Which? Names Istanbul One of Europe’s Best City Escapes

Straddling Asia and Europe along the Bosphorus Strait, İstanbul continues to captivate travellers with its iconic landmarks, rich culinary scene, and inviting accommodation. The city, that welcomed 13.5 million visitors in the first nine months of 2025, has been named among the top five European city breaks of the year by Which?  In addition, Condé Nast Traveller readers voted İstanbul one of the best family-friendly city break destinations in the Readers’ Choice Awards.

With its timeless charm and endless experiences, autumn is the perfect season to rediscover this bicontinental city, whether through its historic treasures, artistic energy, or culinary delights.

Bicontinental Treasure Trove of History

İstanbul’s story stretches across millennia, seamlessly blending modernity and tradition. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Historical Peninsula is the ideal place to begin exploring the city’s remarkable past. Here stand the world-famous Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapı Palace, icons of empires that once ruled the world. Nearby, the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar overflow with colours, scents, and sounds, offering a sensory glimpse into the city’s centuries-old trading spirit.

From Bosphorus to Creative Modernity

After exploring the old city, set aside a day to experience the Bosphorus Strait, the only waterway that connects two continents. A ferry tour reveals İstanbul’s magic from the water, framed by elegant ‘yalı’ mansions, seagulls gliding above, and golden autumn light illuminating palaces and minarets.

Back on land, the city’s creative pulse beats strongest along İstiklal Street, Galataport, and Karaköy, where art galleries, cafés, and boutique shops thrive side by side. To fully immerse yourself in İstanbul’s artistic energy, visit cultural landmarks such as İstanbul Modern, the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM), Arter, and Meşher.

A Season of Culture in İstanbul

Autumn brings a vibrant rhythm to İstanbul’s cultural calendar, offering a rich programme of exhibitions and festivals.

• At the İstanbul Cinema Museum, The Art of James Cameron showcases over 300 works by the visionary filmmaker, running for six months from 27 September.
• Celebrated photographer Steve McCurry’s exhibition The Haunted Eye is on view until 30 November at MSGSÜ Tophane-I Amire Culture and Art Centre.
• The acclaimed Austrian arts platform Ars Electronica will appear exclusively at Zorlu PSM between 21–28 October.
• Organised by the İstanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV), the 29^th İstanbul Theatre Festival runs from 20 October to 22 November, featuring 16 theatre and dance productions from Türkiye.

A Feast for the Senses

No trip to İstanbul is complete without indulging in its world-renowned cuisine. Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast, an irresistible mix of sweet and savoury flavours, served with the city’s signature simit and tulip-shaped glasses of tea. Explore the street food scene with delicacies like kokoreç (spicy grilled intestines), kumpir (stuffed baked potatoes), and midye dolma (stuffed mussels).

Before planning your next city break, explore the İstanbul hotels recognised during the MICHELIN Key Award Ceremony 2025, the perfect base for an unforgettable autumn getaway.