For many years, Istanbul has been the bridge between Europe and Asia, spanning the Bosphurus Strait, which separates the two continents. One of the most populous cities on Earth, Istanbul is also its fastest growing.

Famed for its hamanns and abundance of Roman and Byzantine ruins, Istanbul is becoming a centre of excellence for cutting edge cuisine, the arts and fine design. Visitors to Istanbul can also take a short boat and bus trip to Bursa to enjoy skiing and the famous minerals baths and spas.

It may be a cliché, but Istanbul manages to combine the best of East and West while still remaining Istanbul, a city like no other.

See

One of the best ways to ease yourself into your trip to Istanbul is to take to the waters of the Bosphorus. A nighttime ferry trip will allow you to soak in the atmosphere as you pass fishing boats, ferries and the beautiful view of the old city. Catch the boat from Kabata to Buyukada for the nicest views.

Take time to explore the Old City on foot. There is a wealth of incredible buildings to be discovered. Haghia Sophia was the largest enclosed space on earth for 1000 years, and its scale is no less imposing today. A former basilica, and the mosque, the building is now a museum which features some outstanding examples of mosaic.

For many, the Blue Mosque is the symbol of Istanbul. Built by Sultan Ahmet the 1st between 1609 and 1616. Combining elements of Ottoman and Byzantine architecture, it is widely considered as the last great mosque of the classical era. Still very much a working mosque, tourists are only permitted entrance through the Northern door during the high season (May to September).

 

Staying in the old city, a visit to the Topkapi Palace is a must. There are few museums and historical sites on earth to rival this one. This sumptuous palace was home to a variety of Sultans for 400 years. If you wish to see the famous harem it is worth arriving early, as this venue gets very crowded very quickly. Expect to spend a good half a day here.

While in Istanbul, you will undoubtedly have the opportunity to try some extremely high-end cuisine. The Istanbul Culinary Institute will give you an opportunity to learn how to recreate some of those dishes when you get home. Expect to pay around $250 per person for a three-hour lesson you won’t soon forget.

If you’re a fan of Byzantine art, then take some time out of your itinerary to visit the Kariye Museum, also known as the Chora Church. Home to some of the most spectacular Byzantine mosaics in the world, virtually everything you see inside the building dates from around 1320.

Art lovers should seek out some of the cool contemporary galleries in Istanbul. The Istanbul Modern houses two floors of contemporary local art. It also has a gorgeous restaurant on a terrace overlooking the Bosphorus – you’ll need to book this one in advance. The Galerist and Galeri Nev also house some excellent contemporary work.

Istanbul is also Europe’s City of Culture for 2010. Visitors can find information on all activities on their website here.

From Istanbul, it’s easy to take a fast catamaran to Güzelyali, where you can catch a bus to Bursa. While there, you can take a cable car ride to the top of Mount Uludağ – or Mount Olympus, as it was known to the ancient Greeks. The former home of the Gods is now a popular ski resort. Nearby Çekirge offers multiple hotels built around restorative hot mineral springs.

Stay

The Witt Istanbul Suites (Book here) have it all, from the in-room Nespresso machine that will make mornings that bit easier to a striking view of the Bosphorus from its river view suites. Styled by one of Istanbul’s hippest design groups, the Witt is a frequent flyer in publication such as Monocle and Wallpaper. Room rates from $370

The Tom Tom Suites (Book here) is unusual for a hotel in the heart of one of the world’s biggest cities. It’s quiet. It’s also exquisitely designed, oozing elegance and class. It’s worth making the trip to take advantage of the inspiring view from the roof terrace. Room rates from $520

The Four Seasons Istanbul (Book here) is one of the smallest in the world, with only 65 rooms. Also, it may be the only Four Seasons that is located in a former prison. The rooms are a lot more pleasant now. The food is too. Executive chef Mehmet Gok has received high praise for his modern take on traditional Turkish cuisine. Room rates from $450.

Sumahan on the Water (Book here) offers yet another impressive view – this time the hotel is located on the edge of Bosphorus. Take the hotel’s own launch onto the river, or relax in one of their more romantic suite, complete with an open fireplace. Room rates from $300.

Eat

The chefs behind Moreish have created something special. Starters such as Jerusalem Artichoke soup with Stilton and Cumin froth have earned them plaudits from locals and overseas critics alike. They have also recognized the leaps that Turkish vineyards have made in the recent past, featuring several varieties on their menu.

The guest book at Haci Abdullah is filled with comments from people who never thought anyone could cook a dish better than their mother – until they visited this century old dining room in the Beyoğlu district. Expect top class Ottoman era cuisine.

For sheer simplicity and freshness, try Doga Balik.This is the place to go if you want fresh, seasonal grilled fish and uncomplicated, lightly cooked vegetables.

Shop

Asli Tunca  is a one off. Featuring furniture designed by the eponymous owner, formerly one of Turkey’s top designers, it is the type of place where you are guaranteed to pick up something truly unique and genuinely beautiful.

Part museum, part shop, Gonul Paksoy on Atiye Sokak is famed for its unique Ottoman era designs, all of which are made with original fabrics. You’ll also find some beautiful jewellery.

The Grand Bazaar is worth a visit. Set aside a few hours if you want to browse, and be prepared for the sheer volume of hawkers – some 5,500 vendors ply their trade here on any given day. If you are truly desperate to bring home a Turkish carpet, and you don’t mind paying a slightly higher price for the right product, seek out Şişko Osman.

Red Tape

Money

Turkey’s official currency is the Lira (TL). US$1 equals 1.5TL.  Credit cards are accepted everywhere and there are plenty of ATM machines across the city. Money exchanges are also plentiful in shopping malls and in the airport. 
Telephone
The country dialling code is +90
Visas
GCC citizens can enter Turkey visa-free for 90 days. Other nationalities may pay between $10 and $20 for a 30 to 90 day visa upon entry into Turkey.  Visitors are advised to check with their nearest Turkish embassy or consulate before travelling.
Transport
Istanbul’s public transport network is comprehensive, but can be confusing for visitors who are unfamiliar with its intricacies. Most tourists use taxis to get around which are plentiful and relatively cheap. There are also plenty of catamaran and boat services on the river. There are numerous bus and metro services to and from the airport. A taxi to the city should cost between 25 and 35TL.