TRAVELRAGS

Istanbul

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Digest

See. Hagia Sophia↗×2 pubs A must-see landmark, well worth hours of attention. Grand Bazaar↗ A centuries-old market, well worth hours of attention. Bebek↗ A charismatic neighborhood offering a grounded perspective of the city. Princes Islands Visit Buyukada, one of Istanbul's nine islands, for a summer retreat.

Eat. Karaköy Güllüoğlu↗ Try a portion of baklava at this famous spot. Simone Enjoy 360-degree views of Istanbul from this rooftop bar. Hacı Bekir↗ Taste traditional Turkish delight at Türkiye's oldest brand.

Stay. Four Seasons Stay in the former Sultanahmet Prison, now a luxury hotel.

Condé Nast TravelerAug 25, 2026

13 Stopover Flights to Help You Get the Most Out of International Airfare

These airlines allow free stopovers in destinations like Paris, Lisbon, Iceland, Fiji, and Osaka.

21 things in this story
  • Turkish AirlinesPlaceoffers Stopover in Istanbul with free hotel
  • Elsewhere
  • Eiffel TowerSightParis, FranceIt is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower from 1887 to 1889.
  • SeineSightParis, Francecruise included in the 'Paris Must-See' package
  • Golden CircleSightReykjavík, Icelandabbreviated tour available from $112
  • Air FrancePlaceParis, Franceoffers Paris stopover program for connecting passengers
  • Charles de Gaulle International AirportSightParis, Franceconnecting passengers can add up to four-night stay
  • Extime TravelPlaceParis, Francecurates travel packages for Paris stopovers
  • Disneyland ParisSightParis, Francetravel package includes entry to parks
  • LufthansaPlaceMunich, Germanyoffers stopover program in Munich
  • Rosewood MunichHotelMunich, Germany20% off flex room rate
  • Neuschwanstein CastleSightMunich, GermanyIt is located in the Swabia region of Bavaria, in the municipality of Schwangau, above the incorporated village of…
  • Linderhof PalaceSightMunich, GermanyIt is the smallest of the three palaces built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and the only one which was actually…
  • Fiji AirwaysPlaceNadi, Fijioffers free 48-hour stopover in Nadi
  • TAP Air PortugalPlaceLisbon, Portugaloffers free stopovers in Porto and Lisbon
  • IberiaPlaceMadrid, SpainStopover Hola Madrid program
  • Prado museumMuseumMadrid, Spain20% off tickets
  • IcelandAirPlaceReykjavík, Icelandoffers free Reykjavik stopovers
  • Qatar AirwaysPlaceDoha, Qataroffers hotel bundle for stopovers in Doha
  • Louvre MuseumMuseumParis, France
  • Shangri-La Yanuca IslandHotelNadi, Fiji
  • VOMO islandHotelNadi, Fiji
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Lonely PlanetAug 20

Türkiye on a budget

Many of Türkiye’s riches don’t come cheaply these days.

17 things in this storyRead the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Condé Nast TravelerAug 10

The Best Things to Do in Istanbul, Türkiye's Charismatic Capital

From tiled palaces to centuries-old markets, art galleries and colorful neighborhoods, here's a must-visit guide to Türkiye's most charismatic city.

25 things in this story
  • Hagia SophiaPlace of worshipMajestic structure with Byzantine mosaics and Ottoman calligraphy.
  • Smelt & CoRestaurantSeafood and vegetarian restaurant beloved by locals and travelers.
  • BalatNeighborhoodFormer Jewish quarter with pastel-painted houses and antique shops.
  • Moda PierSightCultural space in a converted early 20th-century building.
  • Galata TowerSightInstantly recognizable landmark with panoramic city views.
  • Grand BazaarMarketOne of the world's oldest and largest indoor markets.
  • BebekNeighborhoodAffluent neighborhood on the Bosphorus with beautiful buildings.
  • ÇukurcumaNeighborhoodKnown as the antiques district with charming houses and shops.
  • CihangirNeighborhoodBohemian area with cool cafes, street art, and ancient hammams.
  • Hagia Sophia and museumMuseumMuseum behind the main building opened in 2023.
  • Topkapi PalaceMuseumFormer administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire.
  • Basilica CisternAttractionAncient reservoir built in the sixth century.
  • Bosphorus river cruisePlaceBest enjoyed from the deck to see riverside landmarks.
  • Zeyrek Çinili HammamPlace16th-century masterpiece hammam with restored facilities.
  • Ortakoy MosquePlace of worshipBeautiful 18th-century Neo-Baroque temple on the waterfront.
  • KadikoyNeighborhoodAsian side neighborhood with untouched markets and local eateries.
  • Olimpiyat KokoreçFast foodHole-in-the-wall spot specializing in grilled fish sandwiches.
  • Ciya SofrasıRestaurantServes Anatolian classics.
  • Halil LahmacunFast foodSpecializes in thin, crispy flatbread with spiced minced meat.
  • MangerieRestaurantCity's elite meet for lunch with views across the Strait.
  • SusamGalleryOffers the best pomegranate juice in town.
  • Aga HamamiPlaceOne of Istanbul's oldest hammams, dating back to 1454.
  • Tarihi Cihangir Simit FiriniBakeryUnmatched baked goods, perfect for people-watching.
  • Şerefiye CisternMuseum
  • Binbirdirek CisternMuseum
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

SkiftAug 4

Hoshino’s Nara Prison Leans Into the Heritage — a Test Case for Japan’s Historic Buildings

Japan’s Hoshino Resorts makes a bold move that blends cultural preservation, tourism strategy, and a new “cycle of heritage” model that blends government ownership with private operation. If it works, the rest of Japan will take notice, with its hard-to-maintain civic architecture.

4 hotels in this storyRead the full piece at Skift →

National GeographicJul 3

Where to find the best Turkish delight in Istanbul

Once endorsed by a sultan, Turkish delight has been a sweet treat for centuries; now it’s taking on new forms in Istanbul, with innovative flavours and even liquid interpretations.

15 things in this storyRead the full piece at National Geographic →

Condé Nast TravelerNov 17, 2025

The Best Rooftop Bars and Restaurants in Istanbul

The best vantage points to admire the minarets and cobbled streets of Istanbul with a drink in hand

25 things in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

MonocleJun 1, 2016

Pleasure island

The Princes Islands are strewn with summer homes but none recall Turkey’s mid-century moment like this 1950s retreat, with its clean lines and echo of occasional cocktail parties.

3 things in this storyRead the full piece at Monocle →
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