Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar is paradise for your senses; breathe in the smells and marvel at the colours of the spices, oils, coffee, fruits, nuts of course sweet Turkish delight. This is the best spot to purchase Turkey’s traditional apple tea to bring home too.
Harriet, Original Traveller
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Luxury Istanbul City Breaks: an Overview
Visit Istanbul on a city break, a vibrant metropolis - and Europe's largest city - it combines atmosphere with great architecture and a fascinating history. The former church, now mosque, of the Aya Sofia, the beautiful Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace are just three of the sights of this often overlooked city, which for centuries was rivalled only by Rome. Istanbul's bustling and frenetic streets evoke the history of a colourful past. The city is a potent mix of East and West, blended together over the course of the last 800 years.
Harriet is here to help give you the inside track.
Why we think you’ll love it
- Istanbul is all about energy, but for some respite from the hubbub, head for the peace and quiet of the car-free Princes' Islands in the Sea of Marmara.
From the gallery
Our guide to holidays in Istanbul
Eat breakfast on a roof terrace with outstanding views across the Bosphorus Strait that separates Europe from Asia before hitting the souqs. There is no better place to shop, and no better place to put haggling skills to the test than Istanbul. Drink glasses of sweet mint tea and admire the carpets, leather goods and silverware on offer.
In the evenings, Original Travel can recommend the hottest of the hotspots in a city with a surprisingly hip and happening nightlife. Visit Istanbul and you will not be disappointed.
Original Highlight
A note on price
Turkey can be good value and you can do a fantastic 3 night Istanbul city break staying in charming small hotels for £500pp including return flights. If you’d like to experience the whole country, for a 2 week trip including guiding in Istanbul, Cappadocia and some relaxing on the beach to finish, you’re looking at £4000pp. Learn more about our pricing
Weather in January
- Average Temp. — -1°C / 30°F
- Rainfall — 4cm / 1.7 inches
Flight from London
2:15 hrs
Time Difference
GMT +2 hrs
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Top picks for Istanbul
Four Seasons Sultanahmet
Istanbul
The five-star Four Seasons is one of Istanbul's premier hotels, with a prime location in the heart of the Sultanahmet district, between the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
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Four Seasons Bosphorus
Istanbul
Housed in a 19th Century Ottoman Palace on the Bosphorus, and with unbeatable service, style and a serious wow factor, the Four Seasons Bosphorus has it all.
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Sofa Hotel
Istanbul
Another of the batch of hip boutique hotels springing up in Istanbul, this time in the trendy Nisantasi district, famous for its boutiques and galleries.
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Vault Karakoy
Istanbul
Originally built as a bank, Vault Karaköy, the House Hotel is a hip addition to the portfolio of places to stay in the up-and-coming neighbourhood of Karaköy. The hotel’s location is perfect for exploring bohemian Beyoglu, historic Sultanahmet and the Galata Port.
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Mama Shelter
Istanbul
The third addition to the burgeoning Mama Shelter brand is in downtown Istanbul and every bit as cool and as its cousin and cousine in France.
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Ciragan Palace
Istanbul
The 19th-century waterfront Ciragan Palace was once the residence of the last Ottoman Sultans and has been restored to its former glory.
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