Everyone knows that Istanbul is the only city in the world that sites on two continents, in the west Europe and in east Asia; what the city ensures is that it is very rich in history and culture. Whilst being the densest city in Turkey, Istanbul has been the capital various times in the country’s history. It has the country's largest port and is situated on the Bosphorus Straits; the narrow Bosphorus Straits, a vital point for Russia, links the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea. There are two bridges that cross the straits – The Bosphorus Bridge and the Fatih Bridge which is closer to the Black Sea..

Driving in Istanbul for foreigners can be very stressful, especially as the city has more than 3 milllion vehicles and 16 million people at least. However, there is a very good public transport system available. Bigger, better, faster, hipper and more expensive: Istanbul is rapidly blossoming into an exciting metropolis. Once the decaying capital of three empires, it is now stretching as far as the eye can see on both sides of the Bosporus. The cultural capital city of 2010 is an exciting city tip that offers a wealth of interesting places to visit.

Packed with historical sites, it is often hard to decide what tourists should see to get a taste of the Istanbul’s richness. The history of İstanbul merges thousands of years and numerous empires. Often the incoming new rulers and regimes built on top of ruins from the past, incorporating layers of history into newer buildings. Istanbul is an ancient city of culture and romance that uniquely spans two continents.

With so much to see and explore, it can be overwhelming for the visitor to decide which sites are "must-sees”. Any ideal itinerary should include the following top 50 sites on places as much as possible:

1. Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) This impressive monument to Christianity was erected during the reign of Emperor Justinian (A.D. 532-537) when the Byzantine Empire was at the height of its power. Considered one of the world's architectural masterpieces, it influenced architecture for centuries after it was built. It was designed by Isidore of Miletus, a physicist, and Anthemius of Tralles (Aydın), a mathematician. The impressive surviving Byzantine mosaics date from the sixth through the 10th centuries. After the fall of Byzantium, the Hagia Sophia was converted into an Ottoman mosque and the minarets, ablution fountains and tombs date from the 15th century. Today, the church serves as a museum and is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Address: Ayasofya Meydanı, Sultanahmet.

2. Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) Known for its interior of blue İznik tiles, the Blue Mosque was built by imperial architect Mehmet Aga in 1609-1616. With over 250 windows in the structure, sunlight is allowed to flood in, adding to the feeling of space within. The minber, used by the imam during the Friday services, is of intricately carved white marble and was installed in the 17th century. When the final plans for the structure were revealed, they created much controversy as many felt that the six minarets were an attempt to rival the Grand Mosque in Mecca. A functioning mosque, the complex is open every day until after the late evening prayer. Tourists are asked to wait outside during prayer times. Just after dusk from May to September there is a free sound and light show, illuminating the Blue Mosque and Aya Sofia as their stories unfold. Address: Sultanahmet Meydanı, Sultanahmet.

3. Topkapı Palace Shortly after his conquest of Constantinople, Mehmet II began construction of Topkapı Palace as his primary residence. The original buildings were finished in 1465 and consist of a series of pavilions contained within enormous courtyards. The palace initially served as the seat of governance as well as the sultan's private living spaces, which included the famed harem. In 1853 Sultan Abdülmecit I. moved the royal residence to Dolmabahçe Palace. Topkapı was opened as a museum in 1924 and features unparalleled collections of ceramics, imperial costumes, jewels, miniatures and manuscripts, armor, as well as religious relics. The palace grounds and buildings are open Wednesday through Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Address: Babıhümayun Cad., Sultanahmet.

4. Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) In addition to being literally filled to the roof with shops and goods, the Grand Bazaar also boasts restaurants, banks, a post office, mosque and its own police station. The labyrinth of enclosed streets (from where it takes its Turkish name – literally "covered" bazaar) is packed with tiny shops, whose merchandise spills out into the pathways. Built by Mehmet II after his conquest of the city in 1453, the bazaar has entrances. At night many shopkeepers simply leave their wares as they are and the gates are securely locked until the next morning. Here you may train bargaining. Open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Address: Çarşıkapı Cad., Beyazıt. 5. Yerebatan Cistern Built by the Emperor Justinian in 532, the cistern was built to supply water to the Great Palace, situated nearby on the Hippodrome. After the conquest of the city by the Ottomans, the cistern went unnoticed for centuries. Today visitors can explore along walkways, accompanied by the sounds of dripping water and piped-in classical music. With 336 columns over 26 feet high supporting the roof, today only about two-thirds of the original cistern is excavated and accessible to the public. The cistern is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Address: Yerebatan Cad. 13, Sultanahmet.

