This is the old part of Istanbul and the area with the most must see attractions. In this are you can find Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Laleli University, Grand and Spice Bazars and lots of beautiful views, so you cannot miss going through Sultanahmet.

This mosque is one of the most famous ones, together with Ayasofya. It is especially beautiful in the evening, when illuminated. Pay attention to the dress code: women must cover their head with a scarf (I understood they give it to you at the entrance if you don't have one). Also, to enter the mosque (any mosque, for that matter) you must take your shoes off - there are plastic bags on the outside, to take your footwear with you.

The outside (as well as the interior) was reinforced many times over the years and the layers are visible. The interior is grand, sumptuous, with marble floors and columns, mosaics and frescos. Many Christian insignias can be found here, as Ayasofya was the center of the Orthodox Church for over 1000 years.

A beautiful street, with traditional wooden Turkish houses, worth a walk after visiting Ayasofya.

An underground water cistern, with hundreds of illuminated marble columns. In the water there are lots of carps and 3 of the columns are different (one is a "peacock-eyed" column and other two have Medusa-head bases). The illuminating makes the place seem filled with magic.

The visiting area is quite big, so make sure you have at least 3-4 hours at your disposal. There are several expositions: antique clocks, weapons, traditional costumes, jewellery; be sure to visit the kitchen area.

An oasis of peace and quiet in a busy city. There are bridges and statues of lions - very nice for pictures, lots of parrots (we loved to watch them).

Eminönü Pier is a crowded place, boats to Asian side and other ports sail away from here, also this is the place for taking the Bosphorus Tour.

You can enjoy a panoramic view of the whole city, but try to go when the weather is beautiful and unclouded to make the most of it.

A beautiful (and crowded) historical street, pedestrian except for the must see old tram, between Taksim square and Galata Bridge, with lots of shops & restaurants and artists. Also, beautiful architecture.

Depending on how much time you have, you can choose a short or long tour. The short tour lasts about 3.5 hours, is available during the winter on weekends only and it takes you from Eminönü to Istinye (past the second bridge). The long tour takes you almost all the way to the Black Sea and you have free time about 2 hours to spend in the Anadolu Kavagi fishing village.

With beautiful lacy architecture, Dolmabahce Palace was home to six Sultans and presidential residence during the summers to Kemal Atatürk, who also died here. It also has a gate to the Bosphorus.

Beautiful view of the Bosphorus, with lot of stalls selling souvenirs.

A nice park near Dolmabahce & Ortakoy, with wild alleys and beautiful flowers.

Here you can find everything you would want from Turkey, from clothes to pottery and jewelry.

Lots and lots of different condiments, Turkish coffee, lokum (aka Turkish delight), olives and many more - I definitely recommend it.

Being the largest mosque in the city, Suleymaniye is impressive. The garden holds two mausoleums, one with the grave of Sultan Suleiman I. The panoramic view from up here is very beautiful.