Cheap flights to Istanbul - Sabiha Gökçen
As the capital of two successive, powerful empires; the first Christian and Greek Byzantine, the second Islamic and Ottoman, Istanbul really is a city of cultural contrasts. Istanbul is a place unlike any other you will ever visit, where ancient cathedrals and blue-domed mosques and their minarets battle for control of the skyline. ]
Formally known to the world as Constantinople, there is so much to see in this city of culture and history that as a tourist you will never possibly see it all – well certainly not until you’ve worn out a good few pairs of shoes in the process.
Shopping
January 2013
Looking for some real Turkish Delight? Founded in the 18th century, Haci Bekir is Turkey's oldest producer with shops across Istanbul (hacibekir.com.tr).
Sightseeing
April 2013
Istanbul Film Festival (30 March to 14 April) is one of the biggest in Europe. Now in its 32nd year, it boasts around 600 screenings of more than 200 films. http://film.iksv.org/en
Key Areas
April 2013
Sultan Ahmet Square was the centre of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Today its unmissable sights include portions of the Byzantine Royal Palace, the Byzantine cathedral of St Sophia and the Ottoman Topkapi Palace. Not to mention the famous Sultan Ahmet Blue Mosque, from which the square takes its name.