Travel to Istanbul

It's nice to just wander the streets when you're in a new destination, but sometimes it's sensible to have an agenda. Grab your travel programme — we have plenty of awesome ideas for your upcoming Istanbul holiday.

With such a great line up of world-famous attractions in the one place, you certainly won't be idle in Istanbul! First things first, make sure you snap some selfies out the front of the Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome. After you've ticked those off, you'll still have the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace to visit!

With tourist attractions such as Galata Tower and Dolmabahce Palace, there will never be a boring moment in this bustling metropolis. After you've finished looking around those, continue in the direction of Spice Bazaar and Taksim Square.

The link to ancient history is strong at Basilica Cistern. Make a booking now and discover the evidence of specialized archaeological study. Visitors in this destination have heaps of options. Are you eager to know more about some of the local cultural and religious traditions? Attend prayer with devoted worshipers at Suleymaniye Mosque and enjoy a look into the Islamic faith. Still have some time on your hands? Wouldn't mind adding some greater meaning to your travels? Go on a pilgrimage to Chora Church. No matter your beliefs, it's an excellent place to observe and find out about the local faith.

Reclining on a beach doing not much at all is all well and good, but there's nothing like throwing yourself into amazing new experiences on your getaway!

This place has plenty of activities. Here are some ideas to kick off your trip to Istanbul:

• Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Private Tour
• Istanbul Welcome Card - Deluxe
• Skip-the-Line Istanbul’s Private Mosques & Museums Tour
• Combo Saver: Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus Cruise & Turkish Night with Dinner
• Istanbul Princes' Islands Tour - Burgazada & Buyukada
• Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise and Black Sea Tour with Lunch

Jump onto our Istanbul things to do page for a comprehensive list.

Wrap up your day of activities with a nice comfy bed and a snuggly pillow. Peruse the 1,245 accommodation in Istanbul on offer via Expedia and choose one for your cheap holiday or luxury getaway.

It's not every week you get to go away, so why not treat yourself to a few nights in a posh room at the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus (Ciragan Cad. No. 28) or the Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul (Sinanpasa Mah, Hayrettin Iskelesi Sok)? With five-star service and top-level amenities, you're bound to feel like a rock star! If travelling on a shoestring's more your style, you (and your bank account) might like the Park Hyatt Istanbul Macka Palas - Boutique Class (Tesvikiye, Bronz Sokak No. 4 Sisli), or the Lion Hotel (Lamartin Caddesi No:41 Taksim).

While you're exploring Istanbul, you'll want to experience the Hagia Sophia. The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet is approximately 0.1 miles away, and the GLK PREMIER Acropol Suites & Spa is 0.2 miles away.

No traveller likes hanging out at the airport. But it's a small price to pay when you remember the holiday that's in store! Based 8 miles west of Istanbul, Ataturk International Airport (IST) is the most convenient terminal.