THE SAINT-SOPHIE BASILICA

A Christian basilica and mosque, its architectural value, history, age (inaugurated by Justinian in 537) and rich mosaics make this one of the most famous churches in the world.

THE BLUE MOSQUE

The name of this architectural complex, a symbol of Istanbul, comes from the colour of the porcelain enamel. A former residence of the sultans and built in the 16th century, admission is free.

THE GALATA TOWER

The panoramic view from the watchtower at 68m high, built in the 5th century, overlooks the Golden Horn harbour.

MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

The first private museum in Turkey dedicated to modern and contemporary art.
www.istanbulmodern.org

DOLMABAHCE PALACE

The palace stretches for 600m and overlooks the Bosphorus Strait, revealing a pleasant park in which to walk. Its vast reception hall with 56 columns and its four and a half ton chandelier, donated by Queen Victoria, is one of the most famous attractions of this towering palace.

CHORA CHURCH OF THE HOLY SAVIOUR (KARIYE CAMII)

Although a little eccentric since it was built in the 5th century in a very rural environment, this church houses the finest Byzantine mosaics in Istanbul.

THE TOPKAPI PALACE

Seat of the Ottoman Empire and residence of all the sultans until the 19th century, this palace-museum reveals successive pathways, a beautiful harem and various collections which are among the largest in the world.

THE MOSQUE OF SOLEYMANIYE

Considered the most beautiful imperial mosque in Istanbul, it consists of many domes and minarets and is home to several mausoleums including Suleiman the Magnificent.

A CRUISE ON THE BOSPHORE STRAIT

Minitours and dinner cruises on the Bosphorus Strait are provided by many boat companies.

HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE CITY TOURS

For horse-drawn tours of the old quarter of the city, head down to the Saint-Sophie Basilica where many carriages can be found.

ISTANBUL CITY SIGHTSEEING PANORAMIC BUS

Every 40 minutes, a city tour by an imperial red bus is available with multilingual commentaries and the chance to hop on and off as you wish.
www.city-sightseeing.com

A BREAK IN A TEA GARDEN

Scattered throughout the city, tea gardens are veritable institutions where one can lounge on cushions and carpets just long enough to enjoy a coffee, drink a cup of tea or smoking a hookah.

TURKISH BATHS (HAMMAM)

Generally tucked away under domes surrounded by marble walls, the Instanbulite hammams are mostly old buildings, sometimes hundreds of years old.

CAGALOGLU HAMAMI

TARIHI GALATASARAY HAMAMI

near Taksim Square.

CEMBERLITAS HAMAMI

www.cemberlitashamami.com

TIME OUT ISTANBUL

This brochure lists all the monthly information on shows and concerts scheduled in the city.

WHIRLING DERVICHES

Some convents of Istanbul welcome ceremonies dedicated to the famous circular Mevlevi Sufi movements which are decoded by a guide.

CONCERTS AND SHOWS

BABYLON

A live music mecca, this place hosts concerts of local and international artists of all styles.
3, Sehdender Sokak
www.babylon.com.tr

BLANCO TERAS

Live electronic and current music are scheduled here with local and international groups, theme nights and Guest DJs.
22-4 Balo Sokak
Blanco Teras Facebook

THE HISTORICAL CITY

2000 years of history are condensed into the small area of the historic centre of Istanbul which is full of monuments.

THE GOLDEN HORN

Lined by neighbourhoods, this natural harbour separates the European part of the city in two.

GALATA DISTRICT

Located at the entrance to the Golden Horn, the famous Galata Tower offers panoramic views of the harbour with its narrow streets lined with old houses.

THE MODERN CITY

A stroll along Istiklal Caddesi, the main crowded and pedestrianised avenue of the Taksim district, plunges any visit of the city into modern times. It starts from Taksim Square, a vast esplanade where the opera, the war memorial dedicated to the War of Independence ad the largest international hotels stand.

THE BOSPHORUS STRAIT

The strait passes through Istanbul and stretches over 30km, naturally separating the European and Asian continents.

THE HIPPODROME

An ancient arena where chariot races and gladiator fights were held, it is located between the Saint Sophie Basilica and the Blue Mosque.