Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the city’s Spice Bazaar. Built in 1663 as a stop for camel caravans travelling the Silk Road, there are dozens of shops selling spices, nuts, Turkish delight, honeycomb and even caviar.
Blue Mosque at night
Visit the Blue Mosque at night. With its grand domes and slender minarets piercing the sky, it is one of the city’s most famous landmarks, and is arguably at its most striking after dark, when it is lit up with lights.
Travel back in time
Travel back in time at the Istanbul Archaeology Museum, which showcases more than one million objects of antiquity. Highlights include a monumental Lycian tomb and 800,000 Ottoman coins, seals, decorations and medals.
Ride down the Bosphorus
Hop aboard one of Istanbul’s famous public ferries for a ride down the Bosphorus, stopping off at various sights along the way. At sunset, the silhouette of Istanbul’s Old City is a sight to behold.
Experience the vibrant atmosphere
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Istiklal Caddesi, the city’s main boulevard. It is lined with grand 19th-century buildings that are home to upmarket boutiques, art centres, theatres, bustling bistros and bars. Weary from walking? Hop onto the old red tram that traverses its length.