6. Galata Tower Dominating the Galata skyline, Galata Tower was originally constructed by Emperor Justinian in 528 and then rebuilt 1.348 as part of the Genoese fortifications. During Ottoman times it was used as a watch tower and now the top two floors serve as a restaurant and night club. The panoramic view from the top of the tower includes the main historic sites, and on clear days the Princes' Islands are visible out in the Marmara Sea. The observation level is open daily 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., the restaurant and night club is open 8 p.m. until midnight. Address: Büyük Hendek Sok., Beyoğlu.

7. Chora Church (Kariye Camii) Covered with some of the finest Byzantine mosaics and frescoes in the world, the Church of St. Savior in Chora was built on the site of an earlier church during the 11th century. The artwork was funded by Theodore Metochites, a Byzantine theologian and one of the elite of the time. The mosaics depict the genealogy of Christ, the life of the Virgin Mary, the Infancy of Christ and his ministry, as well other religious scenes. The frescoes are thought to have been painted around 1320. Converted into a mosque in the 16th century, the church now serves as a museum. Open Thursday through Tuesday,9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Address: Kariye Camii Sok., Edirnekapi.

8. Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) Once the pharmacy capital of the Ottoman Empire, the Spice Bazaar is also known as the "Mısır Çarşısı”; Egyptian Bazaar, because the structure was funded through taxes paid for imports from Egypt. Today it is still an active spice market with shops stocking herbs, spices, honeys, nuts, Turkish delight, dried fruits, caviar and of course Turkish Coffee. Turks still come to some of the well-known herbalists for natural remedies for a variety of ailments. Outside of the bazaar, in the courtyard facing the imposing Yeni Mosque, is a gardening area selling soil and plants, as well as caged birds. Open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. Address: Mısır Çarşısı, Eminönü.

9. Dolmabahçe Palace Built in 1856 by Sultan Abdülmecit, the palace was designed by the Balyan family, a renowned Ottoman Armenian family of architects. Even though the palace was built during the decline of the Ottoman Empire, it is quite opulent. The construction of the Palace cost five million Ottoman gold pounds (the equivalent of 35.7 tons of gold). In addition 40 tons of silver and 14 tons of gold were used for the decoration of the palace. Entry to the palace is by guided tour only, with one tour including the state rooms and Ceremonial Hall. The second tour is of the harem, with the living quarters of the sultan and his family. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Address: Dolmabahçe Cad., Beşiktaş.

10. Istanbul Archaeological Museum Housing one of the world’s best collections of antiquities, the museum includes excellent displays of classical and pre-classical treasures. The building itself was constructed by Osman Hamdi to house his archeological finds, including sarcophagi from Sidon. Osman Hamdi was an Ottoman statesman, intellectual, art expert and also a prominent and pioneering Turkish painter.

The new four-story wing opened in 1991 and features exhibits on the history and archeology of Istanbul and surrounding areas, as well as a children’s museum. The Museum of the Ancient Orient features rare and priceless relics from Egyptian and Hittite cultures, as well as from Mesopotamia. The Ishtar Gate dates from 605-562 BC, during the rule of Nebuchadnezzar II. in Babylon. This museum has three distinct sections: Museum of the Ancient Orient, The Archaelogy Museum and The Tiled Kiosk. Address: Osman Hamdi Bey Yokuşu, Gülhane. Open Tuesday to Sunday 08.30 – 17:00.

11. Eyüp Sultan Mosque Eyüp ranks after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem as a major pilgrimage point for Muslims, and is the resting place for Eyüp Ensari. Built in 1458, it was the first mosque constructed by the Turks following their conquest of Constantinople. The current baroque mosque from 1800 replaces the original that was destroyed in the earthquake of 1766. But the real attraction here is the türbe, the sacred burial site that draws masses of pilgrims waiting in line to meditate in prayer.

Sultans performed here the Girding of the Sword of Osman as part of their inauguration. Since this is a sacred site there are usually groups of faithful offering prayers and asking for intercession. The old trees, flocks of pigeons, the praying believers and the visiting crowds create a mystical and colorful atmosphere around the mosque. The vicinity of the mosque and the neighboring hills are occupied by cemeteries. The famous Pierre Loti Cafe is also in this district.

Open daily until after the late evening prayers. Address: Camii Kebir Sok., Eyüp.

