With autumn in full swing, it’s safe to say that the summer getaway is firmly behind us.
If you’re mourning the loss of the peak holiday season and looking to book an autumn city break, one ‘sublime’ city has been crowned Europe’s most affordable.
Istanbul has taken the top spot, famed for its Instagrammable architecture, fascinating history, and world-class delicacies.
The new study, from Compare The Market, placed the average Airbnb price in the Turkish city at £68 per night, further finding that the typical meal costs £7.31 and a one-way ticket on public transport just 43p. Dinner’s on us!
Elsewhere, Warsaw, Poland’s capital city, was named in second place with an average Airbnb cost of £65 per night.
Budapest took home the title for third place, with an evening meal on offer for an average of £8.73, while Krakow and Prague came in fourth and fifth respectively. The UK could, quite simply, never.
What to do in Istanbul
For obvious reasons, the Byzantine masterpiece that is the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is a must-see for travellers to Istanbul.
It has a fascinating history as well, transforming from church, to mosque, to museum. But if you are visiting the mosque make sure it’s not during prayer times as it is closed and be sure to cover up during a visit.
The Hagia Sophia (which has a resident cat as a mascot) usually welcomes around 3.5 million people annually, but the price has also increased to £21.50 per person.
Istanbul has plenty more to offer, including the Blue Mosque, and its grand bazaars where you can find all sorts of trinkets for reasonable prices, plus spices, tea and more.
Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman emperors, is also worth a visit.
And we can’t forget the famed Turkish baths, known as hammams. Anyone who wants to feel smooth as a baby should book a steam bath, where experts will wash away all your troubles for you.
Istanbul also has a vibrant contemporary art scene and nightlife to keep you booked and busy.
What does Istanbul have to offer?
Cultural and Historical Heritage
Istanbul’s history as Byzantium and Constantinople means it’s a city where empires rose and fell. Landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace offer glimpses into its grand past. The city’s UNESCO-listed historic areas are a testament to its significance through the ages.
Culinary Delights
Istanbul’s cuisine reflects its multicultural heritage, with dishes ranging from rich, meaty kebabs to delicate mezes and world-famous sweets like baklava. The city’s location also means fresh seafood is a staple, offering a taste experience that spans continents.
Unique Experiences
From shopping in the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest markets, to cruising on the Bosphorus, which divides the city between two continents, Istanbul offers experiences unavailable anywhere else. The blend of traditional and modern is palpable, with ancient hammams coexisting with vibrant nightlife.
Accessibility and Affordability
For UK travellers, Istanbul is relatively easy to reach with direct flights from various cities. Once there, visitors can find accommodation and experiences to suit all budgets, making it an appealing destination for a wide range of travellers.
Lee Dobson.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
Looking for a bit of late-season sunshine? Istanbul sees highs of 20C in October, while November and December reach up to 15C and 11C respectively.
But if you want to experience the peaks of summer, June, July and August typically see the mercury top between 29C and 27C. Don’t forget your sun cream!
Why is Istanbul so popular?
Istanbul is popular for obvious reasons but it’s also a place of convenience.
For international travellers, there isn’t a lengthy Visa process (you can get an e-visa) and UK travellers don’t need a tourist visa if their stay is shorter than 90 days.
And Istanbul is one city that spans Asia and Europe, making it a fun stopover for flights between Europe, North America and other Asian destinations.
Istanbul has plenty of architecture, art, history and culture but let’s not forget Turkey is one of the cosmetic surgery capitals in the world.
More than 100,000 hair transplants are performed in Turkey each year so don’t be surprised if you see people with surgical bandages on their heads or faces (nose jobs and veneer treatments are also popular).
In 2022, around 1 million people came to Turkey and spent approximately $2 billion on hair transplants, said the head of the Turkish Health Tourism Association.
Istanbul is also known as the ‘city of cats’ too with plenty of friendly felines for you to pet all through the city.
Top tips for travelling to Istanbul
- Visitors should consider staying in areas like Sultanahmet or Galata to be close to major attractions.
- Using Istanbulkart for public transport can save money and time.
- Learning a few Turkish phrases and being respectful of local customs, such as dressing modestly when visiting mosques, can enhance the experience.
Lee Dobson.
What does Istanbul look like?
Don’t just take our word for it, have a look to see the vibrance of the city for yourself.
TikTokers have racked up millions of views and likes sharing their travel recommendations and must-sees in the Turkish economic capital.
How to get to Istanbul
Thankfully, from London, there are frequent flights to Istanbul, with a range of airlines making the journey.
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You can opt for budget airlines such as easyJet, Jet2, WizzAir, or go for Turkish Airlines, British Airways, KLM or Lufthansa.
Prices can be upwards of £134 or lower depending on when you book.
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Anyone else tempted to book a flight ASAP?
The most affordable city breaks for autumn 2024, according to Compare The Market
- Istanbul
- Warsaw
- Budapest
- Krakow
- Prague
- Heraklion
- Porto
- Athens
- Tallinn
- Madrid
- Seville
- Lyon
- Lisbon
- Vienna
- Paris.
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Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
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