Cathy and Susan do Turkey

The Telegraph: 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.

Turkish Airlines: 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.

Like A Local Guide: Local people enjoy Arsen Lüpen because of its reasonable-priced beers and wide variety of drinks. They also have a spacious rooftop that offers great views on the city. Read more.

Hale AFŞAR: Nargilesi 10 numara 👌👍😎

Culinary Backstreets: One of our favorite tea gardens. By serving tea and coffee to local shopkeepers day in and day out for 30 years, Mustafa Amca ("Uncle Mustafa") has become an Istanbul institution. Read more.

Culinary Backstreets: One of our all-time favorites. Great for lunch. İmam bayıldı, sütlaç, arnavut çiğeri are all delicious. Read more.

Culinary Backstreets: Tiny shack located near the Grand Bazaar "currency exchange." Try the Adana kebab dürüm (dürüm =wrap) or the kuzu şiş kebab dürüm (lamb shish kebab wrap). Read more.

Eyedea: You must try their delicious swordfish!

Nina Yiamsamatha: Best baklava in Istanbul, according to the locals!

Istanbul Shopping Fest: You can find delicious "authentic Turkish breakfast" here all day long (between 06:30 until 22:30). Never leave without trying

Dens: If some guy outside tries to sell you tickets that allow you to cut line, it's cool & legit (we did it) and saved us like 20 min in line. Pro tip: once inside, do tje tour backward, starting w/ exit

DHR.com: 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.

istanbul: On a rooftop just off Istiklâl, by night the place is packed to hear the in-house DJ. At lunch you’ll find a half-empty restaurant and a view of ships on a sparkling sea.

Tommy S: Get a table outside, enjoy the view. Don't forget to take the stairs to the bar one floor up and have a drink and even better view!

Spotted by Locals - city guides by locals: The hotel’s terrace bar is one of the best places to grab an afternoon drink Read more.

İpek A.: This is my favourite place around Cihangir & Taksim. Delicious & healthy food, amazing breakfast & good cocktails

Culinary Backstreets: An old favorite and celebrated destination for Istanbul lahmacun lovers. Garnish with parsley and a spritz of lemon and you've got the perfect snack. Read more.