Fascinating history, exotic architecture and trendy local neighbourhoods combine to create a truly cosmopolitan city. Here are our favourite things to do in İstanbul.
Originally founded as Byzantium by the Greeks, conquered by Persians, captured by Spartans, rebuilt by Constantine then eventually conquered by the Ottomans, İstanbul has lived a long and spicy history.
While the political clout moved to Ankara after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, İstanbul was left with iconic historical sites that would satisfy even the most world-weary of curious travellers. Yet this modern international city is continually in flux. New and interesting attractions regularly appear,