City Breaks & Travel Deals To Istanbul, Europe
Istanbul is truly one of Europe's most fascinating cities, and its location plays a major part in its appeal. Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a fascinating blend of European style and glamour with Asian influences. The clash between western values and conservative Islamic opinion causes occasionally problems in this strongly secular country, but a city break in Istanbul will prove rewarding and relaxing. Visitors to Istanbul can sample the best of both worlds to their hearts content, with beautiful Islamic architecture and mosques and tasty Turkish food mixed with some great clubs, modern fashion and top European restaurants. Travelers can sit with a glass of wine while the Muslim call to prayer echoes off old buildings, or party the night away with trendy locals. For those wanting to experience a bit of the Middle East with all the comforts of Europe, then Istanbul is the place to go!
There is plenty to see and do during city breaks in Istanbul, and a weekend may not be enough time to explore all that this metropolis has to offer. The first stop for many is the wonderful Blue Mosque, an international symbol of beautiful Islamic architecture and a popular hang out place for locals. Facing this in a dramatic show of defiance is the Byzantine era Hagia Sofia, a former cathedral which was converted into a mosque and now houses some interesting Christian and Muslim art works. Nearby, there are the interesting underground cisterns and the fabulous Topkapi Palace with its museums filled with local finds, Islamic art and gifts from the world's political and religious elite. There, tourists will see some fabulous views over the Bosphorous in the cool shade of the buildings. The huge Bazaar is also worth a visit - it is there that visitors can pick up any number of bargains!
Accommodation wise, Istanbul is a sheer delight. Whether voyagers are on a budget or flashing the cash, there is something for everyone. For the rich and famous planning breaks to Istanbul, there is the Swissotel Bosphorous with its stunning views over the Bosphorous, or the Radisson Blu Hotel with its equally superb views. There is also the Crown Plaza Hotel in the old part of town, and the Renaissance Polat that is a great 5-star business hotel. Those on a more modest vacation budget can stay in any of the great 3-star hotels in the city, such as the Taksim Star Hotel or the Hotel Polatdemir, as well as the Erboy Hotel offering great views. Finally, those who are short of cash can check out the Villa Blanche Hotel or the Tum Hotel with private bathrooms, or indeed the History Hotel and the Beyaz Kugu Hotel, both of which offer charm and great facilities, as does the Newport Hotel.
A boat trip down the Bosphorous should be one of the first things tourists do on their vacation in Istanbul. Many organized cruises offer lunch and onboard entertainment, and stop at a number of charming villages and towns along the waters edge. A walk around Sultanahmet will yield some excellent photo opportunities, followed by a relaxing few hours in a local hamaam (Turkish bath). In the evening, guests are advised to head to the bars in Taksim or Sultanhamet for some shisha, tea or something stronger. Finally, spending a day shopping in the Great Bazaar and picking up some great items such as rugs, ceramics, tea and jewelry is highly recommended. Guests of the city should make sure they sample local doner when in Istanbul, and soak up the atmosphere at the Blue Mosque on the benches outside. There, they can buy corn on the cob and tea from a man with a big teapot for next to nothing- what a great experience!
Vacation Packages To Hotels In Istanbul
Hotels In Istanbul
Book accommodation for a city break in the best-rated hotels in Istanbul! Top features of city breaks in Istanbul: best choice of hotels, best price guarantee, hot travel deals, instant confirmation, hotel reviews & more!
Vacation Packages To Istanbul
Book vacation packages to Istanbul! Top features of travel deals to Istanbul: best choice of hotels, best price guarantee, round trip airfare included, car rentals & more!
Istanbul Tours & Vacation Activities
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Istanbul Airplane Tickets
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Map of Istanbul
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