This medieval Genoese tower is in KaraKoy on the other side of the Golden Horn. Great view on top that can serve as an orientation viewpoint on the old city.

This is a lively bridge linking Beyoglu to the historic section of town. It has two levels. The lower one is lined with restaurants while the upper one is for traffic and an incredible number of fishermen. It is a great vintage point to watch the maritime traffic and admire some of the Golden Horn landmarks.

The Golden Horn is an arm of the sea of Marmara. It is full of water activities: ferries, fishing-boats and other vessels. It is a natural border between the newer section of Istanbul and its historic centre.

Built in 1660 as part of the New Mosque, this is is an exotic and colourful spot filled with the fragrance of all the spices on earth.

Built by Sultan Mehmet II in the 15th century after the fall of Constantinople, this is a must see landmark of the city.

With its six minarets and huge dome, Sultan Ahmed Mosque is one of the most famous religious monuments in the world. It is known as the 'Blue Mosque' due to the colour of its Izmit tiles inside. It was built in the 17th century by the great architect Sinan.

The 'church of the holy wisdom' is 1,400 years old. It was inaugurated by Emperor Justinian in A.D 537 at the time of the Byzantine capital. In the 15th century, it became a mosque.

This is another Byzantine engineering achievement. This underground water cistern was rediscovered by accident. It is now a magic place to see due to the effort made in the lights and the music.

No visit to Istanbul can avoid the Grand Bazaar. It was built by Mehmet II in the 15th century after the conquest of the city by the Ottomans.

Located on top of a hill near the Grand Bazaar, this is one of the most outstanding mosques in Istanbul. It was also built by the great architect Sinan as a memorial to Süleyman the Magnificent.

This is the heart of the city, a mix of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman cultures that have made Istanbul today. Sultanahmet Square used to be the Roman hippodrome and has Haghia Sophia (Constantinople period) and the Blue Mosque (Ottoman period). The whole city area is lively, colourful and bustling with activity day or night.

Besides the major landmarks, there are many other treasure troves. Walk along Sogukçesme Sokagi, a narrow street with traditional painted houses near Topkapi. Visit the Istanbul Crafts Centre near the Blue Mosques. Relax at a traditional Turkish Bath. If you have time, visit the Mosaic museum too.

This is a lovely place in an old section of town, at a walking distance to the main street and one entry gate of the Grand Bazaar. Very friendly stall and kitsch but comfortable atmosphere.