Guide to Istanbul

1. Hagia Sophia (left): Variously a basilica, cathedral, mosque and now a prestigious museum the current structure was built in 532AD. (Sultanahmet, hagiasophia.com)
2. Blue Mosque: Built by Sultan Ahmet Camii in 1609-16. (Sultanahmet, bluemosque.org)
3. Topkapi Palace: Constructed in1459 by Sultan Mehmet II. (Sultanahmet, topkapipalace.com)
4. Chora Church (Kariye Museum): An 11th-century church noted for its remarkable mosaics. (Edirnekapi, choramuseum.com)
5. Galata Tower: A wooden lighthouse built in 507AD, rebuilt as a stone watchtower in 1348. (Beyo˘glu, galatatower.net)

1. Witt Istanbul: Close to Taksim Square, Galata Tower and the Museum of Modern Art. (Cihangir, wittistanbul.com)
2. Hotel Amira Istanbul: Friendly service, roof terrace views, superb central location. (Sultanahmet, hotelamira.com)
3. Hilton Istanbul: Five stars, immaculate gardens, great views of the Bosphorus. (Harbiye, hilton.com)
4. Lush Hotel: Close to Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue, a hip and stylish boutique hotel. (Taksim, lushhotel.com)
5. Sirkeci Konak: Great pool and Turkish bath, quiet, comfortable gem in the centre of Istanbul. (Sultanahmet, sirkecikonak.com)

1. Do˘ga Balik: Excellent mezzes and fresh fi sh. (Cihangir, dogabalik.com.tr)
2. Besinci Kat (The Fifth Floor): Vibrant bar atmosphere with an eclectic menu and great views over the city. (Cihangir, 5kat.com)
3. Hamdi Et Lokantasi: Best kebabs in town, rooftop restaurant with great views of the Golden Horn. (EminoÅNnü, hamdirestorant.com.tr)
4. Zübeyir Ocakbasi: Original menu with excellent lamb dishes. (Beyo˘glu, zubeyirocakbasi.com)
5. 360 Istanbul: The city’s most famous bar with extraordinary eighth-fl oor views. (Beyo˘glu, 360istanbul.com)