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.
Topkapi palace was the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans and the center of state administration about 380 years until the construction of Dolmabahce Palace in 1856 by Sultan Abdulmecit.
Did you know that the four enormous pillars in the Sultanahmet Mosque are called “Elephant Feet”?
Begin your day in the subterranean depths of the Basilica Cistern, a 1,500-year-old building supported by 336 columns. Don’t miss the twin blocks carved into snake-haired Medusas.
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
Such a peaceful and beautiful mosque. Worth going just a little out of the way to visit.
Also known as the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, this amazing church is one of the finest examples of Byzantine church architecture. Lots of beautiful frescoes and paintings to be found here
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.
Keep going right through the park toward the Bosphorus and up the hill a bit to get to the cafe with amazing views over the water and city
Ayasofya is a beautiful place. To enter, you need to pay 25 TRY per person. You have to pay entry because its considered a museum.
Head for the top of Galata Tower on a first visit to Istanbul to get a wonderful, elevated overview of the beautiful city
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.
great homemade beer (carbon-guiness alike and haliç-spicy beer highly recommended), friendly stuff and best place to hang out with friends after work away from the crowd of the city!
Great place and ambience. Doubles the price of any pub, 4 times more expensive than retail stores.
Galata Bridge, Until the 19th century old Byzantine city of Constantinople was completely seperated from Galata and Pera by the Halic or Golden Horn
A delightful gem where the BEST textiles in Turkey can be found. She has three shops and each is better than the previous!
These guys here are really great.. The quality of products also good. Ask for Turgai or Ugur they speak English. Their hand made towels are the best in Istanbul.
