Pocket Rough Guide Istanbul

treet Cart Snacks
Sesame-coated bagels, roast chestnuts and sweetcorn are among the goodies pushed around Sultanahmet’s streets.

There’s everything from fake designer jeans to

Turkey may be predominantly Muslim but there are plenty of places to enjoy a drink in İstanbul.

Winters can be snowy, most likely in January or February, or more usually simply cold, wet and windy (the downside of the city’s proximity to so much water means it has a maritime climate). Fog can also be a problem in winter, sometimes closing the Bosphorus to shipping

Midsummer is more than bearable, however, with maximum temperatures rarely exceeding 28 degrees – avoid long tramps during the hottest part of the day and enjoy the benefits of warm evenings in a rooftop bar or restaurant.

Needless to say, this is also the most expensive time for accommodation

winters mean spring and autumn are the best times to visit,

İstanbul’s entertainment hub

Golden Horn from the old city and easily reached by tram or metro

inlet of one of the world’s finest natural harbours