Istanbul is known as the place where east and west meet. On one side of the country of Turkey is the Middle East, and on the other, Europe. This means that you will find a fusion of cultures and traditions here, giving the city a colourful vibe.

The city is filled with history, much of which is bloody due to its location between two continents, serving as a gateway for invading armies. However, you’ll find plenty of beauty in Istanbul, from the spectacular religious buildings to the enchanting street markets.

When you visit Istanbul, you’ll be able to sample the incredible local cuisine, dining in some of the best restaurants in the country. Try out the local delicacies such as kebabs and mezes to really make the most of your time in the city.

We are proud to offer First class flights to Istanbul as well as economy.

5 Things You Need to Know About Istanbul

There is plenty for you to find out about Istanbul when you arrive, but before you go, get to know a little more about the city with our key things to know:

Time Difference: GMT +3 hours
Currency: Turkish Lira (?)
Native Language: Turkish
Weather: With a Mediterranean climate, Istanbul experiences hot, dry summers and mild, sometimes even cool, wet winters.
Sales Tax: 18%

 

Flying to Istanbul from the UK

Before you begin your journey to Istanbul, you should make sure that you are well-informed about your travels. Here are a few things you should know about flight times, entry requirements and airlines that fly to Istanbul:

Flight Times

You can find direct flights from the UK to Istanbul that take only roughly four hours. If you’re not too concerned about speed, you can opt for a longer flight with a stop. These flights often stop in eastern European cities such as Chisinau, Bucharest, and Belgrade.

Entry Requirements

As a British citizen, you’ll need to obtain a visa before travelling to Istanbul. This visa allows for multiple stays for a maximum length of 90 days within a 180 day period. You can find out more and apply for an e-Visa through the official Republic of Turkey e-Visa website.

Airlines that Fly to Istanbul

There are plenty of different airlines to choose from when you fly to Istanbul, including:

- Air Moldova
- British Airways
- Flybe
- Lot Polish Airlines
- Transportes Regionai
- Ukraine International Airways

The Airport

When you are travelling to Istanbul from the UK, you are likely to land in at Istanbul Airport.

Istanbul Airport (IST)

Located in the Arnavutköy district, Istanbul Airport is now the main international airport in the city after all commercial passenger flights were transferred from Istanbul Atatürk Airport in April 2019. Once the airport has been fully completed, it will be able to serve up to 200 million passengers a year.

Popular Routes

You can find plenty of direct flights from the UK to Istanbul from airlines such as British Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Transportes Regionai.

10 Must-Do Things in Istanbul

There’s so much to see and do while you’re in Istanbul, you’ll struggle to fit it all in! Here are just a few of our favourite things:

- Hagia Sophia
- The Blue Mosque
- Grand Bazaar
- Topkapi Palace
- Basilica Cistern
- Galata Tower
- Sultanahmet Square
- Dolmabahce Palace
- Taksim Square
- Maiden’s Tower

Book Cheap Flights to Istanbul with Globehunters

You can book your flights to Istanbul today by using our online search tool to find the best deals, leaving you with more budget to spend on your holiday. If you need a helping hand, you can get in touch with one of our expert travel consultants who will be happy to help.