
Historic city straddles both Asia and Europe and you can get there for £25
While Turkey's biggest city — with a population of more than 15million — has always been a value city-break destination, recent inflation in Turkey has made many things significantly pricier.
5
5
But this captivating city by the Bosphorus river, straddling Europe and Asia, can still be a bargain if you plan carefully.
Howell Davies gives you the lowdown on how best to explore . . .
WHY SHOULD I GO? Just four hours from the UK and a great long-weekend option, you're truly transported into another world, rich with culture and plenty to see and do.
There's a wealth of shopping opportunities to pick up bargains, as well as winding streets to explore, delicious cuisine and sunny, warm weather from May to October.
THESE STREETS MADE FOR WALKING? Yes, but pack sturdy shoes and be prepared for the city's cobblestone streets and hills.
There's options if you want to take the weight off your feet, though — trams and metros cost from 30p a ride if you get a reloadable Istanbulkart travel pass.
ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST? The Blue Mosque, the creation of which began in 1609, is one of the most magnificent buildings of the Ottoman Empire.
It is free to enter but the queue can be long so arrive early — and check prayer times, when it is closed to non-worshippers.
Nearby is another Ottoman gem — the Topkapi Palace with manicured gardens, views over the city and holy relics.
Entry isn't cheap at £38 but you can stroll the neighbouring Gulhane Park, once the outer garden of the palace, for free.
The imposing Hagia Sophia, which has served as a cathedral then a mosque, is also not cheap to enter but you can admire its exterior, domes and minarets from Sultanahmet Square for nothing.
WHERE SHOULD I SHOP? The Grand Bazaar is one of the world's oldest covered markets.
There are more than 4,000 shops and stalls, selling everything from tea and Turkish delight, to knock-off football shirts and decorative tiles.
It gets busy so arrive when it first opens, at 8.30am, or an hour or so before it closes at 7pm.
Prepare to haggle — aim to counter the asking price with an offer 40 to 50 per cent lower and settle at 50 to 70 per cent.
Be ready to walk away.
In the neighbouring Spice Bazaar, foodies can pick up authentic Turkish spice blends, from sumac and pul biber, to smoky red-pepper flakes.
For something more modern, Istiklal Street is the place to go to pick up some bargains.
It runs for just under a mile, from Taksim Square to Galata Tower, and is lined with high street-favourite stores, and outlets selling some somewhat dodgy 'designer' gear at bargain prices.
5
5
WHERE SHOULD I DRINK? I thought I'd cracked the code by going to the Barnathan brasserie's rooftop by Galata Tower to get its views at a fraction of the price, but I ended up with one of the most bitter and expensive margaritas I've ever had.
Instead, double up your drinking and sightseeing by booking on to a sunset cruise down the Bosphorus.
GetYourGuide.com has dinner cruises including food, drink and entertainment from just £25pp.
WHERE SHOULD I EAT? There are good restaurants near the city centre's Sirkeci train. station — and if you've got a sweet tooth, there are joints dedicated to just desserts on almost every street.
To escape the bustle, head to the hip and trendy area of Fisekhane for bougie restaurants with outdoor dining and attentive staff.
I had a lovely chicken shish in the beautiful courtyard of the Levantine restaurant.
For a Turkish breakfast, check out Zennup 1844 where an array of traditional dishes will cost from £15.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY? Heading slightly out of the city centre, to the Zeytinburnu district, near trendy Fisekhane, will help to lower costs.
The recently built 3* Ibis has modern, comfy rooms and a buzzing bar and restaurant, it is just a ten-minute walk to a train station that takes you directly into the city centre.
