Istanbul Vacations

The best times of year to visit Istanbul are from April to June and September to October, roughly the months of spring and autumn respectively. During these months, temperatures are in the consistently mild range of 16-25°C (61-77°F) and the humidity is not too bad, plus the crowds aren't as big a nuisance as in the summer months. The wintery months from November to February have the highest rainfall (80-100mm/30-40in per month), and it's when spirits are most likely to be dampened.

Istanbul offers traditional Turkish experiences like the hamam (steam bath) and a game of backgammon over fragrant tea. If you want a more Western gym-bunny type of experience, you'll have to search it out. Of course, there's always walking: Istanbul is a prime city for strolling and gazing.

Turkey's Holy Month, Ramazan, sees much of the city's population fasting during daylight hours, although most restaurants and cafes remain open for those choosing not to participate and for non-Muslims. The festival of Şeker Bayramı marks the end of Ramazan and is when the inhabitants of Istanbul embark on a frenzy of socialising, with an emphasis on the sweet tooth. It's one of the city's busiest times; a three-day national holiday when businesses close and public transport is heavily patronised.

An equally busy time for Istanbul is during Kurban Bayramı, Turkey's most important religious holiday. The four-day festival celebrates the almost-sacrifice of Isaac by his father Abraham on Mount Moriah and results in hotels being heavily booked and a dearth of space on public transport.

Other special events include the Istanbul Film Festival in April, May's Conquest of Constantinople celebrations, June/July's International Istanbul Music Festival and International Istanbul Jazz Festival and September/October's International Istanbul Biennial.

İstanbul's once-festering hang-outs have spawned an entirely new generation of funky bars and clubs. Nightlife centres on Beyoğlu - take a stroll down İstiklal Caddesi on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night to check it out. Ortaköy also cranks it out till the early morning.

Istanbul is a shopaholic's smorgasbord: must-have carpets and kilims, great clothing, and the world's best Turkish Delight. Then there's the ceramics and jewellery that cram every tourist handicraft shop. The variety of goods is mind-boggling, the prices reasonable - you won't go home empty-handed.

It's worth travelling to Istanbul just to eat. Good Turkish cuisine is the very heart and soul of eastern Mediterranean cooking, which demands quality ingredients and careful preparation. From delicious mezes to elaborate vegetarian and seafood dishes, Istanbul caters across budgets and tastes.

Istanbul's luxury hotels are located in the heart of the city or near the water. Many hotels can be found bordering tourist hotspots and are within proximity to many attractions.

Enjoy an Istanbul vacation package at the top luxury hotels!
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