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sell a ticket. But a more authentic alternative is to take one of the vintage commuter ferries across to Kadıköy on the Asian side of the city, taking in some spectacular vistas on the way.
The Ritz Carlton hotel has the only city spa that includes a rooftop area. So as you are pampered with the Turkish Hammam inspired treatments or take a swim in the pool you can also enjoy an unforgettable view of the Bosphorus and the minarets of old town. Spa culture is nothing new to the Turks and a traditional hammam is an essential part of the Istanbul experience. At first it can be confusing to the uninitiated, so taking a hammam at a luxury hotel gives you a chance to get to grips with the bathing etiquette whilst at the same time being truly pampered.
There are also traditional baths in every neighbourhood, but the most famous is probably the historic Cagaloglu Baths. Based on bathing techniques that have been passed down from the Romans, to the Byzantines and onto the Turks, a hammam here has a real classic Ottoman flavour.
A visit to the city’s Sultanahmet district, the Old Town, although very ‘touristy’, is a requisite. The area is full of ancient buildings from the Middle Ages and more recent Ottoman Palaces, each giving some clues about the city’s colourful past.
The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque), with its distinctive six towering minarets, at-
tracts the most visitors, and is still used as a place of worship, so visits fit in around the regular prayer times. As is customary, one has to dress conservatively and take off shoes before entering. Sit on the carpeted floor and look up, and take in the vast array of pastel blue ceramic detailing of the interior.
"To capture the essential experience of modern Istanbul, explore the eclectic, creative districts where the locals live."
Opposite is the Hagia Sophia museum, a 6th Century Roman Christian Basilica, that later became a mosque in the 15th century. It is one of the most extraordinary buildings architecturally and culturally, and now, as a secular museum, it celebrates both faiths. Below the streets of Sultanahmet is the Basilica Cistern. This is giant cistern built in the 6th century to store water in the event of a city siege. Now an elevated walkway above the remaining water allows a privileged view of the huge columned space.
Any list of things to do in Istanbul surely includes trying a Turkish coffee. Some of the best can be found in Café Fes, in the Grand Bazaar. This vast covered market is an unexpected treat. It’s not a chaotic or disorganised frenzy like a North African souk; instead it is an immaculately presented covered market of small retailers, where you can find carpets, classic tulip shaped Turkish tea glasses, jewellery, intricately decorated lamps and plenty of ceramics. Amongst the shops are cafés and bars including the Fes Café that presents its Turkish coffee on a silver tray, accompanied with a shot of delicious almond liqueur, a handmade Turkish delight and a glass of fresh water. To satisfy an appetite for exotic eastern products, visit the Egyptian Bazaar, or spice bazaar as it is also known. This is as much a working retail centre as it is a city attraction, offering striking and vibrant scenes of spices piled high; extravagant handmade Turkish delight and displays of colourful Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods.
When it comes to food, there is only one way to eat in Istanbul; sharing a meze. These small dishes are the perfect appetizer to any meal, and include tasty snacks such as hummus, fried vegetables, cheeses, meat balls, skewers and so much more – together they make up lively and social meal.
A journey to Istanbul is one of life’s essential and unforgettable experiences