Istanbul lifestyle

Istanbul is one of the world's great shopping cities and first stop has to be its phenomenal Grand Bazaar in the old district, where you'll find over 60 twisting streets bulging with fascinating shops selling everything from carpets, silver and gold to spices, antiques and souvenirs. While you're here, make sure you haggle over prices - it's all part of the fun. Nearby you'll find numerous other specialist souks, whilst for more modern-day shopping, the main street of Istakli Caddesi overflows with department stores and boutiques.

Istanbul is foodie heaven. As well as a kaleidoscope of Asian, Far Eastern and Indian restaurants and international hotel eateries, the city brims with meyhane - tavernas - and kebab and fish restaurants serving Turkey's tempting fusion of Arabic and Eastern European cuisine. Favourites include meze starters like tomatoes in yoghurt, dolmades and fried aubergine, followed by shish kebabs - tender, skewered cubes of meat grilled or cooked on a spit - or a wide array lamb, stuffed vegetable and rice dishes. Don't miss the much-loved ultra-sweet and milk-based desserts like baklava, Turkish Delight in all its different varieties and raki - the local, clear-coloured brandy.

Filled with bars, clubs and restaurants, Istanbul offers after-dark entertainments of every kind, whether you fancy relaxing on a smart rooftop bar overlooking the Bosphorus or heading for one of thousands of traditional bars or cafes. If you're hankering after live music, the Beyoglu district has everything from jazz and rock to techno clubs whilst along the Bosphorus you'll find super-glam nightclubs open till late. For something more Turkish in flavour, the suburb of Ortaköy offers colourful evening markets stalls and relaxed fish restaurants along the waterside.