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Turkey

Istanbul holidays

The only major city to straddle two continents, few places come as steeped in history as Istanbul. Once the seat of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and with a skyline studded with many domes and minarets, this vast metropolis is today home to 16 million people. More popular with visitors, the European side of Istanbul breaks down broadly into two sections. The old city of Sultanahmet is heaving with historic sights, while the more modern areas of Karakoy (Galata) and Beyoglu are packed to the gills with art galleries, cool restaurants, swanky bars and ritzy shops.

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One city, two continents

Wander around the many atmospheric shops and stalls of the Grand Bazaar, then be wowed by the beautiful Blue Mosque with its intricate interiors lined with bright blue Iznik tiles.

Feast on some good value, delicious grilled spicy meatballs at Tarihi Sultanahmet Koftecisi and enjoy a nightcap at the rooftop bar of the Arcadia Blue Hotel with sparkling views across the old city, the Sea of Marmara and towards Asia.

Call in at the Panorama 1453 History Museum to learn about the Turks’ victorious siege and capture of the city. Stroll past the late-Byzantine Palace of the Porphyrogenitus down to Ayvansaray Pier on the shores of the Golden Horn and jump on a ferry bound for the iconic Galata Bridge. Book your flights to Istanbul today and dive into this enticing medley of east meets west.

Carefully selected Istanbul city breaks

Best hotels in Istanbul for all types of traveller

We have a great selection of Istanbul hotels to pick from. The Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton is a luxury 5-star property in the heart of the old city with a spa and an indoor pool. The Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus is five minutes from the Bosphorus and features a 24-hour health club with Turkish hammam, two swimming pools, a separate children’s pool, and covered and open-air clay tennis courts. The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul, which overlooks the Bosphorus, has a spa with couples hammam suite, indoor pool and open air terrace with modern Jacuzzis.

 

     

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Istanbul holiday FAQs

1. Roam the Grand Bazaar. One of the world’s largest covered markets, it was built in the 15th Century and comprises over 4,000 shops spread across some 61 streets. Shop for jewellery, Turkish carpets, scarves, lanterns, towels, kaftans, handbags, Iznik tiles, Turkish delight and much more. Here bargaining is practically mandatory, and you may come home with an item discounted by around 10-20% of the asking price. Get scrubbed down in the Ceberlitas Hammam and sample some tempting street food while you’re in the area.

2. The Topkapi Palace was the court of the Ottoman Empire for four centuries, so presides over more than its fair share of intrigue. Tour the palace’s opulent pavilions, courtyards and kitchens, leaving plenty of time to explore the sprawling harem complex for a fascinating insight into imperial life.

3. Over its near 1,500-year lifetime the monumental Hagia Sophia has been a Christian church, a mosque, a museum and a mosque again. Marvel at this architectural wonder complete with history’s first pendentive dome, its many glittering gold mosaics and its lavish fusion of western and Islamic design.

4. Discover the Istanbul Archaeology Museums. This vast complex comprises three museums packed with over one million items representing most eras of the region. Treasures include the Alexander sarcophagus, statues from the Temple of Zeus, a tablet containing the oldest known laws and a stunning pavilion known as the Tiled Kiosk.

5. The Galata Bridge is a 490-metre-long drawbridge spanning the Golden Horn and uniting old Istanbul with the more modern part of the city. Completed in 1994, the bridge is just the latest in a series of structures on the site, with previous designs by the likes of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci being rejected. Today it’s lined with cafes, bars and restaurants and is a popular spot to watch the fishing boats come and go.

  • If you’re looking for 5-star luxury then we have a number of options for you. The Bank Hotel Istanbul is an exclusive Mr & Mrs Smith-recommended hotel set in a former bank building with an elegant spa and even its own in-house art curator. The CVK Park Istanbul Bosphorus near Taksim Square offers an extensive spa and a large roof terrace with a view of the Bosphorus. At the Hyatt Regency Istanbul Atakoy most rooms offer spectacular views of the Marmara Sea.
  • Perhaps you’d prefer a boutique hotel. The Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton features rooms in individual mansions complete with deep soaking tubs and separate Turkish bath showers. Alternatively, try the Enderun Hotel Istanbul set in a former 19th Century schoolhouse with its Turkish bath, sauna and Jacuzzi. The Six Senses Kocatas Mansions occupies two waterfront mansions in the former home of the Minister for Justice, complete with Belle Epoque furnishings. The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul has a restaurant set in a glass pavilion that forms the focal point of the lush courtyard garden.
  • Are you searching for a budget break in Istanbul? We have the following cheap hotels. The Sultan House has a panoramic, open-air terrace facing the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The Orka Royal Hotel & Spa offers a splendid spa and wellness centre with indoor pool. The Best Nobel Hotel Istanbul in Sultanahmet offers a restaurant, bar and 24-hour room service. The Sokullu Pasa Hotel has an attractive garden terrace and traditionally furnished rooms.
  • Nisantasi is a glamorous, upscale, largely secular neighbourhood just one metro stop from the central Taksim Square. Istanbul’s answer to Chelsea is packed with swish cafes, restaurants and designer shops. Shop on Abdi Ipekci for premium brands such as Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, visit the historic Tesvikiye Mosque and admire the many handsome art nouveau buildings in the area.
  • Sultanahmet is the oldest part of the city. The former imperial capital has a high concentration of historic landmarks including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Walk the ancient city walls, wander around the markets and bazaars, explore the subterranean depths of the Basilica Cistern, steam clean yourself in a traditional hammam and grab a rooftop drink.
  • The Bosphorus Strait, the iconic waterway separating Europe and Asia, is dotted with bays, grand maritime mansions and imposing fortresses. Take a daytime ferry for photo opportunities or a cosy night time cruise with live entertainment, and learn about the many stories surrounding the Maiden’s Tower. Scale the Galata Tower for views of the Bosphorus and across the Golden Horn to the majestic Suleymaniye Mosque.

Why choose British Airways Holidays?

The British Airways experience is more than a flight.

We’re one of the UK’s largest holiday companies offering carefully chosen hotels, resorts and villas in the most amazing places, and car hire with no hidden extras. Our access to the extensive British Airways global network and oneworld® alliance puts us in a unique position to create holiday packages with convenient flights across the globe. From start to finish consider your holiday taken care of.

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Terms and conditions

  • Flight only prices are updated every 24 hours and are accurate when published. Flights at these prices are limited and may sell out quickly.
  • Package holiday prices (flight + hotel or flight + car) prices are updated every 24 to 48 hours and are accurate when published and may vary upon reaching subsequent pages. Availability may be extremely limited particularly during peak periods.
  • Return fares displayed are the lowest adult return prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges, based on a 7-day return journey.
  • Each–way fares displayed are the lowest adult each-way prices in the cabin specified based on the lowest adult return prices for a 7 day travel period, including all taxes, fees and carrier charges available in this period.
  • One-way fares displayed are the lowest adult prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges available in this period.
  • Package holiday prices (flight + hotel and flight + car) shown are in GBP per person based on 2 adults sharing one room or one car and prices include taxes, fees and carrier charges unless otherwise specified. Flight + car prices based on drivers aged 30-70 years.
  • Additional charges will be applied for payments made using a corporate credit card.
  • Advertised fares are available on ba.com. Additional charges may apply if purchased through British Airways outlets or travel agents.
  • Combine and save on Holidays: Guaranteed savings are only available when booking a Flight + Hotel or Flight + Car booking including one land product, it does not apply to a ‘Customise your trip’ holiday including more than one hotel and / or car.
  • Package holidays are protected under British Airways Holidays Ltd by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 5985.
  • Standard British Airways terms and conditions apply