Istanbul

Istanbul spans two continents on either side of the Bosphorus. Capital of three empires, it layers Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, bazaars and modern districts. For Tunisians it is the most accessible great city: direct flights from Tunis in 2.5 hours and visa exemption for tourist stays of up to 90 days.

Things to see and do

• Sultanahmet: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, the Basilica Cistern, the Hippodrome.
• The Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Bazaar, for spices, lokum and ceramics.
• Galata Bridge, Galata Tower and İstiklal Avenue up to Taksim.
• A Bosphorus cruise, preferably in the late afternoon.
• The Asian side: Kadıköy, Üsküdar and Çamlıca hill.
• The Süleymaniye mosque, the Balat and Fener districts, a historic hammam.

How to get there from Djerba

Fly Djerba–Tunis (1 hour) then Tunis–Istanbul (2.5 hours), connecting at Tunis-Carthage; we combine both flights on a single booking. Istanbul has two airports: Istanbul (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side, both 45 minutes or more from the centre (shuttle, metro from IST, taxi or private transfer). Tunisians do not need a visa for a tourist stay.

When to go

April-May and September-October offer the best weather. Summer is hot and very busy; winter, cold and sometimes snowy, has the advantage of lower prices and less crowded bazaars. Ramadan and religious holidays bring a special atmosphere; dates change each year.