When To Go

Spring and autumn offer the mildest days, and have the clearest weather. You can witness the city and its people at its most natural at this time, away from the damp winters and crowded summers. Summer temperatures regularly top 30C, and many of the best attractions are open all year round too.

Top 5 Places To Stay

• Sultanhan Hotel

  This five-floor hotel features 40 guestrooms, all of which have Ottoman-style decor with patterned fabrics and chestnut furnishings. All are equipped with internet connections, satellite television and minibars, and the hotel is roughly 300m from the Blue Mosque.

• Romance Hotel

  A modern six-floor hotel located in the historical district, guestrooms at The Romance Hotel are defined by their simple decor and Turkish artefacts. Guests can relax with a drink at the bar and then sample Mediterranean dishes in the relaxed, modern restaurant.

• Lush Hotel

  Housed in a 19th-century building, this boutique hotel is located in the Beyoglu district, 200m from Taksim Square and 25km from the airport. All 21 rooms have wooden floors, L’Occitane toiletries and down-filled duvets.

• Best Western Citadel Hotel

  This hotel is housed in a traditional Turkish building with Ottoman touches situated in central Istanbul, 800m from the beautiful Blue Mosque. Air-conditioned guestrooms have traditional style decor and dark wood furnishings including desks and all have satellite television and minibars.

• Hippodrome

  Sited overlooking the Marmara Sea in Istanbul’s old town, this modern hotel is located 500m from Hagia Sofia and Topkapi Palace, and five-kilometres from the Grand Bazaar. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served each morning on the restaurant’s open-air terrace, and the 22 air-conditioned guestrooms and apartments are furnished in traditional Ottoman style.

Top 5 Things To Do On Your Visit

• Ayasofya

  Commissioned in the 6th Century, the former Byzantine cathedral is Istanbul’s most predominant feature. Ayasofya was the world’s largest enclosed space for several centuries, and today visitors can witness the impressive building in all its intended glory.

• Tokapi Palace

  In the heart of the Sultanahmet district, this 15th Century palace was the centre of the Ottoman Empire for nearly four centuries. The sprawling estate has several large buildings, all arranged around a stunning set of courtyards.

• Museum of the Ancient Orient

  Close to Tokapi Palace, the Ancient Orient is a museum of manageable size. Notable for its collections of Egyptian, Mesioitamian and Anatolin relics, it is also great value.

• Blue Mosque

  Named after the 20,000 tiles that make the building so distinguishable, the Blue Mosque is steeped in history. The lavish dome is also in close proximity of the Tomb of Sultan Ahmet, which is also resplendent in the Mosque’s tiles.

• Galata Tower

  Offering panoramic views of Istanbul, Galata Tower is the best place to take in the size and interesting layout of the city. With lifts up to the viewing galleries, it’s also extremely easy to see what all the fuss is about!