This vast underground structure of vaulted arches and Corinthian columns (336 of them), constructed in 532 to supply water to Emperor Justinian’s Great Palace, is a beautiful example of Byzantine engineering.

A quiet oasis in the midst of the bustling Grand Bazaar, Ethnicon features unique ethnic and contemporary rugs.  Bargaining is not the style here as the prices are fixed.

A labyrinth of streets and passages that contains over 4,000 shops offering Turkish crafts, world-renowned carpets, hand-painted ceramics, copperware, brassware, gold jewelry, leather and suede goods, and antiques.  The main entrance to the bazaar is the Nuriosmeniye Gate.  Ask in the bazaar for directions to shops.  Best to have a guide to help navigate but beware that guides often encourage you to buy items where they get a percentage for helping with the sale.

A labyrinth of streets and passages that contains over 4,000 shops offering Turkish crafts, carpets, hand-painted ceramics, copperware, brassware, jewelry, leather and suede goods, and antiques.

“The Church of Divine Wisdom” is Istanbul’s great architectural achievement from the early Christian era.   It was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian circa 535 AD and transformed into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of the city in 1453.

Located inside the first courtyard of the Topkapi Palace, it contains numerous ancient treasures including the celebrated Alexander Sarcophagus (late fourth century BC), a collection of Hellenistic and Roman sculpture (the head of Sappho), Karaman Mihrab, a richly tiled wall niche indicating the direction of Mecca, and the “Istanbul Through the Ages” installation.

This trend-setting jewelry shop, one of the favorites of stylish Turkish women,  is known for its modern jewelry that has a Turkish flair.  There are earrings, necklaces and bracelets with large, dazzling stones as well as less expensive options that make perfect gifts.

A popular shop for high quality leather and and fur jackets and coats.  The items are generally well priced and the service attentive.

Located just behind the Blue Mosque, this Museum contains exceptionally fine 5th and 6th century mosaic fragments from the Grand Palace of the Byzantine Emperors.

This museum holds a world-class collection of antique carpets and other handicrafts from the 7th to the 19th century.  The dark stone building was built in 1524 and is said to be the largest private home built in the Ottoman architectural style.

This shop is well known if the beautiful pieces made of gold and stones.  They will also make jewelry to order.

Around the corner from the Blue Mosque on a sloping hill, this 16th century mosque is a beautiful example of classical Turkish architecture and decorated inside with exquisite Iznik tiles.

Across from the Hagia Sophia stands the elegant Sultanahmet Mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque because of the magnificent blue and white Iznik tiles that decorate the interior.  Built between 1609 and 1616, this is the most famous mosque in the city and the only one with six minarets.

Located at the entrance to the grounds of the Blue Mosque, it contains the tombs of a number of the Ottoman sultans.

This was the legendary palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries.  The Imperial Treasury contains an extraordinary collection of the Sultans’ jewels.   Besides viewing the Palace’s collections, don’t miss the Harem which requires a separate ticket.  A private guide may be able to book a tour of the Hagia Eirene, a fine old Byzantine Church within the compound, that is generally open only for concerts.  Topkapi Palace is frequently crowded so it’s recommended to visit early if possible.

This beautiful, luxurious 65-room hotel fashioned from an old prison, is located in the heart of the Old City and while it’s very convenient for touring, it’s a long drive to restaurants and prime shopping areas outside the Old City. It’s a good choice for those who have only a few days to spend in Istanbul and limited time to see the important sites.

There are beautiful pashminas and other scarves  to be found at this stall in the Grand Bazaar.

Surprisingly reasonable jewelry made of South Sea pearls and stones.  The rows of necklaces lining the walls are dazzling.