Istanbul holidays

Beaches are probably not the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Istanbul. But sandy shores and pebble coastlines can be found on both sides of the city. Many of them are fitted with beach clubs, and paying an entry fee to one of these is usually the best way to bag a good spot on shoreline.

Caddebostan Beach is the closest beach to the centre of Istanbul, making it a popular go-to spot for summer sunseekers. It’s made up of three stretches of sand on the Asian side of the city. It’s a great choice for families as it laps the shallow waters of the Marmara Sea.

Because so many people make their homes here, you can be hard pressed to find a quiet beach in in Istanbul. The small beaches that lap the lesser-trodden Princes’ Islands are probably your best bet. The island of Heybeliada hosts one of the quietest beaches. Alman Koyu comes with a small pebble-carpeted front and a crystal-clear bay for swimming.

The Grand Bazaar doesn’t do things by halves, it’s made up of over 60 streets and 4,000 shops. Plus, it’s one of the oldest shopping malls in the world, and it’s a great place to pick up ceramic souvenirs and handmade clothing.

Bagdat Avenue spools out for over eight miles, lined with huge shopping outlets and Turkish department stores. There are plenty of places to stop for a Turkish tea between shops, too.

The Nisantasi district is the place to go for big designer brands. Its broad streets are filled with high-end fashion boutiques. And, famous names like Cartier and Alexander McQueen both have shops in this part of town.

Turkey may not have its own section on wine shelves around the world, but this place is up-and-coming on the wine scene. Head to a wine bar to try out a selection of fine white and red wines. Wine tasting sessions here are usually paired up with cheese platters.

The neighbourhood of Beyoglu headlines things on the city’s nightlife front. And, it’s got something for just about every taste – rock bars rub shoulders with glitzy rooftop bars. There are traditional Turkish venues and up-all-night nightclubs for party-goers, too.

Meze is a bit like a Middle Eastern take on tapas. In Istanbul it’s traditionally served as a starter at dinner time. It usually comes as a selection of cold starters, often served with toasted bread. Local favourites include grilled aubergines, pinto beans and yoghurt dip.

One of Turkey’s favourite after-dinner treats is Baklava. It’s made out of filo pastry, and filled with chopped nuts and sweet honey.

Raki is the go-to spirit for any celebration in Turkey. It’s the country’s national drink, made with distilled grapes and aniseed. It can be sipped straight, or – for something a bit less potent – you can dilute it with water and ice.

Menemen is a popular breakfast dish right across the city. It’s an omelette made with roasted onions, peppers, tomatoes. The flavour’s boosted with a good pinch of pepper and parsley.

Turkish tea is in big supply in shops, markets and bars right across the city. It’s usually served in tulip-shaped glasses, and it looks almost as dark as black coffee. For a lighter drink, you can add some sugar to take the edge off.