Eyes wide in Istanbul
You have to have the rug.
You've haggled, admired its craftsmanship, haggled again and wondered if all weekend breaks in Istanbul involve this level of commitment. The stall owner smiles sweetly at you and pours another glass of apple tea - how can you leave? But will you accept his price?
In the Grand Bazaar, traders call out every language under the sun, or sit playing backgammon and drinking coffee. A short, lively ferry ride away lie Istanbul's local markets. Bargains cram the Tuesday market in Kadıköy, in the shape of local delicacies, jewellery and clothes.
Istanbul is a place to open your eyes wider, listen and breathe in the atmosphere. The sparkle of the Bosphorus and the scent of textiles and tobacco fill the city. Sitting outside, admiring the Blue Mosque, your ears hum with the sound of the muezzin calling the faithful to prayer.
Summer weekend breaks in Istanbul can be extremely hot. The Basilica Cistern provides a cool haven, if you arrive early enough. Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring is piped out to provide the soundtrack for this vast underground space, as huge moss-covered Medusa's heads keep an eye on proceedings.
Whether you ride a restored 1920s tram or wonder at the winged lions in the Mosaic Museum, Istanbul is humming with possibilities. The city may have had many names in the past, but it resonates with a vibrant sense of identity today. The Turkish goodbye "Gule, gule" means "go smiling", and you will.
Escape
the heat of summer, and follow the Istanbullus heading to the northern suburb of Kilyos. Flop on the beach during the day (swim carefully to avoid the undertow), and party away the evening in the nightclubs, where famous dance DJs often headline.
Ride
a boat down the Bosphorus at night. Head to Bebek to charter a vessel and gaze at the luminous city lit up from the water. The budget option is to catch a ferry from Eminönü to Uskudar - not as comfortable but it takes in the same view.
Save
on transport with an AKBIL, which you can buy from the main bus terminals (e.g. Taksim or Eminönü) and use on any public transport. If you're spending more than a few days in Istanbul, you can top up the pass and travel where you like.
Sarah, PA, EdinburghI wasn't convinced I'd enjoy smoking a nargile [water pipe], but after an hour sitting drinking tea, relaxing on a sofa, watching the locals, I gave it a go. Guess what? I was back the next night!
Quick search
Weekend breaks in Istanbul
Hotels in Istanbul
Sightseeing and tours
Istanbul life
Taxi from airport to city centre
24 TRY (£8.50)
Turkish coffee in the Grand Bazaar
1.5 TRY (50p)
Entry to Sultanahmet mosque
free
Tourist visas to Turkey
No - Nationals of Japan, New Zealand, France, Germany, Denmark, Greece, Finland, Sweden, Czech Republic
Yes - Nationals of UK, Australia, Canada, other EU (on entry)
Nationals of South Africa, India, Slovenia (in advance)
Guide only - always check with embassies before travel
Travel to Istanbul
Flights to Istanbul
| from | duration |
|---|---|
| London | 3h40 |
| Manchester | 5h45* |
| Edinburgh | 5h45* |
*average, including 1 stop
Airports
Atatürk International (IST)
24km to Istanbul
Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)
30km to Istanbul
All figures approximate
Average daily highs °C