The Hippodrome of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) was once the vibrant heart of the city's public life, serving as a grand arena for chariot races, gladiatorial games, and public ceremonies during the Roman and Byzantine Empires. Constructed in the 3rd century AD and expanded significantly by Emperor Constantine the Great in the 4th century, it was designed in the shape of a U with tiered seating, capable of holding tens of thousands of spectators. Though most of its original structure is gone, the modern-day Sultanahmet Square largely occupies its former site and still features several significant ancient monuments that once adorned its spina (middle barrier). These include the Egyptian Obelisk of Thutmose III, the Serpent Column (from Delphi), and the Walled Obelisk. Today, it stands as an open public space, allowing visitors to walk upon the ground where emperors once watched thrilling spectacles.

The Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya in Turkish) is a monumental architectural masterpiece in Istanbul, reflecting centuries of shifting empires and faiths. Originally consecrated as a Christian cathedral in 537 AD under the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, it was renowned for its massive dome and intricate mosaics, becoming the largest interior space in the world at the time and a symbol of Byzantine architectural genius. Following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Sultan Mehmed II converted it into a mosque, adding minarets, a mihrab, and a minbar while preserving many of its Christian elements. In 1935, under the secular Republic of Turkey, it was transformed into a museum, symbolizing a bridge between cultures. However, in 2020, it was once again reclassified and opened as a mosque. Today, the Hagia Sophia stands as a breathtaking blend of Byzantine and Ottoman artistry, continuing to awe visitors with its rich history and architectural grandeur.

The Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı in Turkish) is the largest and one of the most magnificent ancient underground cisterns in Istanbul. Built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, its primary purpose was to supply water to the Great Palace and other imperial buildings nearby. Nicknamed the "Sunken Palace" due to its grand scale and numerous columns, the cistern measures approximately 140 meters by 70 meters and can hold up to 80,000 cubic meters of water. It features 336 marble columns, each about 9 meters high, arranged in 12 rows. Among its most intriguing features are two columns whose bases are carved into inverted Medusa heads, their origin and exact purpose still subjects of speculation.

The Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı) served as the grand primary residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years, from the mid-15th to the mid-19th century. Commissioned by Sultan Mehmed II after the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, it evolved over centuries with additions and renovations by successive sultans. Far from being a single building, Topkapi is a vast complex of courtyards, gardens, pavilions, and diverse structures, meticulously designed to house the entire imperial court. It notably contains the Imperial Treasury, displaying an astonishing collection of jewels and artifacts, including the Spoonmaker's Diamond and the Topkapi Dagger. In 1924, following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, it was transformed into a museum, offering a remarkable glimpse into the opulent daily life, intricate governance, and rich artistic traditions of one of history's most powerful empires.

The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı in Turkish) in Istanbul is one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, an iconic landmark that has been a bustling center of trade since its establishment shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in the mid-15th century. Spanning over 61 covered streets and housing more than 4,000 shops, it's a labyrinthine masterpiece designed to cater to every imaginable need. Originally built as a center for textile trading, its offerings expanded over centuries to include jewelry, ceramics, spices, carpets, leather goods, antiques, and much more. Beyond its vast array of goods, the Grand Bazaar is an architectural marvel, with painted ceilings, intricate arches, and a vibrant atmosphere that immerses visitors in a sensory experience of colors, sounds, and aromas. It remains a magnet for millions of visitors annually, embodying centuries of Turkish commercial history and culture.

A Bosphorus boat trip offers an unforgettable way to experience Istanbul, providing a unique vantage point of the city where two continents meet. The Bosphorus Strait itself is a natural waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, effectively dividing Istanbul into its European and Asian sides. These popular cruises allow passengers to glide past an incredible array of historical and modern landmarks lining both shores. You'll see magnificent Ottoman palaces like Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi, grand mosques, historic fortresses like Rumeli Hisarı, charming wooden Ottoman mansions (yalı), and modern bridges connecting the continents. The trip offers breathtaking panoramic views, showcasing Istanbul's diverse architecture, lush hillsides, and the vibrant maritime traffic that constantly traverses this strategic waterway, providing a serene yet dynamic perspective on the city's timeless beauty and rich history.

As Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays, we instead visit Dolmabahçe Palace, a dazzling 19th-century marvel and the former administrative heart of the late Ottoman Empire. This glamorous palace was home to the last Ottoman Sultans.