Shopping



MURAD SEZER/Newscom/RTR - For a taste of Istanbul beyond the postcards, head to Istiklal Caddesi, the main pedestrianised thoroughfare in the Beyoglu area. It is situated just off Taksim Square, and by day you can indulge in a spot of serious shopping, visit art galleries, or catch a ride on the antique tram that cuts a dash through the crowds. By night, the street transforms into the spot for promenading. Buskers sing, the glistening meat of kebab stalls beckons and the streets are packed. Slip down one of the many side streets to escape the crowds – vintage-lovers should try the less busy Cukurcuma) – or alternatively, pull up a chair at the chichi House Café to get a ringside view of the action.

Hotels



Hotel Tomtom - With a new Edition hotel and Shangri-La hotel having just opened, and Soho House due to pop up in 2014, the city’s going through a hotel boom. For something a little more secluded, the Tomtom Suites boutique hotel (pictured), situated in Tophane, is an exercise in old-world elegance. Within the historic mansion building, chic contemporary rooms with parquet floors add a touch of refinement. At night, head up to the rooftop bar, where you can catch a view of the Bosphorus and of ships winking in the distance.

Key Sights



Image Broker/Rex Features - The Old City is Istanbul’s main tourist attraction and with good reason – Sultanahmet, as the area is known, should not be missed. All of the main sights are situated in one useful cluster of splendid architecture. Take a day to enjoy the unmistakeable curves of the Blue Mosque (pictured), alongside the 1,500-year old Hagia Sophia, and the majestic Topkapi palace with its absurdly magnificent views over the Bosphorus. A great (if intrepid) way to see the sights is by bike. The bicycle touring company Istanbul on Bike leads half-day tours around all the key sights, but it’s one for confident cyclists only.

Go to The NEXT Page for More Pictures >>>