Flights to Istanbul from €172.79

The exotic Constantinople – a chest full of adventure and mystery

Former capital of Turkey resembles a ceramic bowl, decorated with eastern and western cultural motifs. Although Ankara is the new capital city, Istanbul still retains many artefacts of governance. However, the city beckons millions of tourists with more than impressive history – also delightful are vast open spaces, wafting aromas of spices, exotic dishes, and hospitality of Turkish people.

How to travel?

Cheap flights to Istanbul reach their finish in two international airports. Ataturk Airport is located 24 kilometres away from the city centre, while Sabiha Gokcen Airport is at a 35 kilometres distance from the centre. You can go from both airports to the city using buses, trams, or metro trains.

Istanbul also offers travel by shared taxis, called dolmuses. Another possibility is renting a car. We recommend trying different types of public transportation, as the tickets are not pricy.

What to taste?

Turkey is not unlike a big puzzle of exquisite food. Istanbul offers all the best from everywhere around the country. Even simple black Turkish tea unfolds in different subtle nuances of flavour, and one could easily write an ode for Turkish coffee. While visiting, definitely try some wonderfully sweet baklava. We also recommend indulging in some halva, roasted chestnuts, figs in syrup, sweet pudding, and jelly confections.

You should also taste the real Turkish kebabs. If it’s not your cup of tea, why not try some other meat dishes, like pilaf with beef. You will also not be disappointed in grilled Turkish fish and bread sandwiches, stuffed clams, and potatoes.

What to see?

Charming beauty of Istanbul was moulded by Greeks, Romans, and Turks themselves. It’s worth to see it with your own eyes, how perfectly these different cultures manage to complement each other. You can learn more about local history in the Archaeological and Military Museums of Istanbul, as well as the Handicraft Centre. Turkish arts can be viewed in the Great Palace Mosaic, and Ceramics Museums, as well as the Topkapı Palace.

Turkish culture is best observed and understood in marketplaces. Especially interesting are the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul’s Antique, and Spice Markets. If you’re on the lookout for some peace and calm, try visiting the Cistern of Philoxenos, which is a subterranean reservoir of 1001 columns, or the Basillica Cistern, the Hagia Sophia church; and definitely visit Suleymaniye Mosque and Blue Mosque.

What to do?

While staying at Istanbul, indulge in the pleasures of Turkish baths (hamams). Just off the coast of Istanbul, there are the Prince Islands, and here you can enjoy different kinds of water entertainment. The Bosphorus is interesting to explore during trips on tourist boats, as well as on sailing ships. The old capital of Turkey will definitely not appear as lacking of entertainment. If you wish to see all the bright colours of the world, do not hesitate – the magical Istanbul will gift you with an unforgettable collage of impressions and memories.