Cultural Heritage Meets Modern Allure
Straddling two continents along the Bosphorus Strait, İstanbul continues to captivate global travellers with its rich history, vibrant culture, and dynamic culinary scene. The Turkish metropolis welcomed an impressive 13.5 million visitors in the first nine months of 2025, cementing its position as one of Europe’s most sought-after city destinations.
Consumer champion Which? recently ranked İstanbul among Europe’s top five city breaks, while Condé Nast Traveller readers voted it one of the best family-friendly destinations on the continent. As autumn unfolds, the city’s timeless charm—where the echoes of ancient empires meet modern sophistication—makes it a perfect escape for travellers seeking both cultural depth and contemporary comfort.
Home to a rich tapestry of civilizations, İstanbul’s UNESCO-listed Historical Peninsula remains the city’s beating heart. Landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapı Palace narrate centuries of imperial grandeur. The Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, meanwhile, continue to dazzle visitors with their maze of shops, vivid colours, and intoxicating aromas—reminders of İstanbul’s enduring role as a global crossroads of trade and tradition.
A City of Art, Festivals, and Flavours
Beyond its historic core, the Bosphorus Strait offers an experience unlike any other. A scenic ferry ride unveils sweeping views of palaces, mosques, and elegant yalıs (waterfront mansions), while lively districts such as Karaköy, Galataport, and İstiklal Street showcase the city’s creative pulse. Art institutions like İstanbul Modern, Arter, and the Atatürk Cultural Center stand as symbols of its flourishing contemporary culture.
This season, İstanbul’s cultural calendar is brimming with world-class exhibitions and events, including The Art of James Cameron at the İstanbul Cinema Museum, The Haunted Eye by Steve McCurry, the İstanbul Biennial, the 29th İstanbul Theatre Festival, and Ars Electronica at Zorlu PSM.
Food lovers can savour the city’s diverse cuisine—from traditional Turkish breakfasts and aromatic street food to MICHELIN-starred restaurants redefining modern Anatolian flavours.
With its rare ability to bridge continents, cultures, and centuries, İstanbul continues to enchant visitors—proving once again that few cities in the world offer such a seamless blend of the past and the present.
