Holiday rentals and lettings in Istanbul

Istanbul is magical city connecting two continents, two religions, and essentially, two different worlds. A huge metropolis of over 15 million people, there are accommodation options to suit all needs. Choose a letting in the old town with its magnificent mosques and historic buildings, or if you prefer to indulge your senses in the cavalcade of delicious restaurants and magnificent shops in the new town, there are a wide range of lettings in the Taksim area. To get off the beaten track, consider the charming car-free Princess Islands, which are a short ferry ride away from the centre.

Both the old and new town boast mostly modern accommodations, equipped to a high specification and located footsteps away from world-class sights and amenities. Stay a little further away from the main attractions in the city and you will get some great value lettings. Public transport is abundant and easy to use, so this is an ideal option for some travellers. For your own cosy corner in Istanbul there are some fantastic accommodation options in rustic holiday rentals with sea views on the Princess Islands, which offer a truly authentic Turkish experience.

Modern Istanbul straggles Asia and Europe, cut in two by the Bosphorus River, a.k.a the Strait of Istanbul. Most of the city’s main attractions are on the European side on the west side of the river. Want posh and upmarket shopping? Head to Nisantasi. Looking for the trendiest area in town right now? Make your way to Karaköy. Lush parks and pristine greenery your thing? Emirgan is for you.

One of the most important districts in Istanbul is the Faith District on the European side. Sometimes called the ‘real’ Istanbul, it has preserved its historical Constantinople appearance. Here you will find famous sights such as the Golden Horn, the Theodosian Wall, various stunning mosques, all while overlooking the grand Bosphorus River. Nearby is the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world and undoubtedly one of the most spectacular.

Couples have 60 Turkish baths to choose from in Istanbul. But none can compete with AyaSofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam, the most opulent in the city. After a two-hour hammam treatment, you will feel as if you could float away. Another romantic spot in the city is the Camlica Hill in the Uskudar District, offering a fabulous panoramic view of the city, the mouth of the Golden Horn, and the Bosphorus Bridge. Alternatively why not take a dinner cruise along the Bosphorus River and indulge in a romantic meal together?

The metropolis of Istanbul offers activities galore for families. Take the child friendly water taxi from Kanlica to Emigran, or enjoy the Taksim tram ride, a vintage, slow-moving vehicle universally loved by kids. Your children will adore Miniaturk, which has Ottoman Mosques, Byzantine churches and Roman ruins – all in shrunken-down, handy size for children to explore!

This nine story high tower offers some of the most spectacular views of the city. It is in the Galata District, just north of the Golden Horn. On the top there is a restaurant offering Ottoman dishes (the Galata kebab comes highly rated!), a cafe, and even a nightclub.

Considered one of the world’s greatest architectural achievements, after years of restoration this mosque is now a museum. Climb the spiral stairs up to the gallery to see the fascinating Byzantine mosaics which reveal the mysteries about this 1,500-year-old building.

This bustling cobblestone pedestrian street is considered the beating heart of Istanbul. Visited by nearly 3 million people daily, it has everything from boutiques and cafes to nightclubs and cinemas. Surprisingly perhaps considering its popularity, the many authentic Turkish restaurants on this street offer great value for money.

This is a frequently overlooked sight in Istanbul, and is a real hidden gem. It houses some of the world’s best classical antiques and riches, including the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great.

One of the most famous sites in Istanbul and an exquisite example of ottoman craftsmanship and beauty. Known best for the delicate art of its blue tiles, it can accommodate over 10,000 worshipers!