Visiting Istanbul

Istanbul is at its best in the late May and early September, when temperatures are mild and sunshine is plentiful. High season lasts from June to August when then city is the most expensive and crowded, but the summer arts and music festivals are highlights in the city's cultural calendar. From late November until April a grey smog can hang over the city, however, Istanbul is still mild in autumn and winter and with very few tour parties round you can get great hotel deals. Arts and sporting events, several public holidays and religious festivals punctuate the year too. It is wise to be aware of these when planning an itinerary as some sights may be closed or else crammed with locals enjoying their day out.

Once in Istanbul, the one attraction, which you should never miss is visiting Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, no matter if you like shopping or not. Nothing can prepare you for this Market. This labyrinth of streets covered by pointed vaults is lined with thousands of booth-like shops, with goods standing out to tempt you and restless shopkeepers in their quest for a sale. You can expect to get a discount up to 50% if you negotiate with the seller. If you do like to visit Grand Bazaar more than once, there are hotels located nearby the Grand Bazaar offering great hotel deals.

Most hotels in Istanbul are rated by the Ministry of Tourism according to a star rating system. They range from comfortable, but basic one star hotels to five star luxury hotels. Other types of accommodation licensed by the Ministry of Tourism are the converted buildings known as Special Licence Hotels (similar to bed & breakfast accommodation) and also guest pensions. Hotels in Istanbul are available in most central areas where we advise to stay. Sultanahmet district is a perfect location for Istanbul as it is walking distance to the city major sights and the Grand Bazaar.

There has been a rapid growth in the number of luxury hotels in Istanbul and most international hotel chains are now represented in here. Almost all 5 star hotels boast spectacular Marmara or Bosphorus views and between them have international restaurants in the city. Many hotels also have popular Turkish baths, which is a great experience on its own.

Hotel prices are often quoted in US Dollars or Euro as the local exchange rates may vary. The hotel deals are mostly inclusive of breakfast. The busy season when hotel prices tend to be at their highest is from April to the end of October until April when then drop up to 40%. During the Christmas period, higher prices may apply, but it varies from year to year depending on the occupancy in the city. For longer stay hotels offer even greater discounts. Majority of hotels discount rates are now available on last minute hotel bookings sites, so take advantage of discounted offers available on the web. Often such low deals may not be booked with hotel directly.

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