12. Süleymaniye Mosque Dominating the Istanbul skyline, the Süleymaniye Mosque, founded by Sultan Süleyman I, is master architect Sinan’s crowning monument for the city. Construction began in 1550 and took seven years to complete. The mosque has near perfect acoustics. As with other imperial mosques in Istanbul, the Süleymaniye Mosque was designed as a complex with adjacent structures to service both religious and cultural needs. The original complex consisted of the mosque itself, a hospital, 5 schools, Turkish baths, a guest house, a medical college and a public kitchen (imaret) which served food to the poor. Many of these structures are still in existence.

Sultan Süleyman I, his Russian-Ukrainian wife Roxelana, some of imperial family members and architect Sinan are also buried in the garden behind the main mosque. Address: Şifahane Cad., Süleymaniye.

13. Turkish and Islamic Art Museum (Türk ve İslam Eserleri Müzesi) The Museum is located in Sultanahmet Square across the Blue Mosque. Constructed in 1524, the building was formerly the palace of İbrahim Pasha (1493-1536), who was the first grand vizier to Suleiman the Magnificent.

The collection includes notable examples of Islamic calligraphy, tiles, and rugs as well as ethnographic displays on various cultures in Turkey, particularly nomad groups. These displays recreate rooms or dwellings from different time periods and regions.

With detailed explanations in Turkish and English, each room concentrates on a particular era or region of the Islamic world. The ground floor features displays on the lifestyles of the different Turkic peoples. Address: Hipodrom Meydani, Sultanahmet

14. Hipodrom Meydanı (Atmeydanı) The Hippodrome was one of the biggest and most important structures of Constantinople, the new capital of Roman Empire. It is thought to have had a capacity of 100.000 spectators. It was also the heart of political life of Byzantine Istanbul. Atmeydani, on the other hand, became one of the most important and lively public spaces of Ottoman Istanbul. It was the scene of games and riots through 500 years of Ottoman history.

Take a step back to 203 AD and imagine the chariot races that took place in this arena. Here you see the 3,500 year old Egyptian Obelisk, weighing over sixty tons. The Obelisk of Tutmosis was brought to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius in 390 AD. All four sides of the obelisk are covered with hieroglyphics celebrating the pharaoh. You also see the sculpture of a threeheaded serpent which was brought from Delphi in Greece. At the northern end of the Hippodrome you will find an elaborate temple-like fountain which was erected by Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1901, as a gift to the sultan and his people. Address: Hipodrom Meydani, Sultanahmet.

15. İstiklal Street & Taksim Squer Formerly known as the Grande Rue de Péra, İstiklal Street is a very busy shopping and dining street with a host of shops and offices and the Galata Sarayi School. Many great church buildings and consulates are also located here, as too is the bustling Çiçek Pasaji leading off beside the Post Office. The old tram-line has been brought back into service along the whole of its route. Istiklâl Caddesi in Istanbul ends in Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani), with the Monument to the Republic (1928) and the Opera House. On the north side of the square are the gardens of Republic Square (Cumhuriyet Meydani). From the terrace of the Sheraton Hotel there are fine views.

16. Tünel İstiklal Street is linked with Karaköy Square by the world's second oldest underground railway, constructed in 1871, after London. That time Pera was one of most prestigious residential areas and Galata was the popular trade centre of Istanbul. Businessmen living in Pera had to walk everyday to Karaköy. The distance from Karaköy to Pera is not much, but the road is a tough hill. A French engineer who had noticed the difficulty, had proposed this railway project to Ottoman Sultan and the construction has started right after when the permission was granted. Since that time trains are going back and forth between Karakoy to Tunel in every 3 minutes and the trip takes about 1,5 minutes. No chance to miss your station because there are only two. Tünel has always been special for Istanbul and Beyoğlu lovers and it has given its name to the neighborhood as well. This area is still one of the most Bohemian quarters in Istanbul. It has its own character with a mix of everything. Maybe that’s why this little quarter is loved by locals and tourists. It offers all kind of shops.

