Visit Istanbul for a cheap city break under £210pp with four-hour flights and 25C temperatures
KNOWN as the meeting point between Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a hidden gem when it comes to city breaks.
Only four hours from the UK, the Turkish city is famous for its landmarks, rich history, cuisine and cheap deals.
Thanks to its relatively short flights, Istanbul can also be appreciated in a weekend.
In terms of pricing, Istanbul outshines most European cities. While accommodation prices vary based on the neighbourhood and board basis, the prices are very affordable compared to more popular spots.
Istanbul has a Mediterranean climate, with moderate springs and autumns, scorching summers, and chilly winters.
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit since the weather is nice enough (around 25C) to walk around without being too hot while visiting the city's outdoor attractions.
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Here are some of the best deals we've spotted to visit Istanbul:
- 4 nights at Golden River Hotel by Continent in Istanbul, Turkey - from £196pp
- 4 nights at Red Tent Suite in Istanbul, Turkey - from £166pp
- 2 nights at Hampton by Hilton in Istanbul, Turkey - from £210pp
- 4 nights at Tulip City Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey - from £199pp
- 4 nights at Cityloft 64 Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey - from £209pp
According to tourists and locals, there are endless things to do in Istanbul. So, we've rounded up just some of the highest-rated activities and attractions.
Once you've landed, the Galata Tower should be one of the first places you visit as it provides the best views of the whole city.
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The nine-story spire is difficult to miss while you're strolling the city's streets, and tickets only cost £5.99.
The best time to go up the tower is at sunset, and the 360-degree observation platform has amazing views.
This includes the Black Sea as well as half of the city on European land, and to the east, half that borders Asia.
Istanbul is also home to one of the world's oldest and biggest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar.
In this maze of small lanes and crowded shops, tourists bargain with local marketers for spices, fabrics, pottery, and other handmade treasures.
Hagia Sophia is a Unesco World Heritage site that has been a church, mosque and museum throughout history.
Since 2020, entry to the landmark has been limited, and visitors must pay a fee again. However, non-Muslims can no longer visit most of the ground floor, as it has been converted into a mosque again.
Dining out in Istanbul is also reasonably cheap, and tourists rave about the food markets scattered across the city.
Most restaurants and street food, such as traditional foods like kebabs, mezze, menemen, and baklava, cost around 300 Turkish Lira, or around £8.
If you're ready to jet off but don't fancy booking a package holiday, direct flights to Istanbul cost from £45 return, while Airbnb accommodations are available from just £5 per night.
For more holiday deals, we rounded up cheap breaks to book this payday from £205pp – with deals from Jet2holidays and TUI.
Meanwhile, TUI revealed next month’s best holidays under £300pp – with discounted stays in Spain, Turkey and Greece.
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Plus, we've revealed a little-known beach resort with more than 300 sunny days has £26 flights and £2 pints.
Prices correct at the time of publication.
