Step back in time at Sultanahmet, where Istanbul's most spectacular treasures stand within steps of each other. The striking Blue Mosque and magnificent Hagia Sophia face one another across a bustling square. Topkapi Palace reveals opulent Ottoman history while the ancient Basilica Cistern offers cool refuge underground. The area pulses with Turkish culture through aromatic food stalls and traditional tea gardens. Grand Bazaar and Arasta Bazaar tempt shoppers with carpets, ceramics, and spices. Cobblestone streets wind between historic sites, creating a living museum where Byzantine and Ottoman heritage thrives.
Beyoğlu pulses with Istanbul's multicultural soul, where centuries of history meet modern energy. Ottoman architecture stands proudly alongside trendy cafes on bustling İstiklal Avenue. The medieval Galata Tower offers panoramic city views that capture both European and Asian shores. Wander cobblestone lanes to discover hidden meyhanes serving traditional meze and rakı. Vintage trams rattle past art galleries, theatres, and street musicians. The historic Tünel funicular connects you to the waterfront, where the majestic Bosphorus awaits just steps away.
Istanbul's Kadıköy area buzzes with authentic Turkish life on the city's Asian side. Wander the famous fish market for fresh catches and colourful spices. Bahariye Street's pedestrian zone invites you with cosy bookshops and lively cafés. Ferries whisk you across the Bosphorus to European Istanbul in just 20 minutes. Relax in seaside Moda Park or catch a performance at the ornate Süreyya Opera House. The vibrant mix of traditional markets and trendy eateries offers something for every curious traveller.
Nişantaşı offers Istanbul's most sophisticated shopping experience with elegant 19th-century European architecture. Luxury boutiques line Abdi Ipekci Street, while stylish art galleries showcase contemporary Turkish design. The area buzzes with fashionable locals sipping Turkish coffee at upscale cafés. Catch stunning city views from nearby Maçka Park when you need a break from shopping. The convenient cable car stations make exploring other parts of Istanbul simple. Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre hosts cultural performances that attract a cosmopolitan crowd year-round.
Şişli blends upscale shopping with corporate energy in one of Istanbul's prime business districts. Gleaming office towers stand alongside luxury boutiques in fashionable Nişantaşı and massive Cevahir Mall. Cultural landmarks like the Atatürk Museum and St. Esprit Cathedral add historical depth. The area offers excellent connectivity through multiple metro stations and frequent bus routes. Refined dining options range from international cuisine to elegant Turkish fare. Business travellers appreciate the high-end hotels and serviced apartments, while shoppers enjoy designer stores and premium Turkish brands throughout this sophisticated urban centre.
Why should I book my Istanbul holiday with Expedia?
With great-value flights, car hire and accommodation options all in the same place, Expedia makes arranging your Istanbul adventure easy. Moreover, we can help you bundle your bookings into a package holiday so you can save even more. Pick from fabulous properties, add your flights and/or a car hire (and maybe also some exciting activities!) and get unbeatable prices. Need to cancel? Expedia offers a flexible cancellation policy for many reservations. To find out more, visit our Customer Service Portal link.
When is the best time of year to holiday in Istanbul?
Into sightseeing but don't like huge crowds? Lock in your Istanbul trip for November, December and January. Typically, it's much quieter than in May, August and September. Organise your getaway to Istanbul based on what type of holiday you want. January is the coolest time of year, when average daytime temperatures are 7ºC. In July, the warmest period, you can expect averages of 25ºC during the day.
What are the top hotels for my holiday in Istanbul?
Our Istanbul holidays promise plenty of savings for the savvy explorer. For the best deal, simply bundle your flights, hotels and activities. But impressive bargains are just the beginning of your next unforgettable adventure. When you book with Expedia, and you'll have over 400 airlines and 321,000 hotel options around the world to choose from. No matter your style, there's a holiday here to suit you. Learn more about how you can save money on your holiday when you bundle your flight and hotel bookings with Expedia.
What should I do on my Istanbul holiday?
Offering must-see tourist attractions like Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, a holiday in Istanbul is full of exciting things to see and do. Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern are a couple of other sights also worth exploring.
What are the best neighbourhoods to stay in when on holiday in Istanbul?
For many, Sariyer is the top pick. Home to big attractions like Rumeli Hisari, this area is a wonderful introduction to Istanbul. Of course, spending your nights in Beylerbeyi is also tempting. Beylerbeyi Palace is one must-see to tick off here.
Do I need a visa for my Istanbul holiday?
Research the latest information on official government websites. Your nationality and whether you're travelling for work or pleasure will determine if you need a visa for Istanbul. Familiarise yourself with the application process, including any required documentation, fees and turnaround times. Submit your application well in advance to allow enough time for processing. Some visas can take weeks or even months to obtain, depending on the country and time of year.
What should I wear on my Istanbul holiday?
Do some research into the types of clothing people in Istanbul wear, and consider browsing social media fashion pages for inspiration. Try to create a versatile wardrobe filled with pieces that suit your destination and showcase your unique style. Pack your bags with confidence by looking up the local weather conditions in Istanbul. July brings the warmest temperatures, with daily averages of 25ºC, while January days average 7ºC, making it the coolest time of year.
What does an Expedia Istanbul holiday include?
Hotels, flights and car hires, or any combination of the three — it's your pick! Whether you're exploring Istanbul on a family road trip or travelling by yourself, there's a package to suit your style and budget. Once you've made your booking, why not add on some tours and experiences? Discover an excellent range of property types and choose one that fits your travel needs. The most in-demand rentals here are apartments and hotels. With Expedia, it's a breeze to tailor-make your Istanbul retreat however you like.
Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Istanbul holidays?
Your bank balance shouldn't stop you from escaping on holiday, so Expedia has devised a solution to help. Now that we've partnered with online lender Klarna, it's easier than ever to book your dream getaway without making a dent in your savings. Klarna offers flexible payment options during the checkout process that take the stress out of budgeting for your trip. Check out these flexible payment options:
Pay monthly holidays: Klarna offers manageable monthly payment plans that work for all budget sizes, so you can escape on that well-deserved holiday sooner.
No-deposit holidays: If not paying ahead of time for your getaway makes clicking that "book now" button easier, choose a no-deposit holiday plan with Klarna so you can Book Now, Pay Later!
Can I choose my airline with an Istanbul Expedia holiday?
Most definitely. Expedia has more than 400 partner airlines to select from around the world. With such a big range of choices, finding the perfect carrier to get you to Istanbul will be easy.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.