up, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. Rain is still common, especially in March, but April and May are generally sunnier. This is a great time to visit Istanbul as the city's parks and gardens are in bloom. Light jackets and layers are recommended.
Summers in Istanbul are warm and humid with temperatures between 20°C to 30°C. July and August are the hottest months, often exceeding 30°C. Lightweight clothing, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. The city's coastal areas and islands are popular for escaping the heat.
Autumn sees a gradual drop in temperature. September and early October are warm and pleasant, while late October and November can be cooler and wetter. Layers are useful as temperatures can vary. This season offers fewer crowds and beautiful fall foliage.
Winters are cold and wet with temperatures averaging between 5°C to 10°C, and occasional snowfall. January is the coldest month. Warm clothing, including coats, hats, scarves, and gloves, are necessary. Istanbul's historic sites and cosy cafes are great for winter exploration.
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