Book Istanbul hotels

Can’t decide between Europe and Asia for your next getaway? Need a city that’s a little bit pious, and a little bit wild? Like that one friend who’s a great listener but also knows when you just need a drink, our Istanbul hotels are here for you. Istanbul has the notable distinction of being the only city in the world on two continents, so when you book a trip, you get to visit a couple places at once!

Things to Do in Istanbul

When it comes to Istanbul holidays, you might as well go big or go home. Head to the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets (established in 1455 and taking up 61 blocks!). If you ever wanted the bling-iest of gold chains, a traditional sword inlaid with pearls or an authentic belly dancing outfit, now is your chance. Once your arms are heavy with bags and you can’t possibly look at one more fez, head back to your Istanbul accommodation and unload. Then throw on that new bling (maybe leave the belly dancing outfit at home) and get ready for the nightlife.

You could hit the megaclubs along the Bosphorus, and sure, you might see a few celebrities, but if you want to party like a local, you should be sipping raki at a meyhane, preferably with fasil. Sounds fun, but what do all these words mean? Raki is the booze (the anise-flavoured beverage of the people), meyhane is the establishment and fasil is the music (typically a drum, clarinet, string instruments—and YOU on the tambourine!).

Getting To & Around Istanbul

Flights to Istanbul will land at Ataturk Airport (IST), about 20 km from the city centre. Once you’re in, you’ve got more options to get to your accommodation in Istanbul than there are Real Housewives. Hop on the M1A Red Line metro for an easy ride to Aksaray or Yenikapi railway stations, where you can hook up with other metro lines or buses. For door-to-door service that’ll save you enough cash for a little Turkish Delight, check out the airport shuttle options. But for ballin’ options to go along with your future bling, taxis and limos are available for the picking.

Best Time to Travel

Hotels in Turkey are always bustling, and Istanbul is full of surprises in any season. Say “Cheers!” (“Serefe!”) to the New Year with a cruise and fireworks on the Bosphorus Strait. Missed your chance to make reservations? Just book one of the Istanbul hotels with a rooftop deck! When the weather warms up, the festivals kick into high gear. Spring and summer are heaven for foodie and film freaks who like it with some worldly flavour. The International Gastronomy Festival, International Film Festival and International Theatre Festival all take place from March to June.

If you’ve got holiday leave sneaking up, don’t just get out of the office. Get onto a whole new continent (or two!). And if you forgot, don’t freak. “Otto-man” up and book one of the hotels in Istanbul on lastminute.com.au. You’ll soon be touring mosques by day and poppin’ bottles like a pro by night.