Istanbul embraces two continents, one arm reaching out to Asia, the other to Europe. In the city's heart, the Bosphorus Strait, course the waters of the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn. The former capital of three successive empires -- Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman -- today Istanbul honors and preserves the legacy of its past while looking forward to its modern future.

Indeed, it is Istanbul's variety that fascinates its visitors. The museums, castles, palaces, great mosques, bazaars and sights of natural beauty seem inexhaustible. As you recline on the shores of the Bosphorus at sunset contemplating the red evening light reflected in the windows on the opposite shore you understand, suddenly and profoundly, why so many centuries ago settlers chose to build on this remarkable site. At times such as these, you feel that Istanbul is truly one of the most glorious cities in the world.

In addition to its unique historical and cultural background and innumerable attractions, the modern hotels, exclusive restaurants, night clubs and shops make Istanbul a superb site for meetings, conferences and conventions.

Known in previous incarnations as Byzantium and Constantinople, the ancient city of Istanbul has over the past few decades grown a healthy cosmopolitan skin. Turkey had an economic good time in the 1980s that led in turn to resurgence in national tourism, and before you could say 'Masallah', the thoroughfares of Istanbul were crowded with new restaurants, hotels, cafes and cultural institutions. The feel-good optimism was dashed by a devastating earthquake in 1999 but the city has since recovered some if its equanimity.

The Old City is where you'll find all the main sights, such as Topkapi Sarayi (Topkapi Palace), Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), Aya Sofya (Sancta Sophia), the Atmeydani (Hippodrome) and the old city walls. The 21st-century version of Istanbul is a short walk north across the Galata Bridge, and is exemplified by bustling Taksim Square, the eye of the city's commercial storm. Buses, trams and the developing Metro system, not to mention footpower, will get you around the two main parts of the city - ferries can run you between them and across the Bosphorus to Asian Istanbul, although there's little of interest for tourists in this suburban area.

The ever-growing tourist trade means there's plentiful accommodation in Istanbul, although you'll need to book ahead for the better places during peak months and over the main public holidays. There are clusters of budget places in the Sultanahmet district of the Old City, and plenty of cheap hotels in the Aksaray and Laleli districts a few kilometres to the west. If you want to spend a bit more, look around Taksim Square or head for the luxury hotels of the Tepebasi district. For cheap, ready-made Turkish food, try one of the ubiquitous hazir yemek small restaurants. Istanbul now has more upwardly mobile eateries than ever before, with chic new cafe-restaurants catering to many tastes.

Topkapi Palace, Sultanahmet

Now one of Istanbul's leading museums, the Topkapi Palace was the imperial residence of the great Ottoman Empire for almost 400 years until the reign of Abdülmecid. The palace was subjected to many changes as it passed from sultan to sultan, but today houses a spectacular museum famed for its large collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain.


Haghia Sophia, Sultanahmet

The vast building, with its range of architectural styles, is one of Istanbul's best known landmarks and few visitors to the city miss a trip to view its extraordinary interior. Considered the eighth wonder of the world, this Byzantine church is one of the largest ancient buildings to be found anywhere. It is the most significant masterpiece of Byzantine art and Eastern Christian church architecture and was completed in 532 AD during Justinian's reign. The church covers a surface of 7570 square metres and its dome is 55.6 metres high and 32 metres wide and is carried by 107 columns.

Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet

Dating from the 17th century, this is one of the largest mosques in Istanbul and a principal feature on the city's skyline. The only mosque in the world with six minarets, its real fame derives mostly from its beautiful interior tiles with flower and tree motifs. On the east side of the mosque is the Arasta, a bazaar for the various tradesmen's guilds.

Suleymaniye Camii

The mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent is yet another of the city's great landmarks set in a complex of surrounding buildings capped by over 400 domes. Its design represents an important development in Ottoman mosque architecture.

Kariye Camii (St Savior in Chora)

Worth seeing for its famous mosaics which constitute one of the word's most important examples of early Byzantine pictorial art. The mosaics tell the story of the New Testament from the birth of the Virgin Mary to a scene showing the Resurrection of Christ. The building was turned into a mosque during the reign of Bayezit II. The surrounding neighbourhood has many old Ottoman wooden houses.

Yerebatan Sarayi (Sunken Palace)

A walkway just above the water allows you to view the forest of stone pillars that support this vast underground cistern. Built in 532 AD, it was at one time supplied by the Valens aqueduct.

Eski Sark Eserleri Muzesi

Archeological museums containing the Museum of Antiquities and the Museum of Oriental Antiquities, both of which contain incredible artefacts.