Villas in Istanbul

Sultan Ahmed Mosque is a historic mosque containing Ahmed's tomb, a madrasah and a hospice. Why is it known as the Blue Mosque then? The name comes from the blue tiles surrounding the walls. Although it is a major tourist attraction, it is still used as a mosque so non worshippers will have to wait for half an hour during the daily prayers. The best entrance is from the Hippodrome, which is the same for non-Muslim visitors.

Feel like haggling a bit to get a good deal for that leather bag or the beautiful persian carpet? Go on a bargain hunting at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, the largest covered bazaar in the world. Browse the 60 streets lined with 5000 shops, 12 mosques and a wide array of eateries. Find the most delicate pieces of jewelry, leather goods, ceramics and Turkish souvenirs and start your adventure trying to get a good price for the goods. Can you bargain with these expert sellers?

The city is not just fascinating overground but underground too. The impressive Byzantine Basilica Cistern is a wonder of engineering that was used to bring drinking water from Bulgaria to Istanbul. Walk along the walkways where the dimmed lights and classical music create a unique atmosphere, romantic for many, spooky for others. Admire the columns supporting the ceiling and the fish swimming between them and, at the very end, the Medusa head used as a base of a column.

If you want a 360 panoramic view of the city, The Galata Tower, with its nine story height, is the best spot to do so. Taste some of the Ottoman recipes like the Ottoman Kebab, or get a drink at the restaurant on the 9th floor and enjoy the views.

Nightlife in Istanbul is lively and entertaining with every show and event bringing your hours of fun. Enjoy an open-air dance, a concert or a live performance while sipping your favorite cocktail. Dance the night away or just listen to the music.

One of the hidden gems that most people don’t know about is the Archaeology Museum, plenty of the world’s richest collections of antiquities. Admire the tiled Karaman Mihrab, the Tiled Pavilion, the Treaty of Kadesh or the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great. Your children will marvel at the model Trojan Horse!

A splendid former mosque converted into a museum. This piece of art is one of the greatest architectural achievements standing in the middle of a nave and under the impressive dome 65 meters above your head. The spiral staircase is the access to the gallery, where you can see the Byzntine mosaics and all the mysteries about this splendid building.