Istanbul

Şişhane 80 m, Beyoğlu 90 m, Tünel Meydanı 90 m; on the downhill street just below the lower end of İstiklal Cd; there is a small brown sign at the corner of Galip Dede Cd

A ritual dancing hall of the mystical Mevlevi order, the followers of the teachings of Mewlānā Rumi. The quiet and peaceful garden is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of Beyoğlu.

Şişhane 2.1 km - a short section of the main route from the metro station near the Kasımpaşa Naval Hospital is inaccessible for pedestrians so you may have to by pass through the labyrinth-like and steep back alleys, Hasköy 900 m, Aynalıkavak 170 m

Started in 1613 by the Ottoman sultan Ahmet I (r. 1603–1617, who also had the Blue Mosque in the Old City built), and extensively renovated by the art-loving Selim III (r.

Boats hourly from Salacak (Public transport: Üsküdar 1.2 km, Üsküdar 1.2 km, Kız Kulesi 300 m), and every hour and a half between 11:00 and 17:00 from Galataport, Karaköy-Galata, European Side· Pricey

One of the icons of the city is also called the Leander's Tower, on a Bosphorus islet off Salacak. The local myth ascribes its name to a princess, whose father wanted to protect her in this offshore tower from a prophecy that she would be…

Sultanahmet 650 m; and see warning above

The imperial enclave of the Ottoman emperors for four centuries. Lavishly decorated, with exhibitions of fine craftmanship and four courts of increasing grandeur.

Sultanahmet 250 m· Free

The defining image of Istanbul, dominating the skyline with its great dome and six minarets. Completed in 1617 for Sultan Ahmed I, it's still a working mosque, so dress appropriately and avoid prayer times.

Sultanahmet 260 m

Vast underground cistern built by Justinian in 532 to store the city's water, the largest and best-known of the hundreds constructed. It's a cathedral-like space with 336 richly decorated columns.

Şişhane 500 m, Beyoğlu 400 m downhill, Karaköy 400 m uphill, Tünel Meydanı 400 m; between Karaköy/Galata and the lower end of Istiklal St

It was built by the Genoese in the 14th century on the city walls of Galata, marking the highest point of their territory. Ride an elevator and take two flights of stairs to the top, then walk the parapet for a 360°-view of Istanbul…

Şişhane 600 m, Haliç 750 m, Karaköy 400 m, Karaköy 550 m, Perşembe Pazarı 260 m

The building was erected as a Roman Catholic church in 1325 by the friars of the Dominican Order, near or above an earlier chapel dedicated to Saint Paul (Italian: San Paolo) in 1233.

Çengelköy, Çengelköy

About 15 minutes walking north of Beylerbeyi lies the historical fishing village Çengelköy. Its long history is attested by an 800-year-old sycamore tree on one of the two main terraced squares, and the Byzantine Aya Yorgi church.

Vezneciler 750 m, Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı 900 m· Expensive

Commissioned by Süleyman the Magnificent and built by Mimar Sinan in 1550, at the east edge of Süleymaniye mosque complex. It had private cubicles for distinguished visitors such as the sultan, but was mostly a standard working-class…

Sultanahmet 400 m· Expensive

Built in 1741, the last major hamam opened in the Ottoman era. It has ornate architecture, great service and a stellar cast of famous visitors. Prices to match, and only tourists now use it.

Sultanahmet 400 m· Expensive

Bathhouse built in 1556 by Mimar Sinan, the chief Ottoman architect, at the request of Hürrem Sultan (Roxelana), wife of Suleiman the Magnificent. It was built over the former public baths of Zeuxippus, abandoned around 713.

facing Constantine's Column, Çemberlitaş 30 m

Built in 1584, credited to Mimar Sinan but he probably only had light-touch supervision. It was astride the city's highway from Europe and very profitable, in spite of multiple earthquakes and fires.

