The 6th-century church of Hagia Sophia that dominates the Istanbul skyline is one of the best known and most visited sites of the historic peninsula.
Amid Istanbul's many surprises, few places can be more unexpectedly romantic than the wonderful Yerebatan Cistern, which lurks underground just across the tram lines from Hagia Sophia.
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
Housed in a triptych of buildings on the hillside below Topkapi Palace,contains a treasure trove of finds both from abroad and from the city's own past
By the mid-19th century the Ottoman sultans were obsessed with all things Western and determined to move out of Topkapi Palace and into the Dolmabahce Palace on the southern shore of the Bosphorus.
Topkapi is the palace over looking the Bosphorus where the sultas made their homes and supervised government during the glory days of the Ottoman Empire.
Topped with a distinctive witch's hat roof, the prominent Galata Tower dates back to the days when Genose traders were settled in this part of town.
Galata Bridge, Until the 19th century old Byzantine city of Constantinople was completely seperated from Galata and Pera by the Halic or Golden Horn
