Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya MeydanI No:1, Istanbul 34122 Turkiye

This architectural marvel displays 30 million gold tiles throughout its interior, and a wide, flat dome which was a bold engineering feat at the time it was constructed in the 6th century.

Sultanahmet Mah At Meydani Cad No 7, Istanbul 34122 Turkiye

Built between 1609-1616, this impressive mosque has six minarets. Why is it called "Blue Mosque?" There are two stories: the first, more common one is that the interior is covered in Blue İznik tiles. The second is: many years ago, ancient sailors who sailed by the mosque on the Marmara Sea saw the blue colors of the sea reflected in the mosque.

Alemdar Mahallesi, Yerebatan Caddesi, No:1/3, Istanbul 34410 Turkiye

Descend below the streets of Sultanahmet into this majestic underground reservoir which dates back to the 6th century. Also called the Sunken Palace, it is the largest cistern from Istanbul's Byzantine-era still standing, and something that James Bond fans might recognize from the film, 'From Russia with Love'. The underground chamber has over 330 distinctive marble and granite columns believed to have been salvaged from nearby buildings, the most famous being the two Medusa heads. Skip the lines and visit the Sunken Palace and other iconic sights like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace on a tour of Istanbul. – Tripadvisor

Cankurtaran Mahallesi Gulhane Park, Near Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul 34122 Turkiye

This lavish palace was the royal residence of the Ottoman empire for almost 400 years. Here, you can peek into the imperial life of the sultans as you wander through the grand courtyards, pavilions and ceremonial rooms that display an impressive collection of artefacts and treasures. With a separate ticket, you can also venture into the Harem—a private world decked with over 400 exquisitely decorated rooms where the sultan shared with his wives, concubines and children. To skip the snaking lines, buy a fast-track ticket or a multi-day Museum Pass, which provides access to the city’s other top sights. – Tripadvisor

Istanbul 34122 Turkiye

The old section of Istanbul where you can find many attractions including Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.

Prof. SIddIk Sami Onar Cd. No:1 Süleymaniye Mah, Istanbul 34116 Turkiye

Famed architect Sinan built this majestic structure for one of the greatest rulers of the Ottoman Empire. Although this mosque is less ornate, there are many similarities between it and the Hagia Sophia since the same architect was responsible for both.

Kalpakcilar Cad. Sorguclu Han No: 22, Istanbul 34126 Turkiye

Bargaining for goods is standard practice at the largest covered market in Turkey, rumored to contain over 4,000 shops.

Istanbul Turkiye

Istanbul 34122 Turkiye

Buyuk Hendek Cad. 2, Istanbul Turkiye

Temporarily closed. This historic watchtower, also known as the Galata Kulesi Museum, can be found at the end of Istanbul’s Istiklal shopping street. Today, this museum has exhibition spaces where you can learn about the area's history and admire the iconic architecture of this stone tower. Head up to the observation deck, where you'll be treated to sweeping views of the city and the Bosphorus Strait. It gets busy during sunset though—you can skip the lines with an Istanbul Museum Pass. There are loads of shops and restaurants in the area too—you can explore the tower and the surrounding area on a guided tour of Istanbul.

Visnezade Mahallesi Dolmabahce Cd, Istanbul 34357 Turkiye

This palace was built in the mid 1800s to replace an earlier structure that was made of wood. The new palace incorporated sixteen separate buildings with stables, a flour mill and a clock tower among them.

Kariye Mahallesi, Kariye Camii Sokak, No: 18 EdirnekapI Fatih, Istanbul 34087 Turkiye

The Chora Church (Turkish Kariye Müzesi, Camii yahut Kilisesi — variously the Chora Museum, Mosque or Church) is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of a Byzantine church. The church is situated in the western, Erdinekapı district of İstanbul. In the 16th century, the church was converted into a mosque by the Ottomon rulers, and it became a secularised museum in 1948. The interior of the building is covered with fine mosaics and frescoes.

Istiklal Street Taksim Beyoglu, Istanbul Turkiye

This cobblestone street attracts both locals and tourists who walk its length to enjoy the many restaurants, cafes and shops. Many of the city's movie theaters are also located here.

Alemdar Cad. Osman Hamdi Bey Yokusu Sk, Gulhane, Istanbul 34122 Turkiye

Besides its importance as the first Turkish museum, it remains one of the world's largest museums with over one million works. Opened to the public in 1891, it houses a collection of Greek, Roman and Byzantine artifacts.

Kemankes Karamustafa Pasa Mahallesi Beyoglu, Istanbul 34425 Turkiye

This bridge spans the Golden Horn, connecting the old city with Beyoglu, the northern district of Istanbul.