Do cheap flights to Istanbul land in Asia or Europe? It's a fair question; there aren't many cities that straddle two continents. The answer is Europe. Atatürk International Airport is on the European side of Istanbul.
The city is perched on the Bosphorus Strait and boasts a glorious imperial history. Istanbul has been the capital city of four empires - Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman. Its cultural heritage practically sings from the cobbled stones of the Grand Bazaar where traders and tourists haggle over treasures; in the Aya Sofya (also known as Haghia Sophia, its Greek name), and in the Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi), which was the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years.
One of the best ways to experience Istanbul is through the mouth-watering Turkish cuisine. Specialties include mam bayildi (an eggplant and tomato dish, mam bayildi translates as "the priest wept" such is its deliciousness), mercimek corbasi (red lentil soup), kofte (meatballs), testi kebab, borek (a pastry that has hundreds of varieties) and sweet, sticky, syrupy baklava.
It would be a waste to take cheap flights to Istanbul and not visit a traditional hamam (bathhouse) or take a ferry trip between Eminönü (Europe) and Anadolu Kavagi (Asia).
Back to top
The climate is temperate, similar to the climate of the Marmara region. The summers are warm and humid with very little rain and the winters are cold and wet with some snowfall. Summer temperatures are about 30 degrees; winter temps about 10 degrees. November-February are the wettest months of the year. The spring and autumn months are mild.
Back to top
Peak Season:
July and August are high season months, when most visitors arrive on cheap flights to Istanbul.
Off Season:
October to April is low season, with the exception of Christmas and New Year and Easter.
Shoulder Season:
May and September are shoulder season months.
Back to top
Several major car-rental companies have desks at the airport, including Hertz, Avis and Sixt. There are metro, bus and taxi services to the city. A taxi ride to the centre of Istanbul costs about 30 Turkish lira (approximately $22 AU). There is an express bus service called Havas, which departs every 30 minutes and costs about 10 TL (approx. $8 AU) to Taksim.
If you have lots of luggage, take the metro to Aksaray and a taxi from there. It can be tricky negotiating a busy tram with lots of luggage.
Back to top
Walking is the best way to see this beautiful city. Another, wonderful way of getting around is to take a ferry or catamaran along the Golden Horn or up the Bosphorus.
It's cheap to travel by public transport. The fast-growing metro system (underground and trains) saves you from the traffic jams, but travelling by tram will give you a great view of Istanbul.
There is a comprehensive bus system, however traffic congestion makes it a slow way of getting around. The Akbil electronic transit pass is valid on buses, trams, light rail, funiculars and ferry boats.
Dolmuses (shared minibus taxis) are more comfortable than the metropolitan buses and cheaper than taxis. They can be hailed along their route or at a stand. When you board, tell the driver where you are going and find out the cost.
For a private yellow taxi, have a hotel call one for you and ensure that the meter is running before you set off.
Back to top
- Turkish coffee, the so-strong-you-can-stand-up-your-spoon-in-it blend may be better known, but Turks drink tea during the day. You'll more than likely be offered a cup if you're shopping in a bazaar. It's not rude to refuse a cup, but be upfront with your host if you're not going to buy. Apple tea, elma cai, is particularly popular with visitors.
- If you need a break from the hubbub of Istanbul, take to the water. A ferry ride along the Bosphorus River is a really wonderful way of seeing the city.
- Bagdat Caddesi is one of the most upmarket streets in Istanbul. It's on the Asian side of the city. From the European side, take a ferry to Kadikoy and continue on a dolmus.
- Galata Tower is a huge stone circular landmark that offers fantastic views of the city. In times past, it was the lookout of Galata, the Genoese town.
- If you want to buy the traditional kilim (carpet), without the Grand Bazaar experience – visit the small towns in the countryside where the carpets are made.
Back to top
Istanbul Ataturk International Airport (IST) (website: www.ataturkairport.com) The airport is situated 23km west of Istanbul, on the European side of the city.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) (website: www.sabihagokcen.aero) The airport is located 12km north of Pendik on the Asian side of Istanbul. easyJet, the European low-cost airline, flies there from London.
Back to top
