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Discover Istanbul

Istanbul is quite simply one of the world's great cities, unique in the sense that it straddles two continents. Best of all, it is a year-round destination. Its charm lies in the old quarter, with its cobbled streets, quaint old wooden houses and charming domes and minarets. The blue waters of the Sea of Marmara in the south are soothing and tranquil. To the north, across the Golden Horn are the bright lights of Beyoğlu - Istanbul's centre of entertainment and nightlife. This is an ancient city with a history dating back from the Greeks to the Ottoman Turks.

You can visit in spring and early autumn to enjoy sunny days and discover this amazing city on foot. Or go in summer; it can get warm but it is a good time to enjoy the sea breeze from the Bosphorus. December through to mid-March brings cold winds from the Black Sea, but sunny spells will come as a surprise. No matter what time of year you come to Istanbul, there are historical sites, attractions and plenty of bazaars to keep you entertained and fascinated.

Archaeology Museum

The museum is one of Istanbul's much-treasured attractions. Here you can follow the history of the city exhibit, wonder at the carvings portraying Alexander the Great in battle or look in awe at the superb collection of Ottoman-era tiles.

Blue Mosque

Get your camera out… this is every tourist's wish, with its domes and half-domes, held together by six magnificent minarets. The artistic interior glows with blue Iznik tiles from where the mosque gets its name.

Hagia Sophia

Built over a 1000 years before the Blue Mosque, this is one of the most prestigious religious buildings in the world. Popularly known as the Aya Sofya (Church of the Holy Wisdom) this giant domed basilica was the frontrunner for several Ottoman-era mosques.

Topkapi Palace

This was the court of the Ottoman empire between the 15th and 19th centuries and the topic of several colourful stories. A visit to this unique place with its luxurious pavilion and sprawling harem will give you a hint of their fascinating past.

Shopping

Dating back to the 15th century, and the venue of nearly 4,000 shops, the bustling Grand Bazaar is the best place for visitors to start their shopping tour. The bazaar has an abundance of oriental shops selling practically everything from Turkish carpets, traditional gold jewellery through to local crafts.

If you're a carpet enthusiast head for Sultanahmet. Şişko Osman's in the Grand Bazaar is a renowned shop with a wide range of quality flat-weaves and tufted carpets. Or pick up a 'pestemel' a traditional yet affordable Turkish bath towel. They work wonderfully as wraps, throws or beach towels.

Also worth exploring is the Spice Bazaar, down on the Golden Horn, while a popular shopping destination for locals is Istiklal Caddesi in Beyoglu. It has both local and international stores. The city has its fair share of malls -- the most popular being Kanyon in Levent, the Zorlu Centre and City's Mall in the upmarket Nişantaşı suburb.

Food And Drink

Istanbul boasts some delectable dining options -- from traditional Ottoman restaurants to authentic taverns in the Old City, next to Sultanahmet and Kariye Museum.

There's food for every budget and occasion, made more appetising with the use of fresh seasonal ingredients. The cooks' skills at grilling meat and fish goes back for centuries. Be it fresh bluefish, lamb kebabs, meze (starters) or pistachio-filled baklava, there are dishes to suit every taste.

Istanbul caters to everybody. You can dine in a classy rooftop restaurant, or relish a doner kebab from a modest street vendor. Kebabs are the best option for fast and cheap food. The entrance to Istiklal Street is lined with doner restaurants, most open around the clock. You'll find the usual international brands throughout the city if you just want a quick burger, but it's worth hunting out the local vendors in the bazaars for a more authentic taste of Turkey.