Rail disruption - 30 September & 1, 4, 6 October 2023

Due to planned engineering works and industrial action, there will be disruption to rail and London Underground services between Heathrow and Central London between Saturday 30 September and Friday 6 October 2023.

 

Over this period, there will be disruption to Heathrow Express and Piccadilly line services. The Elizabeth line will be operating as normal, and inter-terminal transfer services between all terminals will also be completed by these services.

 

Passengers should plan their journeys before travelling, and allow for additional time where necessary as services will be busier than normal.

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ULEZ expansion - 29 August 2023

London's Ultra Low Emission Zone, or ULEZ, is expanding to encompass all of Greater London, including Heathrow Airport, from the 29 August 2023.

 

The initiative, implemented by Transport for London (TfL), is aimed at reducing air pollution in London, therefore all vehicles entering the airport must meet certain emissions standards in order to avoid paying a daily charge.

 

The daily charge for non-compliant vehicles is £12.50 for most vehicles, including cars, vans, and motorcycles.

 

The charge will be in addition to any other fees or charges associated with entering the airport. The charge only applies when a vehicle is driven within the ULEZ zone, and does not apply to stationary vehicles including when cars are parked at Heathrow.

 

Please note, if you have booked Meet & Greet or Valet Parking with a non-compliant vehicle, and have selected a different exit terminal to your entry terminal, you will be liable for payment of a ULEZ charge to transfer your vehicle to another terminal.

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Incredible Istanbul

Heathrow
Heathrow
Maria Asaad
Airlines and routes,

 

Istanbul doesn’t compare to a lot of other cities around the world. It has a vibrant cosmopolitan vibe and is lined with irresistible tasty street food, making it a top destination for tourists hungry for great culture and food. Considered the central hub of the world, here are some of the unmissable things to do in this wonderful city.

 

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Marvel at the majestic Hagia Sofia

The Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul’s most iconic and popular sites with thousands of tourists lining up to walk around the massive architectural wonder. Once you enter, you won’t be able to stop gazing at the huge, transcendent roof dome and taking in the beauty of the Byzantine mosaics with representations of Christ that adorn the walls.

Hagia Sophia once served as a Cathedral before it was converted into a mosque in the early 15th century, and then a museum in 1935. It was completed in the 6th century under the orders of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. It was the largest Cathedral in the world for an entire millennium until the completion of Seville Cathedral in 1520.  

If you do pay a visit to the Hagia Sofia, keep an eye out for runic inscriptions engraved into the marble parapets on the top floor gallery. It is thought that these were graffitied by Byzantine Emperor’s personal bodyguards. 

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Explore the exquisite tiles inside the Blue Mosque

This historical Sultanahmet Mosque was built in the early 17th century during the reign of Ahmed I and is another of Istanbul’s famous architectural sites. It is now known as the Blue Mosque due to its magnificent and iconic interior.

The interior walls of the Blue Mosque are covered with over 20,000 hand-painted blue tiles. These gorgeous tiles perfectly reflect the incoming sunlight from more than 200 windows, creating a captivating and dazzling scene of wonder.

It is important to note that the Blue Mosque still serves as a functional mosque, so it is forbidden to pay a visit during prayer times. 

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Barter your way through the Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is a must-do in Istanbul as it is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. There are thousands of shops and stalls spread across dozens of streets selling everything from souvenirs to sweet treats.

Just wandering around the market and soaking up the historical atmosphere and buzzing surroundings is enough of a great day out, even if you don’t plan to buy anything.

If you do plan on making some purchases, then be sure to put on your bargaining hat and barter as much as you can!

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Go back to Byzantium at the Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern was built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian I to store 80,000m3 of water and channel it to surrounding palaces. Is it now one of Istanbul’s most interesting attractions and provides an intriguing underground experience.

The cistern is an artifact of the Byzantine Empire’s water system that visitors can explore first-hand and take in the ancient Ionic and Corinthian columns. Two columns even feature the upside-down head of Medusa at the base for visitors to enjoy.

The Basilica Cistern is a dark and cool underground complex that can be great for escaping the hot sun of the day for an hour or two to cool off!

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Pay a visit to the Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace was once the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for over four centuries. It is situated at the exact point where the Golden Horn meets the Marmara Sea and is a must-see in Istanbul.

The palace is filled with impressive rooms and chamber houses, as well as fascinating objects, including the 86-carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond.

Visitors have a chance to enjoy the array of illustrious collections of precious jewels, religious artifacts, and weaponry on display at this luxurious palace. There are also constant temporary exhibitions for those visiting to enjoy. 

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