ABOUT ISTANBUL

Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city by far and has a massive population of around 13 million inhabitants.

For information on Istanbul and its history, see Wikipedia.

For a map of Istanbul tourist attractions, click HERE.

Plenty more information on Istanbul for visitors can be found at the Istanbul Tourism City Guide website.

VISIT ISTANBUL
- How to Get There

By Plane: For flight deals to Istanbul from the UK, try the Skyscanner.net website or Expedia.co.uk.

Turkish Airlines offer direct flights to Istanbul Ataturk Airport from London, Manchester and Birmingham. British Airways also fly there from London Heathrow.

Easyjet flies from London to Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen International Airport which is around 35 miles from the city centre.

ISTANBUL ATTRACTIONS
- What to See & Do

Istanbul is a huge metropolis, luckily many of its best sights are situated close together. These include the huge Haghia Sophia (Church of Holy Wisdom), the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace (former seat of the sultans), the Basilica Cistern (impressive underground building used to store water for the city), the famous Grand Bazaar (housing more than 4,000 shops!), the Egyptian (Spice) Market, the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, the Archaeological Museums plus several other Istanbul museums.

Also to be highly recommended is a ferry ride along the Bosphorous river (also a good place to escape any carpet sellers!).

Turkish food, tea and hospitality are also likely to be a highlight on your trip. Basically, Istanbul is a great city to visit, especially if you are looking for something a bit “different” and exotic.

Lonely Planet’s list of sights and attractions in Istanbul provides further details on what to see and do in Istanbul while you are there.

ISTANBUL ACCOMMODATION

ISTANBUL HOTELS:

- Booking.com: Istanbul Hotels

- LateRooms: Hotels in Istanbul

Istanbul Hostels:

- Hostelworld: Istanbul Hostels