Istanbul
Ottoman treasures, boutiques and vibrant nightlife
Take flights to Istanbul for soaring minarets, Byzantine churches and meze in rooftop restaurants.
Things to do
On your Istanbul holiday, walk across Galata Bridge past fishermen casting off into the Bosphorus. Look up to see the pigeons flocking above the elegant minarets of Yeni Camii mosque which dominate Istanbul’s Old City skyline.
Shopping
At the labyrinthine medieval Grand Bazaar, where arched alleys are packed with dazzling stalls, join the crowds and haggle for your inlaid backgammon set, made from wood, brass and translucent mother-of-pearl. It makes a great souvenir from your Istanbul city break.
Restaurants
Feast on freshly grilled fish with aniseed drink raki at traditional meyhane taverns on crowded Nevizade street. Local musicians entertain you at your table, with traditional music on violin and the reedy zurna.
Nightlife
Cool evening breezes and laid-back local DJs make the city’s rooftop bars the perfect place to relax after your flights to Istanbul. With a cocktail in hand, gaze out over the twinkling lights of the boats on the ink-black Bosphorus.
When to go
KLM has frequent flights to Istanbul. Choose your city break to catch top events, like June’s International Istanbul Jazz Festival, or the arty Contemporary Istanbul in October.
Upcoming events
- Eurasia Boatshow10 - 19 Feb 2012 (annual)
- Millionaire FairMar 2012 (annual)
- Show all events
Things to do
SpotlightArchaeology Museum
The Archaeology Museum boasts a vast collection divided between three buildings in the grounds of Topkapi Palace in Sultanahmet. Exhibits More about this item
More things to doShopping
SpotlightBahar Korcan
Renowned Istanbul fashion designer Bahar Korcan mixes lace, applique, soft wools and delicate silks in her boutique. She favours More about this item
More shoppingRestaurants
Spotlight360Istanbul
Beyoglu's 360Istanbul makes the most of its top-floor uninterrupted panorama and attracts a mixture of high-society, casual and trendy diners. More about this item
More restaurants