17. Beylerbeyi Palace Beylerbeyi Palace, summer residence of the sultans, is located on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus. It was ordered by the sultan Abdulaziz and built between 1861-1865 in neo-baroque style with a traditional Ottoman house plan. Important foreign guests visiting the Ottoman Empire were accommodated in this palace during the summer months. Sultans ruled in the Dolmabahce Palace during winter months and came here only for the summer for a nice climate. The floors are covered with rush matting from Egypt against humidity in winter and heat in summer. There are also large Hereke type carpets decorating the floor. Bohemian crystal chandeliers, French clocks, and Chinese, Japanese, French and Turkish porcelain vases are decorating the rest. The gardens are full of different kind of trees, with a great view of the Bosphorus. Address: Beylerbeyi Palace, Cayirbasi Cad, Beylerbeyi

18. Çırağan Palace The palace was built during the reign of sultan Abdulmecit 1860 and it is the last palace built by the Ottoman Empire for the royal family. The main building was destroyed by a fire in 1910 which broke out in the central heating vents, leaving only the exterior walls from the structure. However, Çırağan was renovated in the 90's and with the addition of a modern hotel building the palace was converted into a luxury hotel, becoming one of the Leading Hotels of the World under the management of Kempinski. Today, it's the most expensive hotel in Turkey. The other surviving buildings of the complex are being used as schools today. There is also a fine restaurant (Tuğra) inside the palace section which is overlooking the Bosphorus. Address: Çiragan Palace Kempinski, Çiragan Caddesi, 32, Beşiktaş

19. Rüstem Paşa Mosque Rüstem Pasha (1500-1571), a Bosnian by birth, was the son-in-law and a grand vezir of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. Although the pasha was among the wealthiest men in the Ottoman Empire at the height of its power and glory, as the sultan's humble servant, it was not Rüstem's place to build a grand mosque that might rival that of his imperial master. So he selected a site in the midst of the market, at the foot of the hill crowned by Süleyman's grand mosque. This small mosque, built in 1561, is a welcome respite from the frenetic pace of the Spice Bazaar. It is designed and built by Ottoman master architect Sinan. This mosque is known for its fantastic array of Iznik tiles with exquisite artistic refinement. Address: Hasıcılar Cad., Eminönü.

20. Kızkulesi Tower in Istanbul Kızkulesi Tower is dating back to the 5th century BC when it was built by the Athenian general Alcibiades on a rock at the entrance of the Bosphorus. The tower was used as a lighthouse and a control tower also during the Ottoman period. Today, Kızkulesi is a very popular and classy restaurant and cafeteria-bar. It offers 360 degree views of the Bosphorus and the old city, especially at night. There are several shuttle boats going to the tower at certain times from Kabatas neighborhood on the European side of Istanbul and from Salacak neighborhood on the Asian side. It's also a popular place for summer time weddings. The tower is closed on Mondays. Address: Kızkulesi, Salacak – Üsküdar from Asia or Kabataş from Europe

21. Princes’ Islands (Adalar) Just a 45-minute ferry ride from the city, the Princes’ Islands offer a welcome change of pace from urban life. During the summer months the Princes’ Islands are popular destinations for day trips from Istanbul. As there is no traffic on the Islands, the only transport being horse and cart, they are incredibly peaceful compared with the city of Istanbul. Justinian II was the first to build a palace on Büyükada in 569. During the Byzantine era, the Islands were home to many monasteries, where exiles were often sent. In the second half of the 19th century, the introduction of steamboats made access easier and as a result, wealthy families began to settle there. The easiest way to get there is by the ferries running from Sirkeci or Kabataş.

22. Yedikule & Walls of Constantinople As its name says in Turkish, Yedikule is a seven towered fortress which was built next to the city wall near the Byzantine Imperial Gate during the reign of Sultan Fatih Mehmet to protect the treasury. The original 5 towers were built as part of the Theodosian walls in 390. Yedikule Towers, was never used as a royal residence, but rather housed foreign envoys and Ottoman statesman who fell out of favor with Ottoman rulers. It than became a dwelling for the lions of Topkapi Palace, and later a gunpowder manufacturing place. Today, the fortress is a museum which is also hosting open air concerts in the inner courtyard during the summer months. The top of the walls offers exiting views of Istanbul Open daily between 09:30-16:30. Address: Yedikule Meydani Sokak, Yedikule. Fatih

23. Mosaic Museum This museum, opened to the public in 1953 behind Blue Mosque, consists of the remains of the Great Palace of the Byzantine Empire built by Constantine the Great (324-337). These remains consist of mosaics, columns and other architectural pieces which had once been part of the Great Palace. They show scenes with human figures, daily life in Byzantium, hunting incidents, landscapes and animal figures. The museum is situated on the site of the ancient palace, and the vast floor mosaic is thought to have been in the colonnade between the royal apartments and the imperial enclosure next to the Hippodrome. Open daily between 09:30-16:30 except Monday. Address: Arasta Çarşısı, Sultanahmet.

