Explore the European side of Istanbul

At the gateway to Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a city full of life, with a rich history and culture. In the European side of Istanbul you can immerse yourself in Turkish culture in the city’s many coffeehouses, elaborately decorated mosques, and traditional Turkish hammams, and explore its history in ruins of past civilizations. The city boasts an array of architectural treasures, which include churches, palaces, mosaics and mosques, which all contribute to Istanbul’s beautiful city skyline, which is possibly the most beautiful in the world. Here we take you through 10 of the city’s highlights.

When you are ready to explore, Brightsun Travel offers cheap flights to Istanbul, getting you there in less than 4 hours from London with British Airways – perfect for a weekend city break in the sun.

1 Grand Bazaar

The city’s Grand Bazaar, in the heart of Istanbul’s Old City, is a century-old market, and a maze of laneways lined with an array of stalls that could keep you entertained for days.

2 Süleymaniye Mosque

Süleymaniye Mosque, one of the grandest in the city and dating back to the 1500s, is a landmark in Istanbul, and an elaborate complex of old tombs, walled gardens and elegant courtyards.

3 Beyo?lu

Head to Beyo?lu, the food hub of the city, and you will find an array of restaurants, bars and clubs lining the?stiklal Caddesi Boulevard, as well as edgy new galleries.

4 Galata Mevlevi Museum

Head to Beyo?lu’s amazing Galata Mevlevi Museum and watch whirling dervishes performing traditional ceremonies in its whirling-dervish hall, a must-see in the city.

5 Blue Mosque

All around the city you will find important mosques and landmarks, like the Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most photographed buildings, containing old tombs of once heroic Sultans, and an interior decorated with blue tiles.

6 Topkapi Palace

Topkap? Palace, dating back to the 1400s, was once at the centre of the court of the Ottoman empire, and now boasts elegant pavilions, ornate structures and 300-roomed Harems to explore.

7 Aya Sofya or Hagia Sophia

One of the city’s star attractions is Hagia Sophia, or Aya Sofya in Turkish, an extraordinarily beautiful museum that has had several identities since its construction in 537, once a church and then a mosque and now a city monument.

8 Istanbul Archaeology Museums

The Istanbul Archaeology Museums, accessible via Gulhane Park, is a place where you can explore the life of Alexander the Great and see preserved artefacts dating back to 1300 BC.

9 Basilica Cistern

Built in 532, the Basilica Cistern is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, and a breathtaking underground palace, which incorporates over 300 columns.

10 Kariye Museum

Make sure you leave time to visit the often overlooked, but incredibly beautiful, Kariye Museum, a church that was last reconstructed in the 14th century, with famous religious mosaics and frescos.

Getting there

Contact Brightsun Travel about a range of Istanbul flights from UK, including short and direct flights from London, so you can have a perfect city break in the Middle East this holiday.

Author Bio:

Brightsun Travel can arrange all of your travel needs, from flights, short haul to long haul holidays, world tours and memorable life adventures! For more information on cheap airfares to Istanbul, please visit us at brightsun.co.uk