Istanbul

The palace of the sultans with its many courtyards and gates brings on a nostalgia for forgone times. There are several special museums in the area; highlights include the Treasure Chamber, where the famous dagger and Spoonmaker's diamond are true stars of the collection, and the harem, where the sultan’s wives and children lived (the two are not included in the ticket price to the palace).

Aya Sofya is a remarkable mixture of Christianity and Islam, a church with minarets and a mosque with pictures of the Virgin Mary (now covered up, unfortunately). The building is one of the wonders of world architecture. Its 32-metre main dome has stood firm since Aya Sofya's completion in 537 CE. Yes, that's almost one and a half thousand years ago. Originally constructed as a Christian church, the temple has since been a mosque, then a museum, and now once again acts as a mosque.

Built at the beginning of the 16th century during the rule of Sultan Ahmet I, this grandiose mosque seemlessly combines Ottoman and Byzantine architectural styles. The building is known for its six minarets and was given its nickname for the 20,000 blue tiles adorning the interior. These tiles were made in Iznik — an area that was famous during the Ottoman Empire for its expert production of ceramic tiles.

Maçka Democracy Park is about 10 minutes away from Taksim square and has paths for jogging, walking and dog walking. The northern part of the park is popular with young people who come there to sit around on the lawn, talk with friends over a couple of drinks and escape the heat of the city blocks. The park's location close to a university campus means it's always full of hip students. Don't miss the opportunity to fly high above the park in a cute 2-cabin cable car. You'll need your public transit card for that.

Moda district of Kadikoy has a certain bohemian and alternative vibe. Once the sun begins to set, locals and visitors of the area head down towards the Marmara sea. People stroll up and down the footpaths, jog, bike, pet cats, have picnics — whatever floats your boat on this grassy stretch of parkland. Vendors frequently pass by selling sunflower seeds, snacks, water, and beer.

Arter is non-profit centre that displays modern art in a gorgeous modern building with a fabulous facade — in stark contrast with comparatively dilapidated old buildings in the area. A must for fans of contemporary art. Every single visitor is impressed by the bookstore. The art centre also has a lovely cafe with a terrace.

Süleymaniye is the largest mosque dating from 1557 and also contains the mausoleum of sultan Süleyman and his wife Roxelane. The master architect Mimar Sinan built many of Istanbul’s mosques during the 1500s and is buried next to the mosque. This is one of the best-known sights of Istanbul, and from its location on the Third Hill, it commands an extensive view of the city around the Golden Horn. If you have seen a photo of Istanbul taken from a ferry — most likely Süleymaniye is right in the middle of the composition.

SALT Beyoğlu is a six-story building on the central shopping İstiklal street. In this historic building you'll find selected artworks and small-scale exhibitions that are ever changing to reflect the fast-paced rhythm of modern world. Check this art space's Walk-in Cinema — a platform for screenings, talks, workshops, and performances. While you're in the area, also check out SALT Galata — an equally wonderful sister project of SALT Beyoğlu with a cafe and a library with free Wi-Fi.

Emirgan Park is one of the oldest and largest parks in Istanbul. There are several playgrounds for children, trails for hiking and picnic tables. Every April there is a Tulip Festival, a period when the park is surrounded by blossomed tulips.

This is a well organised aquarium with species from all over the world and is a great family attraction as well as a popular tourist sight. It offers approximately 1.500 species, 15.000 land and sea creatures in total. When you are feeling hungry or thirsty you will find a café inside.

The first museum in Turkey dedicated to the history of transport. The collection contains of full size ships, aircrafts, trains and cars. This is a great place to explore and learn something new, both for children and adults.

This white stone behemoth — the Dolmabahçe Palace — is located in the Beşiktaş district and overlooks the Bosphorus. It used to serve as the main administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1887 and from 1909 to 1922. Some visitors compare it with Versailles and Hermitage.