Arter

Arter is a non-profit centre that displays modern art in a gorgeous modern building with a fabulous façade, 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.

• Web:

  www.arter.org.tr

• E-mail:

  info@arter.org.tr

• Address:

  Yenişehir, Irmak Caddesi No 13, Beyoğlu, İstanbul

• Phone:

  +90 212 708 58 00

• More info:

  If you decide to get to Arter on foot, you'll have to walk through some of the less developed streets. You won't see many tourists here, even though it's definitely worth seeing this unpolished side of Istanbul.

Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia)

Aya Sofya is a remarkable mixture of Christianity and Islam, a church with minarets and a mosque with pictures of the Virgin Mary that, unfortunately, are now covered up. 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. 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.

• Web:

  www.muze.gen.tr/muze-detay/ayasofya

• E-mail:

  contact@muze.gen.tr

• Address:

  Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No 1, Fatih, İstanbul

• Phone:

  +90 212 522 17 50

• More info:

  Visitors are asked to comply with the modesty dress code when visiting this historic mosque: knees and shoulders covered, women must wear headscarves.

Boat Trips

Boats travel along the shores of the Bosphorus 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.

• Web:

  www.sehirhatlari.istanbul/en

• E-mail:

  info@sehirhatlari.istanbul

• Address:

  Eminonu, Istanbul

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise

The Bosphorus Sunset Cruise offers a scenic and relaxing two-hour afternoon journey along one of Istanbul’s most iconic waterways. The semi-private cruise is excellent value for money, with a small group setting and attentive, professional crew. Snacks, water and coffee are included in the price.

• Web:

  www.bosphorussunset.com

• E-mail:

  info@acetestravel.com

• Address:

  Aksaray, Çakırağa Cami Sokak, Molla Gürani, Yusufpaşa Çk. 1/A, Fatih, İstanbul

• Phone:

  +90 552 463 84 98

Chora Monastery (Kariye Mosque)

The Monastery was founded in the 5th century and contains beautiful frescos and mosaics dating from 1000–1300, representing Virgin Mary and the life of Jesus. This medieval Greek Orthodox church is used as a mosque today.

• Web:

  www.muze.gen.tr/muze-detay/kariye

• E-mail:

  istanbul@diyanet.gov.tr

• Address:

  Derviş Ali, Kariye Cami Sokak No 18, Fatih, İstanbul

• Phone:

  +90 212 512 23 20

Dolmabahçe Palace

Dolmabahçe Palace is a white stone behemoth located in the Beşiktaş district and overlooks the Bosphorus. It used to serve as the main administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1887 and from 1909 to 1922. Some visitors compare it with Versailles and Hermitage.

• Web:

  www.millisaraylar.gov.tr/Lokasyon/3/Dolmabahce-Sarayi

• Address:

  Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Caddesi, Beşiktaş, İstanbul

• Phone:

  +90 212 236 90 00

• More info:

  The palace is popular! Make sure to go early on the day to avoid the crowds and the heat