Turkey Marmara Istanbul

East meets West in a vibrant crescendo of history, culture, and cuisine, making Istanbul an unmissable destination.

One of Istanbul's top sights, the magnificent interior of this former basilica is laden with fine Byzantine mosaics and designs.

Sitting on the European bank of the mighty Bosphorus, this 19C palace is an extravagant mix of styles and lavish decor.

Get lost hunting for treasures and trinkets among the bustling market stalls of the Grand Bazaar - truly a world of its own!

Still in use today, this majestic 17C mosque is known for its sea of grand domes, six slender minarets and beautiful interior.

A fairy tale in the middle of a modern city, this stunning castle is enveloped in legend and history, and took 500 years to build.

A must for art-lovers, with exhibitions on Turkish modern art, as well as works from some of the world's best contemporary artists.

Sitting beautifully atop one of Istanbul's hills, this majestic 16C mosque is one of the city's most revered.

A wander through this cavernous underground cistern, built in the 6C for the Byzantine emperor, is an atmospheric experience.

The hip, lively district of Beyoglu is the place to go for fantastic eats, drinks, shopping and trendy guesthouses.

Art-lovers and historians should head here for the fine collections of Ottoman calligraphy, paintings and historic artifacts.

Soak up centuries of history as you explore the old town's lively streets, historic mosques, palaces and thronging markets.

Stunning ancient coffins, statues and other artifacts reveal the magnificent artistic and cultural heritage of the city and region.

The Ottoman craftwork of the 17C imperial pavilion has recently been restored to its former beauty.

Taking some 60 years to complete, the domed exterior of this 17C mosque has since become a fixture of the city's skyline.

Now a museum, this 11C church houses some of the world's finest examples of Byzantine frescoes and mosaic work.

Delve into Istanbul's cultural heart in a district overflowing with history, architectural gems and culinary delights.

Extending for some 6.5km the restored city walls were originally built in the 5C to protect Constantinople and its people.

Wander peacefully and picnic among the flowers and trees of these former palatial gardens, now one of the city's oldest parks.

Get a taste for Turkey's fine architectural heritage through the vast array of scaled-down models at this open-air attraction.

A must for army enthusiasts - weapons, attire and tools from over 1000 years of Turkish military are on display here.

A waterside district, which has long been a melting pot of culture and religion, now hosts great galleries, cafes and nightlife.

Tucked among a bustling shopping district, this small 16C mosque is a fine example of Ottoman craftsmanship and architecture.

The lush greenery, placid ponds, and colorful flowers of this city park make it popular with locals and visitors alike.

This 17C baroque mosque is famous for its location on the site of the first great royal mosque and religious complex in Istanbul.

Stroll along this peaceful, pedestrianised street, lined with tastefully restored wooden Ottoman houses from the 19-20C.

Stroll along Istanbul's most popular cosmopolitan street, admiring diverse architecture and an array of shops, galleries, and cafes.

Standing on an islet in the Bosphorus is one of Istanbul's most unique sights: an 18C tower with a long and colorful history.

Sitting on a tree-clad bank of the Bosphorus, this 15C Ottoman fortress has three handsome towers and views out over the strait.

Once part of the palace gardens, this large park in the Yildiz Quarter offers shady pathways, picnic spots and peaceful greenery.

Dating to the 13C, the remains of this former royal palace are a rare example of Byzantine architecture.

With everything from sports cars and submarines to old telephones, the displays here tell the story of Turkey's industrial history.

A 16C mosque built by Suleyman the Magnificent in memory of his son, and designed by famed Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan.

Full of hip cafes, exclusive boutiques, vibrant nightclubs, and a contagious fun atmosphere, this district offers something for everyone.

A grand 19C palace which sits north of the center beside the Bosphorus, known for its lavish decoration and colorful design.

Opened in 2011, the city aquarium boasts a huge variety of underwater life in conditions closely matching their natural habitats.

A 19C mosque built on what is thought to be the sacred burial site of Eyüp el-Ensari, a friend of the prophet Muhammad's.

Named for the former owner of this private collection, the museum exhibits an array of Turkish antiquities and Ottoman heirlooms.

An impressive 14C tower which marks the city skyline and offers great views out over the urban landscape.

Relatively small, this 19C mosque boasts neo-Baroque architecture, remarkable murals, a stately dome, and other beautiful features.

A truly unique museum on 20C Istanbul life, created by Turkish Nobel prize winner, Orhan Pamuk, in combination with his 2008 novel.

Housed in a 16C palace, this museum has an extensive collection of treasures including fine tapestries and Islamic calligraphy.

Modern art fans should check out this gallery in the Beyoglu district, dedicated to the eponymous Turkish artist, Burhan Dogancay.

The thoughtful displays at this art museum illuminate Ottoman life in the 17-20C, with a particular focus on Asian influences.

While the interior might not be open to public, this 14C fort is a striking sight with its waterside location and historic architecture.