The Blue Mosque is an iconic historical landmark in Istanbul and one you shouldn’t miss. Once inside, you’ll discover where the mosque got its name – from the thousands of blue handcrafted İznik tiles that adorn the interior walls. The tiles depict traditional Ottoman patterns, flowers, fruit, and more. You can also see the mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I, 6 elegant minarets, and the impressive 43-metre central dome.

As Istanbul’s historical hub, the Sultanahmet Square puts you right in the centre of the city’s most prominent and historical attractions. To be at the centre of it all, it is recommended you book your accommodation in the Sultanahmet neighbourhood. Obelisks and fountains adorn the park, and the square has remnants of an ancient hippodrome. From here you can easily view 2 of the city’s grandest landmarks to its north and south. These are the Hagia Sophia, a famous 6th-century mosque that is now a museum, and the namesake Sultanahmet Mosque, which is also fondly referred to as the Blue Mosque.

Galata Tower is where to be in Türkiye for some of the most dramatic sunsets. Nothing beats a view of the Istanbul peninsula and its surroundings than from the top of the 67-metre fire watchtower. It was constructed in the 6th-century and rebuilt and restored numerous times during the subsequent centuries. It is among the oldest towers in the world.

Nowadays, the tower serves as a tourist attraction only, with an open panorama balcony on the upper floors. You can walk the entire perimeter and soak up 360-degree vistas – the experience is especially magical at dusk

Istanbul borders the narrow Bosporus Strait where the waters of the Black Sea meet the inland Sea of Marmara. It was historically a main point of arrival for trade ships. You can wander the cramped alleys of the covered Grand Bazaar to see the city’s colourful commercial activities alive and kicking. This huge market comprises a network of indoor souks (smaller marketplaces) and lanes lined with peddlers. They sell everything from carpets and leather items to jewellery and trinkets, including the typically sought-after nazar evil eye ornaments