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Istanbul
Istanbul

Between East and West, a cosmopolitan journey

Istanbul in short

Straddling two continents, Istanbul is a sprawling, cosmopolitan city, a vital trading centre since the days when it was called Byzantium. Governed by Greeks, Romans, Venetians and then Ottomans, the city mixes the ancient, the historic and the modern as easily as different cultures and religions.

Istanbul easily integrates and merges its past and present to create a unique blend of architecture: a glass skyscraper next to a Byzantine church or a colourful bazaar in the shadow of a shopping centre.

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The Bosphorus, a narrow strait, cuts the city in two and connects the Sea of Marmara in the south with the Black Sea in the north. From the blue waters, a skyline of domes, bell towers and modern towers emerges.

The thousand and one districts each have their own surprises. Overall, the landscape is adorned with places of worship such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, but also with a beautiful contemporary fashion scene that sets the tone for much of the Middle East and North Africa. The labyrinthine streets invite travellers to sip a good Turkish coffee, get lost in the Grand Bazaar, the spice market or simply watch the world go by.

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This city, where Europe and Asia meet, fascinates by its history, culture and architecture, which were created during the reign of the Ottoman Empire. Istanbul is divided into several districts, each with its own personality, identity, history and culture.

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Here are some of the most popular areas:

  • Sultanahmet: the historic centre, this district is full of monumental sites such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace. 

  • Galata: famous for its Galata Tower, this district immerses travellers in Turkish culture through iconic traditions such as the whirling dervishes. Located on a steep hill just north of the Golden Horn, the stone Galata Tower overlooks the entire city. Built in 1348 by the Genoese, its upper balcony offers an excellent view of the old city. The upper sections have a restaurant and a nightclub, accessible by lift.

Nearby Istiklal Avenue is bustling and lined with 19th-century buildings that house a hodgepodge of international shops, bookstores and chic boutiques featuring Turkish art, as well as synagogues, churches and mosques.

© Boris Stroujko / Shutterstock
  • Kadikoy: a trendy district built in the ancient ruins of Istanbul, perfect for discovering modern Turkish culture. 
  • Arnavutköy: if there's one place to party, this is it. Its nightlife is known for its many upscale venues, nightclubs and quirky bars. In addition to being a very festive area, Arnavutköy is also known for its quality seafood restaurants.
  • Balat: a beautiful district known for its colourful buildings. Historically, it was the Greek Orthodox and Armenian quarter of Istanbul and today you can see many historic houses and churches.
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How to get there?

The easiest way to get to Istanbul from the UK is by plane. Direct flights run from London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh. Connecting flights are available from other airports too. The flight time is approximately 4hours, although varies according to route.

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Where to stay?

Like most major cities, Istanbul has a variety of places to stay. If you're hoping to save money on accommodation, there are some fantastic hostels and budget hotels to visit. The city also has many luxury hotels that are well worth the price.

Practical information

Documents and visa

If you are visiting Turkey, your passport should be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive and there should be a full blank page for the entry and exit stamps. British Citizens travelling to Turkey for tourist or business purposes are able to travel without a visa for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you plan to remain in Turkey for a period of more than 90 days, you should either apply for a longer stay visa before you travel, or get a residence permit from the local authorities in Turkey before your 90 day stay has elapsed.

Money

The unit of currency in Turkey is the Turkish lira (TL). You can exchange currency locally at exchange offices, banks and hotels. All international credit cards are accepted. ATMs are available in major cities and at tourist sites (due to ongoing inflation, it is best to withdraw money as and when you need it). Banks are open Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 5pm. Some shops accept euros, especially in large cities and tourist areas.

Getting around Istanbul

The best ways to get around Istanbul are by bus and tram, which cover the tourist areas. But on buses, drivers don't announce stops, so you'll need to be vigilant and watch where you're going. The metro is also a cheap and reliable way to travel, although the stops are further apart. The metro and bus networks can also be used to get to the city centre from Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST).

Driving is possible provided you have a good GPS as the road signs are in Turkish.

Health

Up-to-date diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccination is necessary. It is also advisable to be vaccinated against typhoid and hepatitis A and B. Avoid drinking tap water.

Best time

The best time to visit Turkey depends on what you want to do. April, May, September and October are pleasantly warm, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. These are therefore generally the best times to visit the wide range of historical sites.
The summer months (June to September) are very hot, with temperatures reaching over 30°C. This is perfect for lounging by the sea or swimming in the pool.
The weather starts to cool down in October. However, despite the cool temperatures, these winter months are nice for exploring the almost empty sites.

Safety

Istanbul, like any other city, has both very safe areas and parts to avoid, especially at night.
You are generally safe in any tourist area including Sultanahmet, Fatih, Kadikoy, Besiktas, Ortakoy. The Taksim district is not dangerous per se, but it is a very busy area with many winding alleys, and it is also where the city's main nightlife is located.
Stay alert and don't walk alone at night.

lightbulb_outline Editor's tip

With over 4,000 shops, the Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. To find your way around the maze, download the Grand Bazaar Istanbul app. It will show you the location of shops and restaurants.

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