Arter

Arter is non-profit centre that displays modern art in a gorgeous modern building with a fabulous facade — in stark contrast with comparatively dilapidated old buildings in the area. A must for fans of contemporary art. Every single visitor is impressed by the bookstore. The art centre also has a lovely cafe with a terrace.

• Web:

  www.arter.org.tr/en

• E-mail:

  info@arter.org.tr

• Address:

  Irmak Cd. No:13, Beyoğlu/İstanbul

• Phone:

  +90 212 708 58 00

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sun 11am–5pm

• More info:

  If you decide to get to Arter on foot, you'll have to walk through some of the less developed streets. You won't see many tourists here, even though it's definitely worth seeing this unpolished side of Istanbul.

• Tickets:

  Adults: 25 TL. Visitors under 24: free.

Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia)

Aya Sofya is a remarkable mixture of Christianity and Islam, a church with minarets and a mosque with pictures of the Virgin Mary (now covered up, unfortunately). The building is one of the wonders of world architecture. Its 32-metre main dome has stood firm since Aya Sofya's completion in 537 CE. Yes, that's almost one and a half thousand years ago. Originally constructed as a Christian church, the temple has since been a mosque, then a museum, and now once again acts as a mosque.

• Web:

  www.muze.gen.tr/muze-detay/ayasofya

• Address:

  Sultan Ahmet Mah., Yerebatan Cad., Sultanahmet, Istanbul

• Phone:

  +90 212 522 17 50

• More info:

  Visitors are asked to comply with the modesty dress code when visiting this historic mosque: knees and shoulders covered, women must don headscarves.

• Tickets:

  Entrance is free for everyone

Boat trips

Boats travel along the shores of the Bosporus from Eminönü, they chug quietly under the bridges that connect Europe and Asia. One hour away is Anadolukavağı, a little Asian fishing village with lots of pleasant restaurants. You can travel to the largest of the Prince Islands with a Seabus, departing from Kabataş below the Dolmabahçe Palace. Ferry terminals in Eminönü and Karaköy on either side of the Galata bridge are good starting points for exploring Istanbul by ferry.

• Web:

  www.sehirhatlari.istanbul/en

• Address:

  Eminonu, Istanbul

Dolmabahçe Palace

This white stone behemoth — the Dolmabahçe Palace — is located in the Beşiktaş district and overlooks the Bosphorus. It used to serve as the main administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1887 and from 1909 to 1922. Some visitors compare it with Versailles and Hermitage.

• Web:

  www.millisaraylar.gov.tr/en/palaces/dolmabahce-palace

• Address:

  Dolmabahçe Cd., Beşiktaş/İstanbul

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sun 9am–6pm

• More info:

  The palace is popular! Make sure to go early on the day to avoid the crowds and the heat

• Tickets:

  Adults 250 TL. No online tickets available

Eminönü Pier

Eminönü Pier is located right next to the famed Galata bridge, where you can find plenty of restaurants and locals fishing at all times of the day. It's a perfect day to take in Istanbul's busy atmosphere, or start a day of exploring the city by boat. Ferries depart regularly and take you up the Golden Horn, along the Bosphorus or across the water to the Asian side.

• Address:

  Eminönü Pier, Istanbul

Emirgan Park

Emirgan Park is one of the oldest and largest parks in Istanbul. There are several playgrounds for children, trails for hiking and picnic tables. Every April there is a Tulip Festival, a period when the park is surrounded by blossomed tulips.

• Address:

  Korusu Emirgan, Sariyer, Istanbul

• Phone:

  +90 212 277 5782

• Subway:

  You can take Public Ferry Bosphorus line operating Eminönü—Rumeli Kavağı and hop off at Emirgan pier. Alternatively, take a Seabus from Beşiktaş and Kadıköy to İstinye.