24. Sadberk Hanım Museum Consisting of two large wooden houses on the shores of the Bosphorus, the larger house, built in 1911, was the former summer house of the Koç family. The second building, the Sevgi Gönül Wing, dates from the 20th century. On display are ethnographical items from Turkey, including relics from the Neolithic periods through the Ottoman era. Address: Piyasa Cad. No. 27-29, Büyükdere.

25. Yıldız Palace &Yıldız Park Yildiz, one of the last residences of the Ottoman sultans, was completed by Abdulhamit II at the end of the 19th century in a large and well protected park. The sultan used the palace as his official palace and harem. It is formed by two separate buildings with two main floors and basements. The architecture represents a mixture of Rococo, Baroque, and Islamic styles. The Yildiz palace is known as the fourth Ottoman palace built in Istanbul after the Conquest. Set in a very large park of flowers, tulips, plants and trees gathered from every part of the world, containing a pool and green houses, the palace grounds offer one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Bosphorus. There is also Yildiz Porcelain Factory established in the grounds of Yildiz Palace in 1894. Today, it's a museum-factory which produces both modern design items and reproductions of the Ottoman period. Yıldız Sarayı & Yıldız Parklı Address: Çırağan Cad., Beşiktaş.

26. Military Museum The great museum offers many interesting military exhibits such as tents of the sultans, swords of sultans, uniforms belonging to different periods of Ottoman army, various weapons from bow and arrow to triggered guns, seals, armors, flags and the chain with which Byzantines closed the Golden Horn before the Conquest. No visit to Istanbul would be complete without a stopover at the Military Museum. There is also a daily music show of traditional military band of the Janissaries (the elite Ottoman corps), between 15:00 – 16.00. Open daily between 09:00-17:00 except Mondays and Tuesdays. Address: Cumhuriyet Caddesi, Harbiye

27. The Golden Horn (Haliç) A curving inlet 7 km long and up to 40m deep opening off the Bosphorus in Istanbul, is one of the finest natural harbors in the world. It is in fact a drowned river valley, where a boat trip is recommended. The lowest part, below the Galata Bridge, is the Outer Commercial Harbor, with the Galata Quay on the north side and others quays along the south side. Between the Galata Bridge and Atatürk Bridge (1km west) is the Inner Commercial Harbor, to the north the old Naval Harbor. In the Middle Ages the Golden Horn, like the Bosphorus, could be closed to shipping by a chain across the mouth.

28. Ortaköy One of the most beautiful locations in İstanbul and a real fun place with stunning Bosphorus views. Great food, baked potatoes, excellent pancakes with all kinds of fillings, fruit, chocolate etc. One can take a cab from here and cross the Bosphorus Bridge, from Europe to Asia in just minutes. Sundays, all day, there is a market.

29. Çamlıca Hill Çamlıca Hill is one of the highest points of the Bosphorus, 267 meters above sea level. The Hill has wonderful panoramic views, including the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus, the Historical Peninsula and several of the Princes islands. At sunset the domes and minarets of the mosques throughout Istanbul create a great complex silhouette. There are nice cafeterias to enjoy Turkish coffee, tea or crispy wafers with halva. Çamlıca Hill is also a well known spot for watching migrating birds. Open every day. Ortaköy Mosque, one of the landmarks of city, is built 1853 in a neo-Baroque style.

30. Çemberlitaş Hamamı The Çemberlitaş Hamam is located next to the Çemberlitaş Column, near the Grand Bazaar. It was built by architect Sinan in 1584 on the wish of Nurbanu Sultan, mother of Sultan Murat III and wife of Selim II. The Hamam was originally built as a double bath for both men and women in separate sections, but the women's section was demolished in the 19th century under the reign of sultan Abdulaziz in order to widen the road. Lately, the women's section is re-built but nowadays they use the same entrance with the men before going to their own section. The dressing room areas are roofed with large domes and are called as "cold section”. The baths have 38 washing basins (kurna) in the hot areas. In the middle of this hot area, a large heated marble platform (göbektaşı) is located. It's open every day between 06:00 – 24:00.

