First Byzantium then Constantinople and finally Istanbul, Turkey's largest city has an incredibly rich history including serving as the capital of four separate empires. Although a Christian stronghold for hundreds of years. the Ottoman invasion in 1453 transformed the city into a centre of Islam, a change represented in architectural form by the Hagia Sophia. Initially a church and later a mosque it no longer belongs to any domination and instead serves as a museum as appointed by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, first Turkish President and founder of the Turkish Republic.The imperial capital of the Roman,Byzantine and Ottoman empires has stood here through the passing 16 centuries. Their heritage forms Istanbul's unique past creating a treasure trove of history to explore. This vibrant modern city. set at the crossroads of east and west and inhabited by over 15 million people retains its attraction today. With its sleek modern architecture, cosmopolitan bars and restaurants, Istanbul offers a genuine journey in time and space.
From the airport
Bus E10 runs three times an hour to Kadikoy where ferries leave every 30 minutes to Eminonu. They also run to Kozyatag for buses to Sultananahmet and Taksim Square.
Shop
The suburb of Merter, 10 stops on from Aksaray on the main metro line, never seems to be top of any tourist itinerary. But as home to hundreds of tiny textile factories, it is a great place to hunt bargain clothes.
Butik Katia is for ladies who want to get ahead with a handmade hat. Istanbul's one and only haute-couture miliner.
Istanbul is home to The Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. The Bazaar attracts between 250000 and 400000 visitors daily and has over 3000 shops on 61 streets. The main drag is dominated by souvenir shops and jewellers. Stores are being groups together according to type.
The Spice Market is something to behold. Another tourists trap but worth seeing.
Nisantasi is the Istanbul answer to Bond Street and is peppered with elegant cafes and expensively dressed pedestrians. It could be a street in almost any major Western city, a sure sign that the European side of Istanbul identifies somewhat with that culture.
Fancy watching the match from the comfort of your own water pipe? Head to the Eski Amerikan Pazaar in Tophane where a row of outdoor narghile cafes offer live Turkish football on giant screens.
In Cihangir you can hang out with Istanbul's nouveau glitterati in the district's swish cafe, bars and restaurants or peruse the overpriced antiques in the second-hand shops.
Kadirga is only a stone's throw from Sultanahmet Square but with its tumbledown terraces ranging around a small park that was a Byzantine harbour, it is still something of a backwater.
In the 16th century, Sultan Mehmet built Topkapi, a palace half the size of Monaco. Its most famous wing, the harem, is an intriguing warren of rooms, which include the dorms of the 300 concubines, the circumcision chamber and the flatlet belonging to the chief eunuch.
The Basilica Cistern is a vast underground Roman reservoir supported by 300 columns.
The Grand Bazaar is the world's first shopping mall with almost 4000 lock-ups. The labyrinth of dome-capped alleys still hosts several historic traders selling traditional products.
The Blue Mosque. Even from the outside the magnificence of this structure is breathtaking. The domes and minarets seem to multiply as you look on.
Day trip
Three hours by bus from Esenler, the fishing village of Kiyikoy sits within Byzantine walls overlooking three kilometres of unspoiled sandy beach.
Shop
The suburb of Merter, 10 stops on from Aksaray on the main metro line, never seems to be top of any tourist itinerary. But as home to hundreds of tiny textile factories, it is a great place to hunt bargain clothes.
Butik Katia is for ladies who want to get ahead with a handmade hat. Istanbul's one and only haute-couture miliner.
Istanbul is home to The Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. The Bazaar attracts between 250000 and 400000 visitors daily and has over 3000 shops on 61 streets. The main drag is dominated by souvenir shops and jewellers. Stores are being groups together according to type.
The Spice Market is something to behold. Another tourists trap but worth seeing.
Nisantasi is the Istanbul answer to Bond Street and is peppered with elegant cafes and expensively dressed pedestrians. It could be a street in almost any major Western city, a sure sign that the European side of Istanbul identifies somewhat with that culture.
Fancy watching the match from the comfort of your own water pipe? Head to the Eski Amerikan Pazaar in Tophane where a row of outdoor narghile cafes offer live Turkish football on giant screens.
In Cihangir you can hang out with Istanbul's nouveau glitterati in the district's swish cafe, bars and restaurants or peruse the overpriced antiques in the second-hand shops.
Kadirga is only a stone's throw from Sultanahmet Square but with its tumbledown terraces ranging around a small park that was a Byzantine harbour, it is still something of a backwater.
In the 16th century, Sultan Mehmet built Topkapi, a palace half the size of Monaco. Its most famous wing, the harem, is an intriguing warren of rooms, which include the dorms of the 300 concubines, the circumcision chamber and the flatlet belonging to the chief eunuch.
The Basilica Cistern is a vast underground Roman reservoir supported by 300 columns.
The Grand Bazaar is the world's first shopping mall with almost 4000 lock-ups. The labyrinth of dome-capped alleys still hosts several historic traders selling traditional products.
The Blue Mosque. Even from the outside the magnificence of this structure is breathtaking. The domes and minarets seem to multiply as you look on. Day trip
Three hours by bus from Esenler, the fishing village of Kiyikoy sits within Byzantine walls overlooking three kilometres of unspoiled sandy beach.
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