Why your next break should be to Istanbul

No trip to Istanbul is complete without visiting the famous Grand Bazaar, of course – but it’s far from the only destination for dedicated shopping connoisseurs.

In the secret heart of Istanbul, you’ll find Çukurcuma: it’s the city’s atmospheric antiques quarter, where mountains of bric-a-brac spill from the timber-fronted shops on to the pavements.

It’s a paradise for shoppers who love the esoteric. There’s a wonderful array of period pieces here, each with its own story. From Ottoman brocades, samovars and Sixties radiograms, to chandeliers, ornate window shutters, lanterns, donkey saddles and many dinner sets, there’s a unique something for every inquisitive visitor.

The atmospheric antiques quarter is a reminder of the gloriously rich history of Istanbul. For more than 1,500 years it was the capital of three empires – the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman.

With its wealth of museums, imperial mosques, churches, palaces, ancient walls, fortresses, covered bazaars and hammams (bath houses), Istanbul – formerly Constantinople – has long been an irresistible draw for history buffs.

It’s not all about the past, however. In recent decades, historic Istanbul has been working towards a brand-new present, as befits Europe’s most populous city.

The emergence of new hotels and spas, classy shopping destinations, cutting-edge galleries and contemporary cultural spaces, award-winning eateries, and transformed inner-city districts – such as Karaköy, home to a brand new cruise ship port – have transformed Istanbul.

It’s now not only the most exotic destination on the continent – even if a sizeable part of the metropolis actually lies across the water in Asia –but also one of the most exciting.

It helps that recent improvements to the transport system – a third bridge over the Bosphorus waterway; a first metro tunnel beneath it; an extensive tram work; cable cars – have made it so much easier to get around.

Even so, for the quintessential Istanbul experience, be sure to take to the ferries which, for pennies, will transport you to Asia.

As you embark from either end of the iconic Galata Bridge, look back over the skyline views of the Topkapı Palace and the great Ayasofya Camii (Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque). Make sure you make time for the waiters who hurry trays of tea, freshly squeezed orange juice and bagel-style simits to passengers who would otherwise, perish the thought, go hungry for the duration of the crossing – all 20 wonderful minutes of it.

This amazing city excels at many things, but Istanbul is arguably the world’s premier foodie city. Whether it’s grabbing a few midye tava (rice-stuffed mussels) on the quayside or doing justice to a world-class tasting menu – for a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere – there is truly nowhere that does food like Istanbul.

It is truly a city for gastronauts – where a huge selection of delicious traditional and modern dishes, and cutting-edge international cuisine is all on the menu. Wherever your taste buds take you during your stay, Istanbul offers irresistible dining experiences.

Discover more about Istanbul's endless variety that fascinates its visitors here