Looking for a truly memorable holiday? Istanbul is an ideal destination. The most populous city in Turkey has been a firm fixture on world maps for a very long time indeed, with countless cultures adding their influence to it over the centuries. This transcontinental city is also where East meets West, where cultures come together for a fabulous sense of fusion. Browse our pick of package holidays in Istanbul today and find the ideal itinerary for you. It's simple to search for a flight to Istanbul from your preferred departure point and select superb accommodation for a spectacular stay. With so much to discover and enjoy here, you'll want to come back again and again. Ready to go? Delve into our selection of discount holidays and get set for a voyage of discovery.
Things to know before visiting Istanbul
Once you've found an Istanbul flight and hotel deal that catches your eye and booked your date of travel, it's time to start planning your trip in more detail. Getting familiar with a few travel tips will certainly make your time in this remarkable city all the more rewarding, ensuring you don't waste a minute in magnificent Istanbul. Catching a flight from London to Istanbul? Perhaps you're heading in aboard a flight from flight from Manchester to Istanbul. No matter where you're heading in from, almost all international arrives land at one of two airports serving Istanbul.
The largest of Istanbul's two airports is Istanbul Atatürk. This busy travel hub offers plenty in the way of facilities and amenities for passengers, with excellent transport connections ensuring hotel transfers are quick work once you land. In addition to plenty of shuttle bus and coach services to connect you to the heart of historic Istanbul and other districts, the airport boasts convenient connections to the Istanbul Metro system. Ideal if you don't want to wait around for slower bus services or waste money on taxi rides. Istanbul's other airport is Sabiha Gökçen. Although this airport lies further out than Atatürk, it's incredibly popular and handles flights from many airlines. As such, you'll find a regular supply of bus and coach services connecting it to the centre of the city and other popular regions.
In general, Istanbul's public transport system is excellent. A variety of services exist to help millions of inhabitants traverse the sprawling city. In addition to bus and rail services, Istanbul boasts funicular transport systems, as well as maritime services. Integrated electronic travel passes are available to use across these systems, ensuring you don't have to worry about handling several different ticket types when making your way around. Excited to start exploring? Browse our pick of cheap package holidays today and make your choice.
What's the weather in Istanbul?
Wondering what time of year to take advantage of our Istanbul holiday deals? You'll want to get clued up on a few specifics regarding the local climate first. Technically, Istanbul has a borderline Mediterranean climate, but the geography of this beautiful city means that defining the local climate is far from straightforward. The city lies in a transitional climate zone, with stretches of its shoreline bordering two distinct bodies of water. The northern parts of the city experience more humidity and are influenced by oceanic climate factors, while the southern regions tend to be less humid and drier.
As for temperatures, you can expect summer highs averaging out around 29 degrees Celsius. In the winter, the temperature plummets significantly, although the daily average can vary somewhat. Expect temperatures in the region of 1-4 degrees Celsius when you visit in the depths of winter. If you're looking for flight and hotel deals for spring and autumn dates, you can look forward to generally mild temperatures. No matter what time of year you pencil in your travel plans, it's easy to find a great value holiday package online with us.
What to do in Istanbul?
An Istanbul holiday need never be boring. There's plenty of things to keep you occupied in this city no matter how long your stay. Book one of our low-cost holidays to this spectacular city and keep yourself entertained with a host of activities and experiences.
Family Fun: There's plenty to do with the kids in Istanbul. Head to popular family-friendly destinations including Legoland, Istanbul Aquarium or Miniaturk, the world's biggest miniature model park.
Romantic Adventures: Heading away with the other half? The Princes' Islands provide the perfect destination for romantic getaways.
Culture Vultures: As one of the most historic cities in the world, you're not short of cultural attractions in Istanbul. Explore magnificent museums and exhibits, celebrate alongside the locals at festivals, or enjoy live music and dance performances.
Eager to start exploring what's on offer in Istanbul? Search available discount holidays now and make your booking.
What to see in Istanbul?
As one of the longest-standing settlements in the world, there's a huge list of landmarks and monuments to enjoy in Istanbul. Feast your eyes upon inspiring architecture at every turn, whether it's the Byzantine basilica of the Hagia Sophia, the Bosporus Palace, or the historic Tpokapi Palace from the Ottoman era. Even a simple side street is a spectacular sight here, with great swaths of the city centre classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Compare holidays online today, book your trip and start drafting up your list of must-see sights.
What to eat in Istanbul?
With the money you'll save on our Istanbul package holidays, you'll have plenty of spending money left over to spoil yourself when you arrive. One way to do that is to delve into the local cuisine. As with almost every other aspect of the city, Istanbul's food culture is decidedly diverse. Expect traditional Turkish staples like mouth-watering mezes and appetisers, alongside with beautifully tender roasted meats and first class kebabs. As a contemporary cosmopolitan centre, you'll also find plenty in the way of fine dining establishments and international menus, so every appetite is accommodated. Take your pick from our flight and hotel deals and get set for an incredible dining experience.
Discover alternative travel destinations
If a getaway in Istanbul doesn't quite captivate you, why not venture into other vibrant cities? Explore our incredible flight and hotel bundles for your upcoming holiday escapade!