It’s no shocker that, like most things in today’s world, the cost of holidays is on the rise.
The combined expenses of flights, luggage and accommodation can quickly mount up, not to mention the spending money required once you’re at your destination.
While this holds true for many holiday spots, there are a few hidden treasures that won’t empty your wallet – with one scenic location being crowned as the most budget-friendly of them all.
Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, has been identified as the ideal spot for your next budget-friendly escape.
This is according to the experts at Compare the Market who examined 30 of the world’s most frequented cities to disclose the top budget-conscious destinations for an autumn break.
The study takes into account factors such as the average price of a meal, a public transport ticket, Airbnb rates, and even the number of Instagram posts, revealing the top picturesque city breaks that won’t leave you penniless – with Istanbul taking the crown.
Here, tourists can savour a meal out for an average of just £7.31, the cheapest option among the travel destinations.
A one-way transport ticket costs a mere 43p, making it incredibly affordable to discover the city’s numerous attractions, reports the Mirror.
Istanbul also offers the third-most economical Airbnb rates, with an average nightly cost of £68. There are 132,369,288 Instagram posts tagged ‘#istanbul’, placing it third in this category too.
Istanbul, straddling two continents yet regarded as a European city, boasts centuries of rich history and an abundance of awe-inspiring sights.
Take for instance, the Hagia Sophia mosque – once the world’s largest interior space – which beautifully blends Muslim and Christian cultures through its stunning architecture and artwork, all housed under a magnificent dome.
A must-visit is the renowned Grand Bazaar market, established by the Ottomans shortly after their conquest of the city in 1453.
Here, a vast selection of stalls offer everything from soaps, spices, trinkets, carpets to clothes, creating an irresistible atmosphere that you’ll not want to miss.
Another way to truly appreciate the city’s architectural splendour is by taking a cruise along the Bosphorus, a narrow waterway separating the European and Asian halves of Istanbul.
Turkish cuisine enjoys global fame, so it’s certainly worth indulging in some local specialities during your Istanbul visit – and there are plenty to choose from.
For instance, borek, a filo pastry typically enjoyed at breakfast, filled with meat, cheese or vegetables.
For a quick bite, give lamachun a go – it’s a traditional Turkish street food dish akin to a pizza, topped with tomatoes and spicy ground beef or lamb.
For a sweet treat, don’t miss out on trying a halka tatlisi.
These resemble the churros you’d encounter in Spain, albeit with an extra touch of sweetness, and can be found at any of Istanbul’s bustling food markets.