31. Anadoluhisari (Anatolian Fortress) A 14th century castle from the Ottoman's first attempt to capture İstanbul, Anatolian Fortress is located on the Asian shore of the city at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus Strait. Sultan Yildirim Bayezit built this fortress in 1395 on the ruins of an old temple dedicated to Zeus. Its towers are about 25 meters high with 3-5 meters thickness. The fortress was also named "Güzelce Hisar" in some historical documents. Today, Anadolu Hisari is an open air museum where only outer walls can be visited. Open daily. Address: Anadoluhisari, Beykoz

32. Rumelihisari (Rumeli Fortress) Rumeli fortress was built by the sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 in 89 days only. It was built for preparations for the final attack on Constantinople, which led to the downfall of the Byzantine Empire. This amazingly well preserved fortress is located at the narrowest section of the Bosphorus Strait (about 600 meters) directly opposite to Anadoluhisari. It occupies an area of 60.000 m2, had 4 main and 1 smaller gates, 3 large and 1 smaller towers. Today, the fortress is open to the public as an open-air museum and hosts concerts and drama performances in its amphitheater usually during the summer months. Open daily between 09:30 – 16:30 except Wednesdays. Address: Rumelihisari - Sariyer

33. Saint Anthony Church The original "San Antonio di Padova” Cathedral was built in 1725 by the local Italian community of Istanbul, but was later demolished and replaced with the current building which was constructed on the same location. The Saint Antoine Church is located on İstiklal Street in Beyoglu, on the left side of the street if you are heading from Galatasaray towards Tünel. The building was designed by the Italian architect Giulio Mongeri, who was born and lived in Istanbul and designed many other important buildings in Istanbul and Ankara. Today it is Istanbul's largest multilingual church with the busiest congregation and is run by Italian Catholic priests. The Church was built in a courtyard, the entrance of the church is on the main street between two apartments which were built to raise money for the church

34. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate The first church in Constantinople was founded in year 37 by Apostle Andrew, on which the Ecumenical Patriarchate later was based. The Council of Chalcedon (Kadıköy) in 451 established Constantinople as a patriarchate. The other three patriarchates of Alexandria, Antioch and Jerusalem recognized the seniority of Constantinople and its jurisdiction honors but patriarchs of Eastern Orthodoxies and Rome refused to accept this canon. The official title since 6th century is "Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome, and Ecumenical Patriarch." The Patriarchate is the highest center of the Orthodox Christian Church. Address: Rum Patrikhanesi, Fener, Istanbul.

35. The Bulgarian Church St Stephen This quite unique church belongs to the Bulgarian minority and is one of the most interesting church in Istanbul. Bulgarians as Ottoman Empire citizens were part of the Orthodox Patriarchate but as of mid 19th century, their differences with the Patriarchate grew and they established a different faith group with a separate church. St Stefan is the first church devoted to Bulgarians in Istanbul. An iron frame was preferred to concrete reinforcement due to the weak ground conditions. It was designed by Hovsep Aznavour, an Armenian architect of Istanbul origin. An international competition was conducted to produce the prefabricated parts of the church, and an Austrian firm, R. Ph. Wagner, won the competition. The prefabricated parts were produced in Vienna and transported to Istanbul by ship through the Danube and the Black Sea. After one and a half years work, it was completed in 1871. The main skeleton of the church was made of steel and covered by metal boards. The architectural styles come from the Neo-Gothic and Neo- Baroque periods. It is the world’s last surviving prefabricated cast iron church. It is still used Sunday mornings for services by Istanbul’s Bulgarian orthodox community and this may be the best time to visit the church.

36. Pammakaristos Church / Fethiye Mosque Museum Built in 1292 by Ioannis Tarchaneiotes (a Byzantine general of Turkic origin) the Pammakaristos Church is a fine example of late Byzantine architecture and art. After the Conquest of Constantinople in 1453, it was used as a nunnery and it became the see of Christian Orthodox Patriarchate until 1587. It was then converted into a mosque changing its name to Fethiye but still contained well-preserved Byzantine mosaics. Its parekleison (burial corridor) was opened as a museum recently where you can see beuatiful Byzantine mosaics and some frescoes. The central dome has a 700 years old fine mosaic of Christ the Pantocrator surrounded by prophets, each labeled with their Greek names. Open daily between 09:30 - 16:30 except Wednesdays. Address: Fethiye Camii, Fatih

37. Boat trip on the Bosphorus An unforgettable excursion by boat along the busiest waterway in the world, separating Europe and Asia. Definitely a feast for the eyes. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, marble palaces, fortresses and small fishing villages. During the excursion you will pass the magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace, and further along, the parks and imperial pavilions of Yildiz Palace. On the coastal edge of this park, is Cirağan Palace, 300 meters of is marble facade faces the shore. At Ortaköy a great variety of artists gather every Sunday to display their work along the street. Ortaköy is a symbol of tolerance with a church, a mosque and a synagogue existing side by side for centuries.

