The Basilica Cistern is a magnificent structure beneath the streets of Istanbul. It was built in 476 AD as a water storage. It is famous for its infinite marble columns and for the thick fire brick walls. At the end of the cistern you will see the amazing Medusa head used as an inverted column base. Plan to spend from one to two hours in the cistern.

The Amazing building will stun you as soon as you see it. It was built as a church and converted to a mosque by Sultan Mehmet the conquerer. The main part of the building is amazing and the dome is bigger your expectations. Climb the stone ramp to the upper deck to get a magnificent view of the dome and the building as a whole. Don't forget to observe the mosaics on the walls of the upper deck.

The mosaic museum is situated inside the Arasta bazaar. It contains mosaics from the Byzantine palaces. You should visit it if you are interested in Byzantine history and architecture.

Built by the ottomans in the 19th century, the Archaeological museum of Istanbul houses 1 million items. You will find items from Egypt, Levant and Anatolia. Make sure to visit all parts of the museum to see items from all civilisations.

The restaurant is situated in a street in Sirkeci and it is a great place to have your lunch before heading to Eminonu. Try to get an outdoor table. The prices are reasonable and the staff are friendly. You will be offered complimentary deserts and tea.

The beautiful square over-looking the golden horn must be visited and it is definitely the best place to spend your first evening in Istanbul. Spend some time strolling the square. Don't forget to try the sweet corn sold on stalls.

The hidden gem of Eminonu. The mosque is decorated using magnificent blue ionic tiles. Try to ask one of the local shop keepers about the entrance as you won't find it easily. One of the most peaceful and quite mosques of Istanbul

New is relative. The mosque was started in 1597 and finished in 1665. Great from the outside and beautiful from the inside, plan to spend some time there.

The spice bazaar is considered by some people to be better than the grand bazaar. You will find all authentic turkish goods, spices, clothes, handcrafts are all available. It may be a little crowded in the evening but make sure to visit it while in eminonu

Simply the best. You will be able to know how extravagant the sultan's life was. The palace is made up of 4 courtyards each containing a couple of rooms and galleries. In the second courtyard you will find the kitchen which houses the china ware of the sultan. It also contains the imperial council hall right beneath the famous tower of justice. The third courtyard contains the royal jewellery museum and other galleries showcasing the treasures of the ottomans. The Harem section is worth a visit as it contains some extremely beautiful rooms. The final courtyard contains some of the sultan's private kiosk and a magnificent terrace with overlooks the Bosphorus, Marmara sea and the golden horn.

The sultan's tombs are outside Hagia Sophia and can be entered for free. The entrance is hard to find, it is a few minutes walk in the Sultanahmet direction from the Topkapi gates. It contains the tombs of some of the most of the powerful ottoman sultans. Although it doesn't have a high rating it is worth a visit to know more about the ottoman life.

The museum was once the palace of one of the most powerful grand viziers of the empire, Pargali Ibrahim Pasha. The museum contains many items that tells you more about the life of the ottomans. The museum is adjacent to the famous blue mosque

The famous Sultanahmet is one of the most known monuments of Istanbul. Take your time to admire the wall tiles and the calligraphic paintings. If you are not a muslim avoid visiting during times of prayer as the mosque will be closed.

The most famous bazaar in Istanbul. The easiest way to get there is taking the tram to Beyazit station. Take your time while walking through the bazaar and note the price range not to be scammed. In my opinion, the grand bazaar contains treasures for those who know how to search

The Suleymaniye mosque is few minutes walk from the bazaar and is considered to be one of the most important mosques in Istanbul. The mosque was built by the great architect Sinan. Behind the mosque is the tomb of Suleiman the magnificent and his famous wife Hürrem sultan, plan to spend a few minutes there.

In the early morning, take a tram to Kabatas and walk to the palace. The palace was built in the 19th century to show the empire's wealth. It is considered to be one of the most extravagant palaces in Europe. 14 tonnes of gold were used in decorating the palace. The ceremonial hall contains Europe's biggest crystal chandelier. The palace is known for the extensive use of baccarat crystal. The Harem section is worth a visit as it contains some beautiful salons and the deathbed of Atatürk. Spend a plenty of time in the painting gallery as it is well decorated and contains some great paintings.

The dolmabahce mosque is close to the palace and is considered to be one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul. Although it is small it is very well decorated. Plan to pass by it while you are walking from the palace to Kabatas

Take the funicular from Kabatas to Taksim after visiting the Dolmabahce. Taksim square is the most known square in Istanbul, spend some time in the centre of the square then head to the Istiklal street.

The most famous street in Istanbul. Try to listen to some street musician and eat an ice cream. The street starts from Taksim square and ends in Beyoglu. Try to get to the Heritage tram using your IstabulKart.

Located in at the end of the Istiklal street, it is situated in one side of Beyoglu square. The museum contains some of the items of the mevlevi dervishes as this is the oldest tekkie in Istanbul. Make sure to witness the Sema ceremony. Check their website in advance to know the exact times of the ceremony.

After you finish your tour in Beyoglu head to the galata tower. The tower caters-for the best 360 degree views of the city. The terrace is narrow so try to climb the tower when there are few tourists.

The galata bridge is the best way to experience the golden horn after you get down from the tower. The bridge will take you back to eminonu square. There are many fish restaurants beneath the bridge which you should try.

The best place to spend the last evening in Istanbul is Ortakoy. Take the ferry from any port to Ortakoy and you will be there in few minutes. The area is famous for its great views of the bosphorus bridge and for its restaurants and cafes. The main attraction in the area is the Ortakoy mosque (also known as Buyuk Mecidiye Cami).

The Buyuk Mecidiye Cami (Ortakoy mosque) is the most beautiful Baroque mosque in Istanbul, built as an imperial mosque by sultan Abdulmecid the Buyuk Mecidiye Cami is one the best places in Istanbul