Right across from the cistern is the greatest single building in a city full of wonders, the Hagia Sophia or Aya Sofya (£8.70, closed Mondays). It was a church, then a mosque and is now a museum.
The 336-column, 1,000-square-metre Basilica Cistern is flooded with history… and 80,000 cubic metres of water. No wonder it took a starring role in the Bond film From Russia With Love.
Did you know that the four enormous pillars in the Sultanahmet Mosque are called “Elephant Feet”?
Topkapi is the palace over looking the Bosphorus where the sultas made their homes and supervised government during the glory days of the Ottoman Empire.
Any shopping lover will appreciate bargaining at the Grand Bazaar. With over 5,000 vendors, this shopping extravaganza is a great way to shop for Turkish treasures
The Egyptian Bazaar in Fatih is a huge shopping complex filled with many different kinds of spices, dried fruits, nuts, and some sweet treats. Open daily, from 9am to 7pm.
One of the city's most striking landmarks is a high, cone-capped cylinder tower that dominates the skyline and offers a panoramic vista of Old Istanbul.
Along with a solid wine list, the restaurant’s top-floor spot allows for great views of Istanbul at night. The bar and terrace are good options for after-dinner drinks. Read more.
Lovely little breakfast place in Ortaköy, laid-back, good value and lot's of atmosphere.
Reina is offers one of the best Bosphorus views. It is also a celebrity hot spot where the glitterati can spend all night dancing on the clubs flashy bar and dance floor.
This beautiful and ornate historic site is a definite must-see for Istanbul visitors. Situated North of the Bosphorus Bridge, this place has the remarkable Second Empire architectural style.
The Istanbul Museum of Modern Art is home to fascinating contemporary art exhibitions in its Permanent and Temporary spaces. Also don't miss the museum shop and cafe on your way out.
Porçini mantarı ve trüf yağı ile fırınlanmış beyaz peynir - tek kelime ile yıkılıyor!!!Feta cheese baked in paper with porcini mushrooms and truffle oil - is a must try!!!DELICIOUS :)
Taksim Square, with its monument to the founding of the Turkish Republic, is very much the symbolic heat of modern Istanbul, a busy transport intersection within walking distance of all cafes,...
By the mid-19th century the Ottoman sultans were obsessed with all things Western and determined to move out of Topkapi Palace and into the Dolmabahce Palace on the southern shore of the Bosphorus.
At the Galata district is this medieval stone tower--one of the city's tallest structures. You can hang out at the restaurant and cafe at the upper floors (you can catch great city views from here).
You can find delicious "authentic Turkish breakfast" here all day long (between 06:30 until 22:30). Never leave without trying
This all-night grill joint serves up a dürüm, or Turkish wrap, that's satisfying at any time of the day
amazing experience here. they make first timers feel very comfortable and the place is immaculate. it is a definite must - i will surely be back!
Elegant, quiet, beautifu design. excellent food by wonderful Bosphorus.
15 kinds of homemade baklava are produced here in the hotel's very own baklava room! Read more.
