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Flowers, birds, and verdant hues announce spring.
Istanbul
Split by a narrow channel – the Bosphorus – which puts part of Istanbul in Europe and part in Asia, this marvelous Turkish metropolis is like no other city on earth. Straddling two continents whose traditions couldn’t be more different, Istanbul is a fascinating mix of western enclaves, Byzantine ruins, glorious mosques, magnificent palaces, and colorful souks. Starting in April, clement temperatures kick in after months of winter rain, but hotel prices remain low and crowds few on the ground, making spring the best time to visit this enticing city, before the hot, humid, and extremely crowded (and pricier) summer months arrive. Plus, with Turkey angling for admittance to the European Union, Istanbul is on the cusp of major change – putting it on the top of our list of cities to watch.
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$38/nt+: Budget Istanbul hotel w/ free brkfst nr Blue Mosque Artefes Hotel
$112/nt+: Family-friendly Istanbul hotel w/free brkfst Sarnic Boutique Hotel
$133/nt+: 4-star Istanbul hotel w/poolside bar nr Pera Museum The Marmara Pera
$149/nt+: 4-star Istanbul hotel nr Blue Mosque w/free brkfst Erguvan
$138/nt+: 5-star hotel in Istanbul nr Constantinople Walls Barcelo Eresin Topkapi
$179/nt+: 5-star Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul Expedia