Istanbul

It is said that if you have never tried a Turkish bath then you have never been truly clean. The visitor moves through several hot rooms and finally arrives at the massage table for a real going over. Men and women bathe separately, exceptions are made at certain times for tourists. Here is one recommended bathhouse: Çemberlitaş Hamam. Situated near the Bazaar, this is the oldest hamam in town and was reputedly built by the master architect Mimar Sinan in 1584.

The palace of the sultans with its many courtyards and gates brings on a nostalgia for forgone times. There are several special museums in the area; highlights include the Treasure Chamber, where the famous dagger and Spoonmaker's diamond are true stars of the collection, and the harem, where the sultan’s wives and children lived (the two are not included in the ticket price to the palace).

Aya Sofya is a remarkable mixture of Christianity and Islam, a church with minarets and a mosque with pictures of the Virgin Mary (now covered up, unfortunately). The building is one of the wonders of world architecture. Its 32-metre main dome has stood firm since Aya Sofya's completion in 537 CE. Yes, that's almost one and a half thousand years ago. Originally constructed as a Christian church, the temple has since been a mosque, then a museum, and now once again acts as a mosque.

Built at the beginning of the 16th century during the rule of Sultan Ahmet I, this grandiose mosque seemlessly combines Ottoman and Byzantine architectural styles. The building is known for its six minarets and was given its nickname for the 20,000 blue tiles adorning the interior. These tiles were made in Iznik — an area that was famous during the Ottoman Empire for its expert production of ceramic tiles.

Boats travel along the shores of the Bosporus from Eminönü, they chug quietly under the bridges that connect Europe and Asia. One hour away is Anadolukavağı, a little Asian fishing village with lots of pleasant restaurants. You can travel to the largest of the Prince Islands with a Seabus, departing from Kabataş below the Dolmabahçe Palace. Ferry terminals in Eminönü and Karaköy on either side of the Galata bridge are good starting points for exploring Istanbul by ferry.

Eminönü Pier is located right next to the famed Galata bridge, where you can find plenty of restaurants and locals fishing at all times of the day. It's a perfect day to take in Istanbul's busy atmosphere, or start a day of exploring the city by boat. Ferries depart regularly and take you up the Golden Horn, along the Bosphorus or across the water to the Asian side.

Moda district of Kadikoy has a certain bohemian and alternative vibe. Once the sun begins to set, locals and visitors of the area head down towards the Marmara sea. People stroll up and down the footpaths, jog, bike, pet cats, have picnics — whatever floats your boat on this grassy stretch of parkland. Vendors frequently pass by selling sunflower seeds, snacks, water, and beer.

Arter is non-profit centre that displays modern art in a gorgeous modern building with a fabulous facade — in stark contrast with comparatively dilapidated old buildings in the area. A must for fans of contemporary art. Every single visitor is impressed by the bookstore. The art centre also has a lovely cafe with a terrace.

SALT Beyoğlu is a six-story building on the central shopping İstiklal street. In this historic building you'll find selected artworks and small-scale exhibitions that are ever changing to reflect the fast-paced rhythm of modern world. Check this art space's Walk-in Cinema — a platform for screenings, talks, workshops, and performances. While you're in the area, also check out SALT Galata — an equally wonderful sister project of SALT Beyoğlu with a cafe and a library with free Wi-Fi.

A private mansion with a nice garden turned into a museum, a place where you can admire works from Turkish artists created between 1850 and 1950. There are also excellent collection of calligraphy, religious and state documents, classical Turkish furniture and well as paintings of the Ottoman era. The museum is beautifully located on a hilltop, overlooking the Bosphorus.

For best local authentic events, head over to this Cultural Centre, housed in an old historical Turkish bath (over 500 years old). It has two sections, first is an exhibition and foyer area, the other section is the performance area. This is a great place to enjoy belly dancing, whirling dervishes and other traditional dance performances with live music.