1. Sultanahmet and its surroundings

This is one of the areas you should see because the most important buildings of the imperial times are gathered here. It was the center of the world and where the world began for the East Roman Empire. As the center of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, this area will tell you much about the past.

2. Eminönü, Cağaloğlu

These two areas connected by the Galata bridge, symbolize both the Ottoman Empire’s east, based on imperial traditions (Eminönü), and the empire’s section which was facing the west (Karaköy). These two strong cultures are reflected by the bazaars, mosques and crowds of Eminönü, and the nobility of Karaköy as a port, and its roads which lead to Galata and Beyoğlu. Eminönü and Karaköy are two of the most dynamic routes those who want to feel the pulse of the real Istanbul should follow.

3. Vefa and Süleymaniye

A masterpiece and the most magnificent work of Mimar Sinan, the Süleymaniye Mosque, and its surroundings is one of the oldest and most special locations of Istanbul… Vefa, located near another one of Mimar Sinan’s works, the Şehzadebaşı Mosque, is another important center which must be seen in this route. This trip will also be a good opportunity to taste the famous Turkish haricot in Süleymaniye’s courtyard, and the famous Vefa Boza.

4. The Golden Horn

Greeks, the Greek Orthodox Church, Georgians, Jews, Italian traders and other non-muslims have lived in the area surrounding this bay known as the Golden Horn after the city’s conquest by Mehmed the Conqueror, especially in the Fener and Balat districts. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate gave the area a special religious meaning. In addition to the immediate vicinity of the Golden Horn, the small alleyways and passages in this area also have much to tell, and must be seen by travelers.

5. Galata

Because it is one of the most historically rich districts of Beyoğlu, because it was the country’s door opening to the outside world for many years with its docks, because it is a prime location to witness the remnants of the Byzantine, Genoese, and Ottoman… Galata is among the places travelers must see, because it provides a great panoramic view of the city, and an insight into the colorful effects of the Greek, Armenian and Georgian churches on the area.

6. Pera

Meaning “the other side”  or “beyond” in Greek, Pera is Istanbul’s most colorful, entertaining, and dynamic area… Throughout history, Pera has symbolized something which resided in Istanbul, but wasn’t of its own. It has always been not just the other side of the Golden Horn, but the other side of a “cultural world”. What was it that gave Pera this alternate identity? Perhaps this alone, is worth coming here…

7. Boğaziçi

The waterway which connects the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea, and its surroundings are among the most magnificent sights which must be witnessed in Istanbul. How about going on a Bosphorus tour to see the glorious historical mansions on both the European and Asian sides of the shore, the bridges which connect the two continents, the fishermen, the natural beauties and more?

8. Üsküdar

When you step into Üsküdar, one of the oldest districts of Istanbul which remains true to its traditions, Mimar Sinan’s Mihrimah Sultan Mosque will greet you and hundreds of works hidden in the alleyways will be waiting for you to discover them. You will see the Maiden’s Tower while coming here, but this area will provide the closest look, and you will be able to get a much clearer view of it from Üsküdar / Salacak.

9. Kadıköy

It is said that “Chalcedon”  means “the land of the blind”. But why? Because the people who settled here were unaware of the advantages and beauties of the area right across the Bosphorus, on the other side. Be careful though, it can also be considered blindness to not see Kadıköy, which is located on the other side of the Historical Peninsula where the Topkapı Palace resides! With its bustling market, busy roads, and its Moda district which has a wide green shoreline, Kadıköy is a special location for those who would like to see another one of Istanbul’s many different faces.

10. The Princes’ Islands

The Princes’ Islands are a heavenly group of 9 islands named Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, Kınalıada, Sedefadası, Sivriada, Yassıada, Kaşık Adası and Tavşan Adası. These islands, which didn’t seem very hospitable during the Byzantine period, used to serve as exile or captivity locations. Because many of these exiles were members of royalty, these islands were named the Princes’ Islands. However, they are now one of the places which you can feel the best, the most special, the greenest, the most serene, and the most impressive.