Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern (also known as the Yerebatan Sarnıcı or Sunken Cistern) is a huge underground reservoir with hundreds of columns, built by the 6^th-century emperor Justinian. During the Byzantine Empire, the Cistern held water brought all the way from the Belgrade Forest outside Istanbul; it later fell into disuse for hundreds of years, before being rediscovered in the 16^th century. The bases of two of the columns feature distinctive bas-relief sculptures in the shape of Gorgon heads. You can see fish swimming around in the water in this eery and atmospheric space. The entrance to the Cistern is on Yerebatan Caddesi, within a short distance of Hagia Sophia. Yerebatan Sarnıcı; Yerebatan Caddesi 13, Sultanahmet; P: (0212) 522 12 59

Blue Mosque

The early 17^th-century Sultan Ahmet Camii is known to foreigners as the Blue Mosque on account of the more than 20,000 blue-white-red İznik tiles that adorn its interior. Its large dome is supported by four thick columns known as “elephants’ feet.” The mosque’s six minarets (a rarity in Turkey as elsewhere) are an integral part of the Istanbul skyline, and can be seen from many parts of the city. The mosque grounds include other historical buildings such as a medrese (religious school) as well as the tomb of the mosque’s patron, Sultan Ahmet I, who died at the young age of 27. To get here, simply take the tram to the Sultanahmet / Blue Mosque stop. Sultanahmet Camii; At Meydanı (Hippodrome), Sultanahmet

Bosphorus by Boat

The Bosphorus is the famous salt-water strait separating the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, and varies in width from less than a mile to over two miles. The strait connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and so is an important waterway for international shipping; it’s also used by the ferries that cross from one side of the city to the other. You can take a Bosphorus tour all the way up to Anadolu Kavağı, at the entrance to the Black Sea – a great way to see the numerous yalıs (waterside mansions) that line both sides of the strait. See www.plantours.com for information on private boat tours or www.sehirhatlari.com.tr for municipal ferry information.

Dolmabahçe Palace

This over-the-top, opulent palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid I and designed by architect Garabet Balyan and his son Nigoğos (Nigoğayos) Balyan. It was completed in 1856 and was the residence of most of the last Ottoman sultans. The design of Dolmabahçe blends elements from Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, and traditional Ottoman styles; inside, there is an extraordinary crystal staircase in the shape of a double horseshoe. Unlike Topkapı, Dolmabahçe Palace can only be visited on guided tours. Buses and dolmuşes go here from Taksim; alternatively, it is a short walk from Beşiktaş or Kabataş. Dolmabahçe Sarayı; Dolmabahçe Caddesi, Beşiktaş; P: (0212) 236 90 00

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, and – with thousands of stores in its labyrinth of covered arcades – is a shopper’s paradise. All manner of goods can be found here; don’t show too much interest in the item you want to buy, and don’t accept the first price that’s quoted to you. There are numerous entrances to the Bazaar, but the ones you’re likely to use are the Nuruosmaniye Gate and the Beyazıt Gate. Get off the tram either at the Çemberlitaş stop (for the Nuruosmaniye Gate) or the the Beyazıt / Kapalıçarşı stop (for the Beyazıt Gate). Kapalı Çarşı; Beyazıt; P: (0212) 519 1248

Hagia Sophia

This gigantic structure was completed in 537 AD under the Byzantine emperor Justinian, and for nearly a thousand years was the largest church in the world. Converted into a mosque by the Ottomans after the Conquest of Istanbul, it has been a museum since 1935. With its huge dome (unsupported by pillars), its lavish gold mosaics, and the atmosphere of mystery that pervades its vast interior, Hagia Sophia is an absolute must-see for any visitor to Istanbul. Get off the tram at the Sultanahmet / Blue Mosque stop.  Aya Sofya Müzesi; Aya Sofya Meydanı; P: (0212) 522 17 50

Topkapı Palace

Topkapı Palace was the residence of the Ottoman sultans from the 15^th to the 19^th century. Unlike the European palaces you may be used to (e.g. Versailles), Topkapı consists of a series of smaller, freestanding structures spread out over four courtyards; nonetheless, everything about it is opulent and luxurious. The view from the terrace in the Fourth Courtyard is one of the best in the city. Be sure to pay a visit to the Harem for an up-close look at the living quarters of the Sultan’s concubines. The entrance to Topkapı is inside Gülhane Park; just take the tram to the Gülhane stop. Topkapı Sarayı; Sultanahmet; P: (0212) 512 04 80