38. Kumkapı Kumkapı is a quarter closed to traffic with about 50 restaurants offering all kinds of fish. While Turks call them fish restaurants, they are actually traditional Meyhane literally Raki Houses. A colorful fish market is nearby. Every taxi driver will know it; it's 5 min. drive from Sultan Ahmet (Blue Masque). In summertime it's a very nice atmosphere with all the tables on the street. The more crowded the area is, the more excitement and noise is there. Some of the restaurants feature Turkish music from İstanbul and gypsy musicians work the diners for whatever they can get. Kumkapı is also the location of the Armenian Patriarchate and the patriarchal cathedral, just a few streets over from the main street. Many Armenian families live in the area.

39. Pera Palas The Pera Palace is an historic hotel and museum, located in the Beyoğlu (Pera) district in Istanbul. It was built in 1892 as the first 5 star hotel of Turkey, for the purpose of hosting the passengers of the Orient Express from Paris and Vienna. The hotel offers magnificent views of the Golden Horn and the skyline of the historic peninsula. District of Pera, once known as "Little Europe" is today the cultural and social centre of Istanbul with its vivid night life and sophisticated museums. Pera Palace Hotel is a real historic aristocrat with many celebrity guests from all over the world. It is the first hotel in the world with running hot water from the bath faucet. The oldest still working elevator is also located in this hotel.

40. Rahmi Koc Industrial Museum This museum is located in the anchor casting workshop at the docks on the Golden Horn, an area that symbolized industrialization in the Ottoman Empire of the 19th century. On the first floor, motors and steam engines are displayed. On the second floor are the scientific instruments and communications apparatuses. The entrance is reserved for the aircraft department, mint machinery for printing paper money and coins, bicycles and motorcycles, the naval department and ship engines. In the open area, there is a coast guard life-boat, a tram, a narrow gauge steam train, and a vertical steam boiler. There is a submarine in the water. Open daily between 08:30- 17:00 except Mondays. Haskoy Caddesi, No:27, Beyoglu

41. Piyer Loti Julien Viaud, the French naval officer who wrote novels under the pen name of Pierre Loti, used to come to this Istanbul hilltop overlooking Eyüp and the Golden Horn. In Loti's time, the café was a simple, humble place with a few stools and a small stove for brewing Turkish coffee. Today the café is far nicer, with shady tables, a variety of beverages and snacks. The view is stunning.

42. Sabancı Museum Since 1884, what is today Sabanci Museum has been both a private and royal residence. Opened as the Sabanci University Museum in 2002, it now hosts world-class exhibitions in a state-of-the-art environment. The three ground floors have been preserved as they were when the Sabanci family resided there. The museum also boasts an impressive collection of rare manuscripts as well as an extensive collection of 19th and 20th century paintings. Address: İstinye Cad. No. 22, Emirgan.

43. Miniatürk Miniatürk is also named as the "Showcase of Turkey", where you can find many important structures of Turkey in small scales, models of architectural masterpieces representing the Anatolian and Ottoman civilizations. Models of 105 historical and architectural works, all made in the scale of 1/25, can all be seen in one single place. There is also a miniature railway network, a motorway with moving vehicles, an airport with moving airplanes, thousands of human figures, and ships sailing across the Bosphorus. Built in 2003 on a 60,000 m2 site in the Golden Horn, it is the largest miniature city in the world. It is located opposite the Pierre Loti Coffee House in Eyup district, open daily between 09:00-17:00, Address: Sütlüce.

44. Malta Köşkü The Malta Kiosk is located in the Yildiz Park, near the Yildiz Palace. It was built in the mid-19th century by the Sultan Abdulaziz and used as a relaxing mansion for both sultans and their ladies wondering in the nicely cared vegetation. At some periods of the late Ottoman history, the mansion has also witnessed the exile of young heirs or princes. The kiosk has a European decorative style with Acanthus leaves column capitals, fine friezes on the marble fountain at the entrance, gold leafed mirror, and ceiling decorations with fat marble fish statuettes. The mansion wasn't used much during the Republic era until 1979, than it was restored and opened to the public. Today, there is a restaurant and cafeteria inside which is open every day.

