TURKEY
Explore the wonders of Turkey's capital, Istanbul.
The only city in the world to be built on two continents, Istanbul is Turkey's exotic maritime capital with a history that stretches back more than 2,500 years. Alongside ancient palaces and ornate mosques are glamorous European-style bars, hotels and shops.
Dining
It's worth going to Istanbul just to eat. At 360 Istanbul, amazing 360-degree views of St Antoine's and the Bosphorus strait and the rooftops of Beyoglu are served up with a fantastic fusion menu.
Culture
Istanbul's greatest sight is the stunning Blue Mosque, the only mosque in the world with six minarets. The Ottoman-era Topkapi Palace is within walking distance. Water-café culture is everywhere. A trip up the Bosphorus takes you past yalis, wooden waterfront ‘stately homes' to the point where the Black Sea runs into it.
Shopping
In Istanbul, buzzing shopping centres - Harvey Nichols included - and centuries-old markets stand side by side. Chic boutiques line Baghdad Avenue on the Asian side. A short taxi ride away to the northeast of Taksim Square is the neighbourhood of Nisantasi, the city's fashion hub.
Getting around
Transport in Istanbul is cheap, modern and easy. The metro only covers the European half of Istanbul but ferries shuttle passengers across the Bosphorus all day, and link up with buses on the other side.
GMT: +2 hours
Flight Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
Currency: Lira or Euro
CHOOSE A RESORT
WEATHER
CLIMATE
In summer it is hot and humid, with temperatures between June and September averaging 28°C. Summers are relatively dry, but rain does occur all year round. During winter it is cold, wet and often snowy. Snowfalls tend to be heavy, but temperatures rarely drop as low as freezing point. Istanbul also tends to be a windy city.
TEMPERATURE / RAINFALL
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TEMP (°C) | 6 | 6 | 7 | 12 | 17 | 21 | 23 | 24 | 20 | 17 | 12 | 8 |
RAINFALL (MM) | 109 | 92 | 72 | 46 | 38 | 34 | 34 | 30 | 58 | 81 | 103 | 119 |
