If you love the tumble of city life for a steal, then East/West ancient/modern Istanbul is the place to be. The Turkish economy has crashed some 5 percent this year (worse than the annual rate during our Great Depression), and flights now cost 20 percent less than a year ago. You can live like a king and queen in the jail from Midnight Express, now a Four Seasons, and arguably... Read moreIf you love the tumble of city life for a steal, then East/West ancient/modern Istanbul is the place to be. The Turkish economy has crashed some 5 percent this year (worse than the annual rate during our Great Depression), and flights now cost 20 percent less than a year ago. You can live like a king and queen in the jail from Midnight Express, now a Four Seasons, and arguably Istanbul’s finest hotel ($500; fourseasons.com). Or enjoy a bargain at the Naz Wooden House Inn, built on the ruins of an eighth-century Byzantine palace, with views of Istanbul’s Blue Mosque ($100; nazwoodenhouseinn.com). Cross the Bosporus to Asia for Turkey’s best restaurant, Ciya Sofrasi, so seasonal there’s no set menu; brave the intestines stuffed with lamb ($8, ciya.com.tr). After haggling for spices you’ve never heard of at the Spice Market, have a beer under the Galata bridge ($2) and watch the flickering lights of the Old City while leathery fishermen reel in their catch. View page