Ask for a room on a higher floor, facing the waterside, as the road beside the hotel can get busy.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Sun
21 minutes ago
- The Sun
The lesser-known affordable beach city that Brits are flocking to this summer – with £1.70 wine and £15 flights
A COASTAL city you probably haven't heard of is seeing a huge boom in demand from British tourists. Sitting on the Adriatic Coast, Durres in Albania is a little-known gem that is way cheaper than your average European getaway. 5 5 New data from Love Holidays suggests the city is an emerging destination, with bookings up by a staggering 224 per cent compared to last year. Yet, the idyllic port city remains less crowded and more affordable than several European hotspots. Dubbed "the eternal city on the Adriatic Coast" by Albania's National Tourism Agency, Durres benefits from a Mediterranean climate and features a number of secluded bays with turquoise waters and golden sand. One of the most popular spots in the city is Durres Beach, which stretches over 6.5 miles, making it the largest in Albania. Littered along the promenade are numerous bars, cafes and restaurants to explore. Cosmo Restaurant, which sits at the west end of the beach, is rated the best in the city and serves seafood dishes such as freshly caught lobster. There are a number of hotels on the promenade too, many of which have direct beach access. Guests can also hire two sunbeds and an umbrella on the beach for between £4.33 and £21.63. If you don't fancy sitting on the beach, then head to Hawaii Beach Club on the pier and grab a cocktail to enjoy on one of the club's sunbeds looking out at the sea. Five stunning, little-known holiday destinations Across the bars and restaurants in Durres, a beer is likely to set you back £2.05 to about £2.40, and a glass of wine will cost around just £1.73 to £3.03. For something more active, there are a number of watersports activities you can do from the beach as well, such as jet skiing and 'flying fish'. But it isn't just all about the beach in Durres, as it is Albania's second largest city meaning it has a wealth of different historic and cultural spots to explore. One spot is the ruins of Durres Castle, which was originally built in the 5th century, and the Venetian Tower which was built in the 15th century and was used to defend the city from attack. If you head to the top of the nine-metre tower, you will get to see stunning views of the city and the sea. Durres Mosque, which sits in the centre of the city, is also free to visit. It opened originally in 1938 but since has seen a myriad of different uses including, at one point, being a youth centre. Today, it is a religious centre and an active place of worship - so make sure to be dress appropriately and remove your shoes if visiting. Another key spot to explore is the Roman amphitheatre of Emperor Hadrian, which has around 15,000 seats and is the second largest amphitheatre in the whole of the Balkans. The amphitheatre was built in the early second century and was used to host social gatherings and gladiator contests with wild animals. However, in the fourth century gladiator fights were banned and a Christian chapel was built in the centre of the amphitheatre. It was later discovered in the 1960s after being buried for hundreds of years due to a number of earthquakes. It costs around £2.60 to enter the amphitheatre. 5 Just outside of the city centre is the Abaia Winery and Vineyard, where visitors can go on a tour and see the site's five different wines being made. The experience is the top rated thing to do in Durres, with many guests enjoying the cellar visit and restaurant that serves local food to go with the wines. The cost of a guided tour varies depending on the season and length of the tour, but prices start from £17 per person. There are numerous hotels across the city, most of which are super affordable. For example, you could stay at the Hotel Epidamn Boutique & Spa, which has a restaurant, bar and garden, for £69 a night for two adults. Or, according to Love Holidays, you could grab a last minute seven-night package for two people, for around £138 per person, per night this summer. Durres is conveniently located just 40 minutes from Tirana, the capital of Albania. You can catch a direct flight from the UK to Tirana from a number of airports, including London Luton with Wizz Air for as little as £15 one-way and from London Stansted, with Ryanair from £15 one-way. What is it like to visit Albania? LOCALS have shared the best spots to visit in the country and their top tips... Pristine beaches and secluded bays: Albania offers a mix of sandy and pebble beaches. The Albanian Riviera in the south is home to beautiful spots like Ksamil Beach, which locals describe as a "tropical beach in Europe," and the more off-grid Gjipe, perfect for camping. Secluded, boat-accessible gems like Krorëz Bay and Dafina Bay provide a tranquil escape from crowds. Diverse dining options: From budget-friendly street food to high-end restaurants, Albania's food scene has something for everyone. For an authentic and cheap meal, look for a "Zgara" (grill) spot or grab a byrek (filo pastry) for as little as 40p. For a more formal experience, check out Tirana's Arka Rooftop or the farm-to-table restaurant Mullixhiu, with main dishes for under £7. Hidden natural gems: Beyond the popular tourist spots, Albania is full of natural wonders. Discover the breathtaking Grunasi Waterfall in Theth National Park or the lesser-known Shengjergji Waterfall near Tirana. The mysterious Haxhi Ali Cave is only accessible by boat, adding to its allure for adventurers. Affordable attractions: Many of Albania's most impressive sights are also budget-friendly. The Blue Eye Spring, a mesmerising underwater spring, costs just 40p to enter. Meanwhile, the historic Gjirokaster Castle offers panoramic views and a journey through Albania's past for around £3. Must-do activities: The country's varied landscape allows for a range of activities. Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like Berat and Gjirokastra, or hike the stunning Accursed Mountains. For thrill-seekers, options include paragliding over the coast of Vlore or navigating the rapids of the Vjosa River. Vibrant nightlife: Whether you're in the capital or at the beach, Albania has a lively nightlife scene. Tirana's exclusive Blloku area is known for its upscale bars and clubs. Meanwhile, coastal cities like Durres and Ksamil come alive in the summer. Don't miss the unique experience of a drink at the rotating Sky Club. Best bars for a drink: From trendy cocktail spots to classic pubs, there's a bar for every mood. For unique craft cocktails, check out Nouvelle Vague in Tirana. For a simple and cheap drink, beer starts from around £1.50 at places like the newly renovated Sky Club. Family-friendly options: For those travelling with family, Albania has many welcoming options. The coast from Kavaja to Zvernec offers affordable places to stay and eat. Destinations like Durres have plenty of family-friendly activities and hotels. Albania has previously been noted as an underrated beach destination with cheap pints and short flights. Plus, these are the best places to visit on the Albanian Riviera. 5


The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
The stunning attractions you can visit for free next month
The Heritage Open Days festival will offer free admission to hundreds of England 's historical and heritage sites from 12 to 21 September. Visitors can explore a diverse range of attractions, including museums, stately homes, churches, and National Trust properties, without charge. Highlights include opportunities for shipwreck archaeology in Hampshire, tours of a Cold War-era military bunker in Cambridgeshire, and a Black Tudor history walk in London. While all activities are free, some require advance booking, and visitors should check the Heritage Open Days website for details and local listings. The festival, founded in 1994, aims to make history and culture more accessible, with last year's event attracting many new visitors and fostering local pride.


Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
I'm a terrible packer - here's what happened when a holiday stylist chose my travel wardrobe for me
I have a guilty confession: despite being a travel writer, I'm an atrocious packer. While many holidaymakers pride themselves on neatly fitting a week's clothes into a tiny backpack, I find myself juggling multiple gigantic suitcases on every trip. 'Moving in, are we?' is a common quip. Thankfully, help is at hand - in the form of a 'holiday stylist'. I decide to give one a try. Step forward Deni Kiro, who offers a 'Style & Pack Travel Capsule Wardrobe' service, and whom I'm meeting ahead of my honeymoon in Rome and the Amalfi coast in a few weeks time. So the pressure's on. It begins with a phone call. We establish my budget and holiday plans. Deni looks at my Instagram feed (to check my style). And I complete a questionnaire on favourite colours, my current wardrobe (gym stuff, jeans, plain tops and dresses), where I usually shop (Zara, ASOS and H&M), and what I'd never wear (Crocs). The questionnaire also asks for my biggest shopping challenge (I'm 5ft 1in, with short legs and a big bum, so dressing my lower half can be tricky). And I provide a Pinterest board of the effortlessly chic vibe I'm seeking in Italy - plus a close-up of my face. Then we meet in Zara on the King's Road, London, with Deni explaining everyone has a 'colour palette' based on their complexion. Showing me a photo of Margot Robbie, Deni says that I, like Barbie, have a 'cool complexion' and suit neutral, light pinks and blues, as well as black and white. She explains that neutral colours are the 'magic glue' for a successful travel capsule wardrobe, allowing you to mix and match as you please. However, 'some pops of colour that go with your palette' are needed, too. Deni tells me she's already checked out Zara for my perfect outfits. This means we simply stroll in, she gathers a great armful of gorgeous linen dresses, trousers and skirts and we head to the changing room. 'Every capsule needs day-to-night outfits,' says Deni, asking me to try on some linen dresses. I love three: a blue number, a white crochet frock, plus a coral dress. All can be worn with flats for sightseeing and paired with heels in the evening - turning three outfits into six. This, I can already see, is working. Next up, we find a perfect 'bottom half' to go with any tops - soon nailing down a plain white linen skirt. Then we turn to the question of my 'airport outfit'. Deni says: 'When you travel, it's good to consider your look from the moment you leave.' I've never really thought about this, just chucking on trackies. But Deni finds a pale blue matching co-ord. It's so comfortable, perfect for a flight, and the top unties too, so I can use it as a light jacket. Now shoes. The trick is to find stylish sandals in a neutral colour that work with everything, one pair of heels (if you really want) and to wear gym trainers on the flight. I pick some brown flat sandals. Finally, accessories. Deni selects a pair of statement earrings and bangles, plus a lovely little raffeta bag - and they go with every outfit. At the till, I feel sick at the price (almost £500), but Deni assures me 'although this is expensive, you now don't need to think about your holiday wardrobe for a long time'. The biggest shopping mistake, she says, is last-minute impulse buying of clothes you 'never wear again'.