About this destination
Istanbul is the world's only city straddling two continents, offering an extraordinary blend of Eastern and Western cultures at every turn. Sultanahmet anchors the historic treasures — Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar — alongside charming boutique hotels set in restored Ottoman townhouses. The Beyoglu district and buzzing Istiklal Avenue deliver a vibrant nightlife scene and contemporary hotel options. Views of the Bosphorus from rooftop terraces are nothing short of spectacular. Spring and autumn provide the most comfortable weather while avoiding the summer crowds and heat. Istanbul is a destination best savored slowly, moving between hammams, bazaars, and a sublime culinary tradition.