Boutique Istanbul escape with stunning sightseeing perks

About this City Break

Enjoy a city stint at a characterful boutique gem with a rooftop terrace in the heart of Istanbul – includes breakfast and travel

The legendary Turkish city of Istanbul, where East meets West in spectacular fashion, offers up a truly magical melting pot of delights. Sitting in the midst of this fascinating tapestry is the boutique Eresin Hotel Sultanahmet, centrally located in Istanbul’s Sultanhamet district. Its impressive façade gives you a glimpse of the wonders waiting inside: antique furnishings and historic art pieces ranging from Roman and Greek to Byzantine and Ottoman line the walls, bringing the past to life in vibrant detail.

When you’re not musing on the works of art or the permanent exhibition of Turkish photographer Gultekin Cizgen, there’s plenty more to do in this captivating city. Must-sees close at hand are the fabled Hagia Sophia, the iconic Blue Mosque, Gulhane Park, the 15th-century Topkapi Palace, the jaw-dropping Basilica Cistern and the Hippodrome. Other attractions include the Archaeological Museum, Rustem Pasha Mosque and Mosaic Museum. The Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are also within walking distance, so you can pick up souvenirs and trinkets of your escape before returning to your old-world accommodation.

Istanbul: a clash of cultures

Straddling the borders of two continents, Istanbul is a fascinating patchwork of architectural styles and cultural treasures. Many a great civilisation has made this magnificent city their home over the centuries, from the Romans and Greeks to the Ottomans, and each has left their distinct mark. Some of the most iconic sights include the Hagia Sophia (the unofficial eighth wonder of the world), the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia, and the Galata Tower.

Don’t miss your chance to explore the Besiktas district, where you can browse for curios at the Grand Bazaar, and check out the interesting buildings dating from the Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman periods. Further thrills include visiting the grandiose Süleymaniye Mosque, working your way through the awe-inspiring antiquities at the Archaeology Museum, and taking a ferry cruise on The Bosphorus – the narrow waterway that separates Istanbul from Europe.