Istanbul

Got this season’s harem pants hanging in your wardrobe, but wondering where to wear them? Pack your bags for the Bosphorous and discover a city where old and new, Europe and Asia come together, promising the cultural adventure of a lifetime.

A 21st-century metropolis, Istanbul has award-winning malls, five-star hotels and a vibrant party scene for luxury lovers, but for those looking for the real Turkish delights, there are the magical remnants of the four great empires – including the Roman and Ottoman – that shaped Turkey’s cultural centre.

If you have just a few days to take in a few centuries’ worth of sites, start with the heart of historic Istanbul, Sultanahmet Park, and work your way from there along ancient Roman roads to take in the legendary 17th-century Blue Mosque and haggle over rugs, silver and traditional treats in the Grand Bazaar. And plenty of cups of sweet mint tea in Cay Bahce, is just the thing to keep you going onto the bustling modern centre of Beyoglu.

While you’re there…

Stay traditional
With its traditional Turkish bath, decadent decor and central location that puts you just five minutes from the Bosphorous and Taksim Square’s shopping and entertainment areas, the Hyatt Regency Istanbul (bottom inset) is an obvious choice for visitors.

Time to scrub up
Turkey is famous for its Hammams where people have flocked to unwind since the 15th century. These days, you don’t have to look further than hotels like the Ritz-Carlton and Ciragan Palace Kempinski for an opulent hammam or Turkish steam bath experience. The Cagaloglu Hammam, however, is as authentic as it gets as you’re massaged, scrubbed and steamed in the 300-year-old spot before pressing on with your tour after an energising cuppa at the old marble café-bar.

Set sail
Get away from the bustling centre for one evening and head off on a romantic cruise – you’d be wise to book a private boat – on the Bosphorous, and enjoy dinner with a view of the Old City lights.

Treasure chest
Come with your lira at hand, because there’s shopping aplenty, from Akmerkez (the only mall in the world to win both Europe’s Best and World’s Best accolades) to bazaars that will have you dizzy with the aromas, colours and craziness. Put Grand Bazaar, the Egyptian Bazaar and Mecidiyekoy Antiques Bazaar on your list of places to visit.