Cheap flights to Istanbul are a snip now that low-cost giant easyJet has injected some competition into the London-Istanbul route. The city's location is dramatic. Perched on the Bosphorus Strait, half is in Europe, half in Asia. Istanbul's glorious imperial history includes stints as the capital city of four empires - Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman.
Istanbul's rich cultural heritage is apparent in the cobbled stones of the vast Grand Bazaar that hubbubs with the sounds of traders and tourists, in the Aya Sofya (Church of the Holy Wisdom, also known by Haghia Sophia, its Greek name), and in the Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi), the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans for more than 400 years.
Turkish food is magnificent, faves are testi kebab, mercimek corbasi (red lentil soup), kofte (meatballs), imam bayildi (an eggplant and tomato dish, the name of which translates as "the priest wept" to represent its sheer deliciousness), borek (a pastry of which there are hundreds of varieties) and baklava.
Of course, no trip to Istanbul could be complete without a visit to a traditional hamam (bathhouse) or a ferry trip from Eminönü (Europe) to Anadolu Kavagi (Asia).
Search and compare: cheap flights to Istanbul
Back to top
Hot in summer, Istanbul’s daytime temperatures are often in the high-20s (Celsius). July and August are the hottest months with the least amount of humidity and rainfall. December and January temperatures are typically in the very low single digits, but seem colder because this is also the most humid time of year. Heavy snowfalls are not unusual during the winter. Spring and autumn are the nicest times to visit with temperatures in the teens and 20s.The yearly rainfall is about 66cm (26 inches), and most of it falls from November to February.
Back to top
Peak Season:
Istanbul’s tourist season runs from April to the end of October. July and August are the busiest months. If you plan on visiting during these months, it's recommended to search for Turkey flights far in advance.
Off Season:
The shoulder seasons of April through June and September through October have mild weather, fewer tourists, and slightly lower hotel prices.
The chill and wetness of winter fends off most visitors, but you will find fewer crowds and lower hotel rates.
Back to top
The Istanbul Metro system provides quick and easy access to the city, including the intercity bus terminal. Use metro station Zeytinburnu and transfer to a tram to reach the Eminonu ferry or Sea Bus docks. The Havas Airport Bus connects to Taksim Square. Taxis are also available.
Back to top
Istanbul’s centre is easily covered on foot, which is also the best way to explore the rest of the city. Another fun way to tour is aboard a ferry or catamaran, cruising along the Golden Horn or up the Bosporus.
The public transport network is cheap. The metro saves you from traffic jams, but trams give you a view of the city. The bus system is comprehensive, slow, and crowded. All public transport is crowded during rush hour.
Bus tickets need to be purchased at a ticket stand before you board. For a discounted ticket, try the rechargeable Akbil electronic transit pass, available from special kiosks, which is good on local buses, trams, metro lines, and ferries.
Dolmuses (shared minibus taxis) can be hailed along their route or picked up at a stand. They are more comfortable than the metropolitan buses and cost less than taxis. When boarding, tell the driver where you are going and ask how much it will cost.
For a private yellow taxi, have the hotel call one for you. Make sure the meter is running before starting the trip.
Back to top
- Istanbul is a bustling, busy city. If you feel like a break – and want to experience the “two continents” aspect of the city – take a ferry ride along the Bosphorus River. The boat stops at points on both the European and Asian side as it makes its way to the Black Sea. It is a relaxing way of seeing many of the best architectural sites in the city.
- Despite most tourist’s beliefs, shopping doesn’t begin and end with the Grand Bazaar. Head for Bagdat Caddesi, one of the most upmarket streets in the city, for some expensive (window) shopping. The street is on the Asian side of the city. To get there from the European side, take a ferry to Kadikoy and continue on a dolmus.
- If you want a view of the city from on high, head to the Galata Tower. A huge stone circular landmark, it was the lookout in the city walls of the Genoese town of Galata. The panorama lookout at the top is open from 9am to 5pm daily, or to 7pm during the summer. It costs a few dollars. There is also a restaurant and nightclub at the top of the tower.
- Arrive thirsty – everywhere you go you will be offered tea or coffee. Though Turkish coffee, the distinctive, slightly bitter, dark blend, is better known throughout the world, in fact tea is the drink that prevails through most of the day. If you’re shopping in a bazaar or just looking, you’ll almost certainly be offered a cup of tea. Though not rude to refuse the offer, accepting (with a caveat of “I’m not going to buy anything” if necessary) is much more friendly. All tea is served in a glass cup. Especially popular with tourists is apple tea, called elma cai.
- Even if you didn’t plan to buy one, you may well leave Istanbul with a carpet packed into your suitcase. If you want to buy the traditional kilim, however, it is better to leave the city – especially the Grand Bazaar – to the rest of the tourists and head for the small nearby towns in the countryside where the carpets are made.
Back to top
