Istanbul, Turkey's cultural and financial centre, is located on the Bosphorus Strait, and encompasses the natural harbour known as the Golden Horn. It extends both on the European and on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, and is therefore the only metropolis in the world to be situated on two continents.

Attractions

Dolmabahςe Palace

This majestic palace was constructed between 1843 and 1856, and displays a combination of stylistic elements from European art. It is also situated at one of the prettiest parts of the Bosphorus, and offers great Istanbul views and a pleasant garden. Open daily from 09.00-17.00, except Sundays and Thursdays.

Topkapi Palace

This palace served as the official residence of the Ottoman leaders for almost four centuries, and is one of Istanbul's most interesting attractions. It was originally commissioned by Fatih Sultan Mehmed in 1478, and is the oldest and most extensive palace in Turkey. Open Wednesday to Monday from 09.00-17.00.

Kariye Museum

Kariye Museum is actually a church which was built during the Byzantium period and used as a mosque after Istanbul was conquered. The mosaics and frescoes in the museum are among the most beautiful examples of Byzantine art. The building, which was restored between 1948 and 1958, now serves as a museum. Open Thursday to Tuesday from 09.00-16.00.

Ortakoy Mosque

This baroque mosque, which was commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecid in 1853 to be built by Architect NigoÛos Balyan, is located in Ortakoy, a distinctive location on the Bosphorus with small streets and cafés.

Sultanahmet Mosque

The only mosque originally built with six minarets, Sultanahmet is known to foreigners as the "Blue Mosque" because of the colour of the 20,000 tiles which adorn it.

Süleymaniye Mosque

This is Istanbul's largest and most appealing mosque, which was completed by the grand master Architect Mimar Sinan. It has a fascinating beauty, the highlight of which is the original and colourful stained glass decorated with Turkish motifs on the niche wall.

Saint Sophia Museum

Among the most significant existing monuments of world architectural history, Saint Sophie Museum is a product of East-West synthesis. First, it served as the primary church for 916 years and then as a mosque for 477 years, before being converted into a museum on the instruction of Atatürk. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 09.30-16.30.

Istanbul Modern

The country's premier museum of modern art, which aims to showcase and add value to Turkey's reputation in the field of contemporary art. The museum's permanent exhibition entitled 'Modern Experiences' presents, within a framework of art history, 100 years of artistic adventures, which have unravelled throughout Turkey. The museum is close to the sea and within easy reach of the Conrad Istanbul.

Sakip Sabanci Museum

This museum houses small sculptures, metal art objects, porcelain and decorative art collections, as well as valuable handwritten works of art and a large collection of paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum also houses one of the top restaurants in Istanbul, Muzedechanga, where you can enjoy a pleasant meal with a great view of the Bosphorus. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00-18.00.

The Prince Islands and Maiden's Tower

With their beaches, pine forests, phaetons and colonial-style houses, the Prince Islands are the best-preserved area in Istanbul. A walk by the beautiful gardens of the mansions, acacia flowers, Judas tree blossoms, rosemary and lavender is an unforgettable experience. With churches and monasteries from the Byzantine period, excellent fish restaurants and beautiful surroundings, the Prince Islands are one of Istanbul's sightseeing highlights. A ferry ride to Büyükada and then, if time permits, on to Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kinaliada will reveal Maiden's Tower, a stone mound situated at the meeting point of Asia and Europe and dating back to 341BC.

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar, one of Istanbul's most prominent historical landmarks, consists of thousands of shops on 61 streets and, when it comes to Turkish gifts or souvenirs, there is no better place to shop. The antiques, hand-woven carpets and gold jewellery sold at the Grand Bazaar are truly unique. Open from Monday to Saturday from 09.30-18.30.

Egyptian Market

The Egyptian Market was founded in 1660, and contains stores that sell a variety of herbs and spices, making the Spice Bazaar the number one destination for those with an interest in healing herbs and natural products. Traditional local delicacies such as farm cheeses, Turkish Delight and Turkish coffee are also available. Open Monday to Saturday from 09.30-18.30.

Istinye Park

Istinye Park consists of three main sections. The Grand Rotunda houses a children's entertainment area and the food court, while the Lifestyle Centre recreates a town square with an open green space in the middle, pools and streets lined with shops stocking domestic and international brand names. Finally, the Fashion District is a modern indoor shopping mall together with brands such as LV, Gucci and Paul Smith.

Kanyon

Kanyon is a four-storey mall in Istanbul with 160 stores, around 40 of which are global brands such as Harvey Nichols and George Jensen, which are entering the Turkish market for the very first time. The ground floor is home to fashionable local and international designers, while the first floor is home to leisure and entertainment with a movie theatre, restaurants, cafés, bars, health clubs and a gourmet supermarket. The open space on the lowest floor is designed to host live entertainment.

Akmerkez

One of Istanbul's most prestigious shopping malls, Akmerkez is renowned for dining, shopping and banking. The large selection of stores stock designer goods from internationally renowned brands such as Gilan, Zara, Vakko, Nike, Adidas, Beymen, Calvin Klein, Massimo Dutti, and Camper.

Nightlife

Istanbul's colourful nightlife offers a wide range of bars and nightclubs, including:

· Reina, Sortie and Anjelique - all located on the prettiest spots of the Bosphorus

· Nu Teras - situated on the roof of the 200-year-old Passage de Petit-Champs, and welcoming guests with a breathtaking views of Istanbul and the Golden Horn just beneath

· Babylon - a live music venue located in Asmalimescit, just minutes from the heart of Istanbul. Open five nights a week, Babylon features live music and DJ performances by jazz, electronic, rock, folk, and world music artists