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Flights to Istanbul
Destinations in Turkey
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Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and one of the largest cities in the world. Historically this was the capital of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Latin Empire and the Ottoman Empire, but has never been the capital of Turkey itself (Ankara is). Even so Istanbul is one of the world’s most impressive cities and has an abundance of attractions.
Istanbul Ataturk International Airport is the major airport for international flights to Istanbul and is connected to the city centre via bus and light rail services. You can get non-stop flights to Istanbul with either British Airways or Turkish Airlines. These direct flights to Istanbul take just under 4 hours.
Aya Sofya and the Blue Mosque
Commonly spelt both Aya Sofya and Hagia Sophia this enormous building was once the largest enclosed space in the world. Aya Sofya has been both a church and a mosque at various times since its construction in 537 and when the Republic of Turkey was formed in 1923 it was declared that the building would be preserved as a museum for all cultures and religions to enjoy.
Close by to Aya Sofya is the famous Blue Mosque, officially named Sultan Ahmet Mosque. The large and beautiful mosque is still a working mosque today but non-Muslims are allowed to enter outside of prayer times.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is the third of the big three historic attractions in Istanbul. It’s difficult to conceive just how large this palace complex is but tours are available taking in various parts of the palace including an additional fee tour through the Haram.
The Grand Bazaar
In other parts of Istanbul you’ll find modern and bright shopping malls, but for the real historical Istanbul experience you should go shopping in the Grand Bazaar! They call this the world’s first shopping mall as it dates back to 1461. Shopping here today is more geared at the tourists, but make sure you explore the quieter parts of the bazaar to get a real taste for the history of this place.
Flights to Istanbul
There are 2 airports for flights to Istanbul. The Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (airport code: SAW) is located on the Asian side of the city, further away from the major attractions. It was built as a secondary airport to the main international airport, Ataturk International Airport (code: IST) on the European side. Sabiha Gokcen Airport is good for lower cost flights to Istanbul from the UK with EasyJet and Pegasus Airlines, but with the distance from the city centre being so much further you should carefully consider this option if only coming for a short break.Istanbul Ataturk International Airport is the major airport for international flights to Istanbul and is connected to the city centre via bus and light rail services. You can get non-stop flights to Istanbul with either British Airways or Turkish Airlines. These direct flights to Istanbul take just under 4 hours.
Istanbul Tourist Attractions
Istanbul is becoming more and more popular with visitors from the UK as a short break destination though in actual fact there’s so much to see here that you can easily spend a week or more without getting bored. If you’re coming on a short break most visitors concentrate their time in the most historic and well known parts of the city, particularly the historic peninsula, known as Sultanahmet. Sultanahmet is where the most popular Istanbul attractions are situated and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Aya Sofya and the Blue Mosque
Commonly spelt both Aya Sofya and Hagia Sophia this enormous building was once the largest enclosed space in the world. Aya Sofya has been both a church and a mosque at various times since its construction in 537 and when the Republic of Turkey was formed in 1923 it was declared that the building would be preserved as a museum for all cultures and religions to enjoy.
Close by to Aya Sofya is the famous Blue Mosque, officially named Sultan Ahmet Mosque. The large and beautiful mosque is still a working mosque today but non-Muslims are allowed to enter outside of prayer times.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is the third of the big three historic attractions in Istanbul. It’s difficult to conceive just how large this palace complex is but tours are available taking in various parts of the palace including an additional fee tour through the Haram.
The Grand Bazaar
In other parts of Istanbul you’ll find modern and bright shopping malls, but for the real historical Istanbul experience you should go shopping in the Grand Bazaar! They call this the world’s first shopping mall as it dates back to 1461. Shopping here today is more geared at the tourists, but make sure you explore the quieter parts of the bazaar to get a real taste for the history of this place.