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Blue Mosque -

Istanbul's most photogenic building, the early 17th-century Blue Mosque (also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is absolutely breathtaking in its beauty. The exterior is at its most alluring at dusk.

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Blue Mosque -

The building's interior is adorned with blue İznik tiles (named for the town of İznik in western Anatolia, where they were made). The sacred ambiance is quite beguiling—this is a visitor experience to be absorbed slowly!

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Basilica Cistern -

The largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city, the mighty Basilica Cistern was constructed in the 6th century using 336 columns.

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Basilica Cistern -

Look for the bases of two columns carved with the image of Medusa. One is orientated sideways, the other placed upside down.

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Kariye Museum (Chora Church) -

This outstanding Byzantine monument has served as a church and a mosque. It's now a museum.

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Kariye Museum (Chora Church) -

The interior reveals some of the oldest and finest surviving Byzantine mosaics and frescoes found anywhere, dating back to 1320.

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Galata Tower -

A familiar landmark on the Istanbul skyline, the cylindrical Galata Tower was built by the Genoese in 1348, and stood as the tallest structure in the city for centuries.

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Galata Tower -

The tower's lofty upper balcony offers a jaw-dropping 360-degree view of the city, but be prepared to queue for the privilege.

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Grand Bazaar -

One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, Istanbul's colorful and chaotic Great Bazaar is a veritable feast for the senses. James Bond fans will recognize it as the place Daniel Craig rode on a motorbike chasing bad guys in the 2012 film 'Skyfall.'

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Grand Bazaar -

Its sprawling 15th-century labyrinthine layout features over 4,000 shops set on a maze of narrow lanes and wide thoroughfares. Seek out the hidden artisan stalls for the genuine article—handmade souvenirs you'll need to bargain for, probably over endless glasses of tea.

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Hagia Sophia -

If there's one monument that epitomizes Istanbul's Byzantine architectural splendor it's this: the venerable Hagia Sophia.

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Hagia Sophia -

Completed in 573, this place is worth a good couple of hours of your time to explore, not least for the dazzling interior of gold mosaics that adorn the building's spectacular dome and huge nave.

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Istanbul Archaeology Museums -

Even those with a only a passing interest in archaeology should make an effort to browse the priceless collections of ancient Orient and Islamic art housed in the city's foremost archaeology museum, displayed in three separate buildings.

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Istanbul Archaeology Museums -

The Ancient Age Sculpture section is of particular note. Artifacts here include an unrivaled display of sarcophagi, among which are those from the Royal Necropolis of Sidon.

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Topkapi Palace -

The opulent former residence of the Ottoman sultans became a museum in 1924, and has been mesmerizing visitors ever since.

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Topkapi Palace -

The sumptuous pavilions, jewel-bedecked Treasury, and vast Harem reflect the staggering luxury of the Ottoman court. So, too, does the Throne Room in the Imperial Hall (pictured), the seat of power between the 15th and 19th centuries.

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Dolmabahçe Palace -

Enjoying a magnificent setting on the banks of the Bosporus, regal Dolmabahçe Palace served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1887 and from 1909 to 1922. 

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Dolmabahçe Palace -

Visitors can marvel at the interior grandeur, which includes the richly decorated Medhal Hall, Blue Hall, and Pink Hall, as well as the sweeping Crystal Staircase (pictured). Turkey's founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, died here in 1938. 

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Süleymaniye Mosque -

Crowning a hill and affording splendid views across the city's Golden Horn (waterway), the 16th-century Süleymaniye Mosque is another stunning example of an Ottoman-era building, drawing many worshipers and visitors.

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Süleymaniye Mosque -

Here's the view towards the mihrab (niche in a minaret indicating the direction of Mecca). The mihrab is decorated by lovely İznik tiles and is often bathed in a multicolored wash from beautiful stained-glass windows.

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Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts -

Located in Sultanahmet Square within a former Ottoman palace, this low-key museum houses some truly impressive artifacts.

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Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts -

The museum's glittering collection includes a display of antique carpets, exquisite examples of calligraphy, and rare, standalone pieces like this 17th-century beggar's bowl. (Photo: Wikipedia/CC BY-SA 4.0)

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Spice Bazaar -

Not for nothing is the spice bazaar named. This is where to shop for every exotic spice under the sun, a colorful and intoxicating experience that will linger in the memory long after you're back home. 

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Spice Bazaar -

The Ottoman-era marketplace features 80-odd spice stalls, but you can also find shops selling caviar, dried herbs, honey, nuts, and the country's famous confection, lokum (Turkish delight).

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Panorama 1453 Museum -

Get the bigger picture on the fall of Constantinople (Istanbul) at this amazing historical museum, where a 360-degree painting depicts the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman armies in 1453.

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Panorama 1453 Museum -

The painting is made and presented in such a way that the visitor appears to be at the center of the battle; sound effects add to the illusion—the crack of gunfire, soldiers shouting, and the striking up of a military band.

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Istanbul Sapphire -

For a modern take on Istanbul, and some amazing views as well, head to the top of the Istanbul Sapphire, one of the tallest buildings in Europe.

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Istanbul Sapphire -

The skyscraper's observation deck allows you to peer over the city's Levant business district, which is an impressive sight at night. The building also features a shopping mall.

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Asitane Restaurant -

Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to eating in the city, but Asitane Restaurant is a bit special. Here they recreate classical Ottoman Empire cuisine prepared from once-secret recipes. Dishes include an almond soup prepared from a 1539 recipe, and baked seasonal fruit such as melon (pictured).

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Asitane Restaurant -

Diners at Asitane are also regaled with some fine wines, and an expert sommelier is on hand to match reds and whites with the meal of your choice—an ideal way to unwind after a busy day sightseeing.

See also: Amazing facts that will make you want to visit Turkey.

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