Looking for property in Istanbul? Have a holiday while you do!

If you're looking for property in Istanbul, what better way to really get a feel for the place than to make your trip into a holiday as well? It's important to experience what Istanbul has to offer before making big decisions. And you're likely to have a wonderful time even if you decide not to go ahead and buy; Turkey's capital is a top holiday destination for Brits all year round. Here's some info on why it's so popular.

In Istanbul, history and tradition are piled layer upon layer. Stately palaces, mosques and cathedrals sit next to chaotic bazaars, steaming hamama and poky nargile (hookah) joints. Ottoman Constantinople lies beside ancient Byzantium and the history of these periods is legible in the stunning relics that suffuse the city.

But in addition to its immense, and rich, culture and history, is a newly emerging reason why people are flocking to the city: Istanbul's cool. In the past decade, development has transformed ghetto-like no-go zones into hip and vibrant neighbourhoods whose very stylish clientele spill out into the streets, eating and drinking until the small hours. A variety of clubs, trendy bars and lovely cafes as well as restaurants serving delicious local and international food are springing up fast, all over the place.

So if you're going to Istanbul expecting belly dancers and nights spent drinking coffee and eating Turkish delight, you might be well surprised to find yourself watching the sunrise at a nightclub on the Bosphorus. If you're anticipating a diet of kebabs, you'll be taken aback at the variety of top quality, cuisine options which fuse traditional Turkish food with cutting edge styles from other countries. And you'll be amazed at the range of chic, sassy, even sexy boutique hotels you can stay in, and villas you can buy.

Istanbul was the European capital of culture and cool in 2010. If you're looking to go for a budget option you'd be wise to check out various current deals on flights and hotels. Many travel companies offer cheap holidays and it is often worth booking a holiday this way if you intending to visit with a view buying property- you can often find hotels in the city that cost as little as £20 per person.