Taksim 1.1 km, over the park; between Dolmabahçe Palace and the high-rise of Ritz Carlton· Free

This park occupies the sides of a valley of this "city of seven hills", with an avenue in the bottom. A 4-person gondola lift line is strung over it, offering a shortcut when walking between Beşiktaş and Taksim Square as well as nice views…

Kılıçali Paşa, Meclis-i Mebusan Cd. No:8

It includes the city's cruise ship terminal, around 250 shops, pubs and restaurants, a Peninsula hotel, the Istanbul Modern art museum, and other cultural and entertainment facilities; the complex also hosts festivals.

There's a string of small coastal resorts, from Poyrazköy just beyond the north Bosphorus bridge, through Anadolufenerli, Riva. Usual beach attractions, but the Black Sea is often rough so beware of the waves.

Despite a 1943 ban on this Greek Orthodox pre-Lent carnival by the Turkish authorities, it has been revived since 2010. The tradition began in the 19th century or earlier, and even though the event was led by local Greeks, the celebrations…

A neighborhood with colorful houses and stairs all along.

Believed to be the tomb of the biblical Joshua, it's the steepest hill in Istanbul which is closest to the sea.

Vezneciler 500 m

Established in 1876, this cafe specializes in boza, a ferment of bulgur wheat with a sweetish tart taste. A favourite of the Ottomans, it's still popular in the Balkans and Central Asia.

It's on the street just across the Demiroren Shopping Mall.

A quite good value restaurant featuring döner (also on the plate as opposed to the usual wrap/sandwich variety; dipped in tomato sauce to the point of swimming) and traditional Turkish cuisine.

side street off Istiklal Avenue, opposite the S. Antonio di Padova Catholic Church—there is a branch of Starbucks and a jewellery seller on the corner

The restaurant offers an exceptional value lunch, but is also pleasantly busy at night. Several of the staff speak English and foreign tourists are welcome alongside the many locals who eat there regularly.

Hayriye Cd. 12· Moderate

Lebanese kitchen, from familiar, like falafel and hummus, to offbeat, like mutabal eggplant or mousaka chicken. Alcohol includes signature cocktails, named after Lebanon cities.

Kemerburgaz, Kemerburgaz

A village (and nowadays a commuter suburb) at the edge of the forest, 15 km north of Eyüp and 10 km west of Bahçeköy. Several ancient aqueducts stand nearby, notably Kurt Kemeri ("Wolf's Aqueduct") and Uzun Kemer ("Long Aqueduct").

An open air café on a hill overlooking the Golden Horn in Eyüp. It’s rumored that the French writer the place is named after used to love visiting this café during his residence in Istanbul. The cable car up here offers some nice views.

Meşrutiyet Cd 52· Expensive

Opened in 1892 and sitting on a hill overlooking the Golden Horn. They make much of their history, and a stellar cast of celebs have stayed here, including Agatha Christie.

Cumhuriyet Cd 50, Harbiye· Expensive

Family-friendly hotel offers a business center, child-friendly restaurants, fitness facilities with massage parlour, pool and Turkish baths. Rooms have private balconies with views of the Bosphorus and high speed internet access.

By Ortaköy ferry pier· Expensive

120 rooms and 7 meeting rooms with technical equipment, wellness center, and underground parking. The hotel has one all day dining restaurant, one bar and a private venue that highlight the city as Starboard Restaurant offers a spectacular…

just south of the main square of Ortaköy· Expensive

This hotel is in a residence of the last Sultan. Rooms come with air-con, TV, minibar and safety deposit box. Hotel has several restaurants and lounges, pools, jacuzzi, Turkish baths, gym and other amenities.

Teşvikiye, Bronz Sk 4, Şişli· Expensive

5-star hotel in the residential and shopping district of Nisantasi. Rooms have wi-fi and combine Art Deco style and historic Turkish decor. The hotel also has a spa, swimming pool and restaurants.

near Taksim Square· Expensive

5-star with 360 rooms and suites overlooking the city and the Bosphorus. Hotel has formal dining, outdoor pool, Turkish bath, fitness center and business center.