45. Ihlamur Kasrı Ihlamur Kiosk is an imperial rest house built in a valley with Linden trees in Beşiktaş district, where you can enjoy a cup of natural Linden tea. The pavilion was built 1855 by the wish of Sultan Abdulmecit as a resting villa where he also received some of his foreign guests including the French poet Lamartine. Ihlamur Pavilion is formed by two buildings; Merasim kiosk used for ceremonies, and Maiyet kiosk reserved for the court of the sultan or his harem. After the death of sultan Abdulmecit, the pavilion was also used by the sultans Abdulaziz and Mehmet Reşat as a relaxing kiosk. It's formed as a museum in 1987. Open daily between 09:30 - 16:30 except Mondays & Thursdays

46. Kadıköy District Kadıköy (ancient Chalcedon) is located at the southern tip of the Bosphorus Strait opening to the Sea of Marmara. Once prominent in the history of Christianity, it hosted important Ecumenical Council meetings in the 5th century. Kadıköy is one of the fastest growing districts in Istanbul for the last 25 years; it has areas of up-market shopping with fashionable shops, fine dining and entertainment making it popular especially for wealthy local people. Nice promenades along the waterside, especially around the marinas and yacht clubs, add value to the district. Baghdad Avenue, Moda, Kalamis and Fenerbahce neighborhoods are trendy dining places with many fancy restaurants and cafes.

47. Nişantaşı Nişantaşı is famous for its many Art Nouveau apartment buildings and is home to several prominent figures of the Turkish jet-set, culture and art. Nobel laureate Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk is one of the local residents, and the quarter formed the background in several of his novels. It is a place where you can easily see famous people walking on the street any time during a day. People living in Nişantaşı are mostly wealthy and/but very well-educated. Especially on Saturday nights Nişantaşı becomes crowded with people who come to the famous shops, pubs and cafés of this district to spend some pleasant time. Nisantasi is the seat of high fashion in Istanbul. If designer clothes, accessories and handbags with large price tags is what you're looking for, there's no better place. This is also the same reason why you'll hardly bump into any other tourist or backpacker here. On Sundays the neighborhood becomes less crowded and is mostly left to its residents. The beautiful Nişantaşı mosque is also worth seeing.

48. Haydarpaşa Train Station Haydarpaşa is Turkey's largest and most magnificent railway station, built in neo-classic Prussian style in 1906. Architects are Otto Ritter and Helmuth Cuno from Germany. Once Haydarpaşa connected İstanbul to Bagdat by railways, then Ottoman territory, it now welcomes those arriving in Istanbul from Anatolia by train. Once upon a time, passengers of the Orient Express arriving at Istanbul from Europe and those who wanted to continue towards Baghdad, had to take a boat across the Bosphorus and board the train from Haydarpaşa station. With the increase in road transport and air travel, the station has lost its former importance but it is still a landmark on the Asian side of the city, together with the nearby Selimiye Barracks and Haydarpaşa Medical School.

49. İstanbul University The first university in Istanbul was founded in 425 by Theodosius II as a Roman Gymnasium and was succeeded by the Ottoman House of Multiple Sciences (Darülfünun) in year 1470. However, Richard Honig, a German law historian claims that Byzantine and Ottoman traditions could be analyzed together, expresses that the history of Istanbul University can be traced back to March, 1st, 1321. The university which was first established in today's main building and which was equivalent to Roman universities consisting of schools of medicine, law, philosophy and letters, was actually founded on the same hill. So, Istanbul University is one of the oldest educational institutions, not only of Turkey, but also of the world. As a first step in modernization of education of the young republic, the institution was renamed "Istanbul University” in 1924. Istanbul University welcomed foreign academics who fled Nazi Germany as teaching staff. The university is located between the Grand Bazaar and the Süleymaniye Mosque.

50. Moss Suites A very cozy small-hotel located in Istanbul’s bustling district of Taksim. Moss Suites offers spacious accommodation (40-50m²) and great in-room facilities just minutes from Taksim Square. Each room offers an open-plan living and sleeping space with kitchenette facilities. Modern in-room amenities include satellite TV, 40” LCD TV and free Wi-Fi. There is a restaurant at Moss Suites which serves a great selection of international food throughout the day. There are also many cafés, restaurants and bars in the area surrounding the hotel. Moss Suites enjoys a central location in the heart of Istanbul and is very wellconnected by public transport.