Historic city straddles both Asia and Europe and you can get there for £25
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INTOXICATING Istanbul draws visitors back again and again to explore its magical historical sites, buzzing bazaars and fabulous food.
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.
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Istanbul draws visitors back again and again to explore its magical historical sites
Credit: Getty
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Hagia Sophia is not cheap to enter but you can admire its exterior from Sultanahmet Square for nothing
Credit: Getty
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.
My holiday at TUI Magic Life Beldibi
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.
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The colourful buildings in Balat, Istanbul's traditional Jewish quarter
Credit: Getty
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The recently built 3* Ibis has modern, comfy rooms and a buzzing bar and restaurant
Credit: Supplied
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.
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Double up your drinking and sightseeing by booking on to a sunset cruise down the Bosphorus
Credit: Getty
GO: Istanbul
GETTING THERE: Wizz Air flies from Luton to Istanbul from £25.09 each way. See wizzair.com.
STAYING THERE: Double rooms at the ibis Istanbul Zeytinburnu from £41. See accor.com
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