Holiday lettings in Istanbul

The majority of Istanbul’s ancient monuments and historical tourist attractions are in the Sultanahmet district, or the Old City, including the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. An apartment in this area will minimise the need for using Istanbul’s complicated public transport system! Holiday apartments in the Galata district are perfect for those visiting Istanbul for a taste of its famously vibrant nightlife - this area, just north of Sultanahmet, is normally considered the city centre, and is packed with bars, clubs and restaurants. Take an apartment around the Taksim Square area to really be in the centre of things. The districts along the Bosphorus itself offer some great neighbourhoods for a city break - starting originally as a string of fishing villages, they still retain individual characters. Take a look at apartments in the Beşiktaş and Ortaköy neighbourhoods, and enjoy beautiful parks and woodlands, as well as royal palaces and gorgeous waterside views.

Istanbul is an overwhelming city, with endless opportunities for things to see and do. There are some definite “must sees” however. Start at the Topkapi Palace, the royal seat of the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years and then move on to the architectural masterpieces and symbols of Istanbul: the Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome. The Hippodrome of Constantinople was the hub for sports and racing. The Hagia Sofia, regarded as one of the finest cathedrals in the world was formerly an Eastern Orthodox basilica, then became a mosque and is currently used as a museum. Both Christianity and Islam have left their mark on the place and the walls, paved with 30,000 gold tiles, are an incredible sight. Finally. head to the Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s biggest and most impressive religious site, with five minarets and a breathtaking interior with tens of thousands of tiles lining the walls and ceilings.

Istanbul is packed with restaurants offering menus from every corner of the world, but Turkish food itself is one of the world’s great cuisines. Don’t miss out on some of these dishes during your city break. Try Kuru Fasulye, a dish of white beans served with rice, the Turkish equivalent to pasta and tomato sauce. Pide, a delicious flatbread, is a Turkish staple and usually served with a topping, such as soft cheese, meat and/or salad. If that sounds good then you’ll love Gözleme - a traditional Turkish pastry filled with roasted vegetables and meats then cooked on a griddle. The ubiquitous Lahmacun, a pizza-like street food, is on sale everywhere, with a variety of delicious toppings; and of course don’t miss out on the ultimate Turkish dish, the famous Doner Kebab - available all over the world, but best in Istanbul. As for the nightlife in Istanbul, Beyoğlu is famous as the district where clubs literally never close. Istanbulites love to dance, and you will witness every type on a night out, from belly to break!

Like many large cities, Istanbul’s public transport system can be confusing. We recommend that you invest in an Istanbulkart if you are staying longer than a couple of days. It is a plastic card the size of a credit card, which can be used on buses, trams, suburban trains, the metro and also the cross-Bosphorus ferries. It works on a “touch in” system and can be topped up at marked booths at all the major stations. If the transport system proves too much, then the ever-present taxis are good value and convenient (but be wary of drivers who take advantage of tourists by overcharging - keep an eye on the meter). Istanbul also has an interesting twist on the traditional taxi: the Dolmuş, or “shared taxi”, which carry up to 8 people. They travel on fixed routes, and only start driving when all eight seats are taken. They are more expensive than a bus, but cheaper than a taxi. Tell the driver “İnecek var” (pronounced “ee-neh-djek war”) if you want to get out before the end stop.