Hagia Sophia

The center of the religious, political, and artistic life for the Byzantine world: come for the minarets, stay for the history.

Blue Mosque

Another key cornerstone of the Istanbul skyline, visit the Blue Mosque and marvel at the thousands of hand-painted blue tiles.

Basilica Cistern

Come see where Sean Connery famously rowed in From Russia with Love. Also come to see another remarkable example of Byzantine engineering.

Spice Bazaar

Truly a feast of eye candy. Built in 1664, the Spice Bazaar offers spices, Turkish delight, dried nuts, honey and nut soaked baklava, olive oil soaps, and much more. Make sure to grab some sumac, a Turkish spice staple.

Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı)

Kapalıçarşı is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. We recommend checking out the silver jewelers, ceramics, and, of course, Turkish rugs. Make sure to leave with at least one tulip motif.

Taksim Square

Stroll through Taksim Square, the center of modern Istanbul. We recommend rambling about the Taksim Gezi Park and Istiklal Street. Stop for a snack and drink in one of the many restaurants or bars in this comsopolitan hub.

Nişantaşı

An essential part of Istanbul’s European side, visit Nişantaşı for some boutique shopping, tea at the House Cafe, and cocktails at Grotesk Bar. Don’t forget to stop by Macka Park (generally referred to as Cat Park) to get to know some of the cat personalities of Istanbul.

Baklava at Güllüoğlu

Güllüoğlu has long held the superlative of best baklava in Turkey. Judge it yourself - and don’t forget to wash down the syrupy filo with some tea or Turkish coffee.

Turkish ice cream (kahramanmaraş)

To fully experience kahramanmaraş, we recommend visiting one of the street vendors in Sultanahmet square, in between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Be ready for a sweet, stretchy cone and some light public embarrassment.

Lunch at Ciya

Excellent primer on Turkish cuisine. Watch the Ciya episode of chef’s table on Netflix before your visit.

Öz Kilis Kebap ve Lahmacun Salonu

Order the lahmacun, also known as “Turkish pizza” — flatbread with a thin, crispy bottom and minced meat, vegetables, herbs, and spices.

Bayramoğlu Döner

Sampling döner kebab is a nonnegotiable while in Istanbul. This place won’t let you down.

Balikci Abdullah

Sit alongside the Bosphorus and feast on mezze, fish, and rakı.

Mangerie

Located in Bebek, an Istanbul neighborhood packed with charm, visit this restaurant for a quiet breakfast or afternoon drink.

Aslan

This place has standout Turkish staples. Located right by the Grand Bazaar, stop in for a köfte platter.

The Orient Express Restaurant

The Orient Express Restaurant lives in a restored Sirkeci Train Station lounge. Dine here and time travel back to 1890 when the station just opened for passing passengers to lounge and eat.