If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul, Turkey, here’s what you can’t miss.

Istanbul’s Blue Mosque

Huge, stunning and with a breathtaking blue tinge (thanks to the thousands of Iznik tiles decorating its interior), the Blue Mosque is impressive. Take your shoes off before you enter, and women should cover their heads when inside.

Turkish food: Eat a kebab (and the rest)


You really have to make an effort to have a bad meal in Istanbul. Try delectable baklava (sticky sweet layers of filo pastry, nuts and honey), tasty börek (savoury pastry filled with cheese, vegetables or meat) and ubiquitous but delicious kebab (grilled meat, usually lamb) served with salad and bread.

Cruise the Bosphorus

Marvel at Istanbul’s beauty by boat. Take the Bosphorus Public Excursion Ferry, which departs Eminönü at 10.35am daily. It’s also possible to take any number of the smaller private excursion boats from the same area – these sit at the departure point until full.

Have a night out in Beyoglu

Catch the funicular up the hill to Beyoglu, but be aware there’s not much hope you’ll be ready to leave before it shuts for the night. This is the place to come for food, drink and partying with the hip young Istanbul locals. Things get extremely busy, so book a table if you want to eat before midnight.

Admire Topkapi palace

Topaki palace is one of Istanbul’s must-see sights. Explore this sprawling opulent palace and get to know some of its previous colourful inhabitants, including Selim the Sot, who drowned after drinking too much champagne. The harem is the real drawcard here – you have to pay extra to see it, but it’s completely worth it.

Haggle at Istanbul’s markets

Make sure you bring an empty suitcase; then visit Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar to hunt down some bargains. Choose from wall-hangings, jewellery, carpets and ceramics – just be prepared for some hard bargaining. If shopping isn’t your thing, the Bazaar’s still worth a visit, if just to soak up the atmosphere.

What you need to know about visiting Istanbul

WHEN TO GO: Any time, but spring and autumn are best. August is extremely hot.
GETTING THERE: Plenty of flights leave London daily for Istanbul, which has two airports: the major Atatürk International Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport further afield.
GETTING AROUND: The tram and bus are easy and cheap to use. There’s also the funicular, which takes you up to Beyoglu. Search for an Instanbul tour here.
VISAS: Australians and South Africans need to buy their visas at the airport in Turkey.
CURRENCY: Turkish lira. 1 GBP = 2.29 TRY. Euros are often accepted for accommodation.
LANGUAGE: Turkish.
GOING OUT: A beer costs about 2.25 lira.
ACCOMMODATION: Dorm beds cost from €11; a double room in a budget hotel is from €50.
SEE: visitistanbul.org.