Your summer holiday has never looked better – fly to these holiday hot spots from Malta with Turkish Airlines!
1. Istanbul
Once known as Byzantium and then Constantinople, the economic, cultural and financial centre of Turkey is also popular among tourists, thanks to myriad attractions like the Hagia Sophia museum, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque as well as tempting cuisine (think kebabs, Turkish delight or everyone’s favourite baklava)! Take a 20-minute ferry ride across the Bosphorus from Besiktas to Kadikoy for a glimpse of the impressive skyline and fantastic view of the historic Sultanahmet district, with its mosques, churches and palaces. Other attractions include the famed Grand Bazaar, as well as Eminonu – an outdoor dining area that doubles up as a tram stop and flea market (hello bargains!)
2. Cappadocia
Have you – like us – stared longingly at those fairy-tale images of hot air balloons prettying up an already beautiful sunset backdrop that pop up on your feed from time to time? Well, chances are, they’re taken in Cappadocia, in south central Turkey. Replete with natural wonders, the unique geological features in this fantastic region are called fairy chimneys (yes, really!) and they possess an otherworldly beauty. And the fantastic natural topography isn’t the only draw here – the stone also tells the story of centuries of human history through carved underground caverns such as those at Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı, and rock-cut churches decorated with frescoes, like those at Göreme Open-Air Museum.
3. Tokyo
Japan’s bustling capital needs no introduction, and if it’s not already on your bucket list, it should be! A fascinating place where traditional culture and ultramodern, neon-lit skyscrapers go hand in hand, there’s just so much to see and do. Whether you’re looking for shopping, entertainment, culture or dining hot spots, you’ll find it all here, as well as excellent museums, historic temples and gardens. Must-visit attractions include the opulent Meiji Shinto Shrine, the Imperial Palace and surrounding gardens as well as several museums ranging from the classical Tokyo National Museum to the Edo-Tokyo Museum, which is housed within a reconstructed kabuki theatre.
4. Bangkok
Even if you didn’t know that Thailand’s capital welcomes more visitors than any other city in the world, it’s hardly surprising! Known to many as the city of contrasts, Bangkok has got everything from ornate shrines to vibrant street life and everything in between. Take a traditional longtail boat down the Chao Phraya River through the floating markets and past the Rattanakosin royal district, where you’ll find the opulent Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew Temple, or hitch a ride on a tuk tuk along Chinatown, and while you’re there, be sure to sample the local cuisine. Finally, if you’re looking to let your hair down, no visit here is complete without delving into the famed nightlife of nightclubs, cabarets and exotic red-light districts. The memories are sure to last a lifetime.
5. New York
Certainly one of the most famous cities in the world, New York City, or the Big Apple, is a destination we should all visit at least once in our lives. There’s so much to see and do, as well as year-round events and festivals, superb hotels and award-winning restaurants across its five boroughs that no matter how long you stay, there’s always so much more to discover. Explore Manhattan – the world’s major commercial, financial and cultural centre – and take in the sites. From the iconic Empire State Building to the fantastic Central Park, Broadway and Times Square, it will often feel like you’re in a real life movie, and that’s certainly not a bad thing!
6. Miami
Will Smith knew what he was talking about when he called Miami “the city where the heat is on”, and there’s no hotter time to visit this port city in Florida than in summer. Experience the Cuban influence in Little Havana through the cafes and cigar shops, and take in the beauty of the turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay and Miami Beach. Take a stroll along the glamorous South Beach neighbourhood and pretend you’re a movie star – the backdrop of art deco buildings, white sand and trendy nightclubs is bound to make you feel like one!
So, where do you want to explore this summer? Check out flights to these destinations and loads more over at Turkish Airlines.