places of interest

ARTS and
culture

parks and gardens

eat and
drink

madrid at night

ENJOY ISTANBUL

Historically, it is the only city that was successively the capital of three major empires: Roman, Byzantine and the Ottoman Empires. However, the first settlements that were founded in and around Istanbul date back to 6500 BC. Even today, it protects its historical heritage and is in constant change.

Magnificent examples of Istanbul’s past are littered throughout the city. For example, the remains of the Walls of Constantinople, ruins of imperial palaces and, first and foremost, Hagia Sophia, once the largest church of Christianity, point to late antiquity and the Byzantine period. Outstanding mosques, oriental bazaars and splendid palaces are testimonies to the splendor and power of the Ottoman Empire.

The city combines tradition and modernity; it is a melting pot of cultures and the interface between Orient and Occident. Istanbul’s diversity enchants everyone. The Bosphorus view from Topkapı Palace and the magical evening sun are just a few examples that offer visitors unique moments.

ISTANBUL's best attractions

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

The Aya Sofya (officially the Ayasofya-i Kebir Cami-i Şerifi, or the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque) is one of the Byzantine Empire’s surviving architectural marvels. Right in the heart of İstanbul’s historic center, this sacred building remains – even today – an important symbol of power.

Topkapı Palace

Topkapı is the subject of more colourful stories than most of the world’s museums put together. Libidinous sultans, ambitious courtiers, beautiful concubines and scheming eunuchs lived and worked here between the 15th and 19th centuries when it was the court of the Ottoman empire. A visit to the palace’s opulent pavilions, jewel-filled Treasury and sprawling Harem gives a fascinating glimpse into their lives.

Kariye Mosque

Istanbul has more than its fair share of Byzantine monuments, but few are as drop-dead gorgeous as this mosaic- and fresco-laden mosque. Nestled in the shadow of Theodosius II’s monumental land walls, it receives a fraction of the visitor numbers that the famous Aya Sofya attracts but offers equally fascinating insights into Byzantine art. The mosque has been closed in stages for renovation over a number of years; check the website for details of what’s open.

Süleymaniye Mosque

The Süleymaniye crowns one of İstanbul’s seven hills and dominates the Golden Horn, providing a landmark for the entire city. Though it’s not the largest of the Ottoman mosques, it is certainly one of the grandest and most beautiful. It’s also unusual in that many of its original külliye (mosque complex) buildings have been retained and sympathetically adapted for reuse.

Kadıköy Produce Market

An aromatic, colourful and alluring showcase of the best fresh produce in the city, the Kadıköy Pazarı is foodie central for locals and is becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists. Equally rewarding to explore independently or on a guided culinary walk, it’s small enough to retain a local feel yet large enough to support a variety of specialist traders.

Basilica Cistern

This subterranean structure was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532. The largest surviving Byzantine cistern in İstanbul, it was constructed using 336 columns, many of which were salvaged from ruined temples and feature fine carved capitals. Its symmetry and sheer grandeur of conception are quite breathtaking, and its cavernous depths make a great retreat on summer days.

Blue Mosque

Istanbul’s most photogenic building was the grand project of Sultan Ahmet I (r 1603–17), whose tomb is located on the north side of the site facing Sultanahmet Park. The mosque’s wonderfully curvaceous exterior features a cascade of domes and six slender minarets. Blue Iznik tiles adorn the interior and give the building its unofficial but commonly used name.

eat and drink

mercado de San Antón

The San Antón Market is one of the places you should visit. Located in the Chueca neighborhood, this popular market consists of three floors.

how to get there

mercado san miguel

Next to the Plaza Mayor is the busy San Miguel Market. The imposing iron and glass structure from the early 20th century is one of the most popular markets in Madrid.

how to get there

mercado de San Idelfonso

The San Idelfonso Market is not a traditional market. Inspired by the Street Food Markets in cities like London or New York, it offers a leisure concept around gastronomy.

how to get there