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.
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 four courtyards and plethora of buildings and pavilions that make up the Topkapı Palace complex (topkapisarayi.gov.tr ; £8.70, closed Tuesdays in winter) are a whole afternoon’s entertainment.
Did you know that the four enormous pillars in the Sultanahmet Mosque are called “Elephant Feet”?
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
Traditional food given a modern twist in a beautiful setting with fine views of the Süleymaniye and Valencian aqueduct. Next door is the Church of the Pantokrator.
Walk off an early lunch with a half-hour stroll to the wall’s end on the Golden Horn. At Ayvansaray Pier catch a ferry (£1) to the Galata Bridge.
They make the exceptional “Çöp Şiş”, small lamb meats marinated in milk and oil, like no where else. Make sure that the mixed kebab includes at least çöp şiş, Adana and eggplant kebab. Read more.
English language books on Istanbul and Turkey are definitely worth checking out, and would make good literary souvenirs if you’re in the city only for a couple of days. Read more.
