Istanbul City Breaks

A guide to Istanbul

The teeming metropolis of Istanbul provides a colourful stepping stone between East and West, both geographically and culturally, and is sure to make for an enlightening, sensory experience for all. It has been a prominent city in the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and features stunningly evocative sites, especially in the old city quarter of Sultanahmet. Here you can find the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the iconic Blue Mosque - arguably the most famous mosque in the world. Spend a whole day strolling the winding, chaotic lanes of the old city filled with atmospheric coffee houses, street bazaars and historic hamam baths. A cruise along the mighty Bosphorus affords a fabulous view of elegant waterfront mansions and historic mosques.

Where east meets west, a fascinating history

Throughout the city are relics of Istanbul's golden age during the Ottoman period, and the skyline is punctuated by soaring minarets and lavish Sultan's palaces. Its many museums also offer a telling glimpse into the past, and the Topkapi Museum and Museum of Islamic Art in particular are both essential visits. Shopaholics the world over head to Istanbul for one simple reason - the incredible Grand Bazaar, said to be the world's oldest shopping mall. It comprises almost 5000 shops in a labyrinthine maze of walkways selling everything a shopper could possibly want including the proverbial kitchen sink! Ornate Ottoman silver, hand crafted shoes and Turkish rugs are all popular buys and spending money has never been so much fun!

Stupendous shopping and luxurious Turkish baths

With the city often offering an overpowering intensity, a trips to Istanbul can easily find sanctuary in a quintessential Turkish hamam bath. Historic baths such as the Suleymaniye date back to the 16th century, and offer luxury pampering in indulgent surroundings. Longer trips can mean escaping the breakneck speed of city living with a trip to one of the secluded Prince's Islands on the Bosphorus. Car free and carefree, these idyllic spots offer a day of tranquil sunbathing or refreshing walks in verdant woodland. It also makes the most perfect location for an unhurried family picnic in picturesque scenery.