Istanbul Sights

A triumph of elegance and mystic - the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet, otherwise known as the Blue Mosque is an absolute must-see when visiting Istanbul. With six minarets, this dazzling and famous Mosque is the largest of all the Ottoman Mosque's. To fully appreciate its grandeur and magnificence, approach the Mosque from the middle hippodrome. Once inside the courtyard you are sure to appreciate the eye-popping perfect proportions and stunning design. Inside, the intricate 260 stained-glass luminous windows and Iznik tiles (which give the building its unofficial name) line the walls immediately drawing your attention. A trip to Istanbul would not be complete without visiting this truly magnificent masterpiece. Try to visit just as the sunsets, when the glowing orange sun slowly sinks behind its pillars.

Istanbul offers some superb sightseeing. Whilst you are here, one of the most enjoyable sights is to hop on a Bosphorus ferry. Enjoyable during the daytime, the best time to be enchanted by this ferry experience is by night, just as the radiant fiery sun slowly sets on another day. Enjoy the view back over the Old City, as the twinkling lights and the fishing boats gently bob on the waves. Catch the return ferry from Karaköy (just over the Galata Bridge from Eminönü) to Kad?köy. When you reach Kad?köy you could head into the backstreets and grab a bite to eat. A shorter ride is the one from Eminönü to Üsküdar. Alight in Üsküdar and refresh your energies or walk around the coast to the çay bahçesis (tea gardens) near the Semsi Pasa Camii (Semsi Pasa Mosque). After a delicious mint tea or two, continue on the popular waterside promenade past the famous K?z Kules? (Maiden's Tower) - a gorgeous walk on a summer's evening.

Whether you're into history or not, this intriguing palace is a gorgeous insight into centuries long past. Dip into Istanbul's rich history and culture and pay visit to the once home of Selim the Sot, who drowned in the bath after drinking too much champagne and Abrahim the Mad, who lost his reason after being locked up for four years in the infamous palace kafes (cage). The famous Topkap? Palace has got to be the subject of more colourful stories than most of the world's museums put together. Mehmet the Conqueror built the first Topkap? Palace shortly after the Conquest in 1453, and lived here until his death in 1481, and subsequent sultans lived in this rarefied environment until the 19th century. History has it Mahmut II was the last emperor to occupy the palace. As centuries have passed the palace has changed, but its basic four-courtyard plan remained the same. Visit the palace early in the day and tour the Harem first, before it gets too busy. As you enter the Imperial Gate (Bab-? Hümayun) of Topkap?, make sure you marvel the ornate structure in the cobbled square near the gate. There is a fountain of Sultan Ahmet III, built in 1728 by the man himself who so loved tulips that his reign was dubbed the Tulip Age. History buffs and tourists alike will enjoy this insight into Istanbul's rich and varied history.