Istanbul has many attractions, sights and monuments that are rewarding and interesting. When beginning your day it is important to bare in mind the sheer size of the city. Make sure you take all the stuff you will need for the day as you will struggle to return back to your apartment from many areas of the city. Start your sightseeing at the Blue Mosque – Istanbul’s biggest and most impressive religious site. Admire the fine architecture of the mosque and it’s five minarets. It is the biggest of the mosques built during the Ottoman Empire years and the interior is breathtaking. Tens of thousands of tiles line the walls and ceilings. Go and visit this gorgeous building but remember to dress appropriately!

The Galata Tower is another of Istanbul’s interesting attractions. This tower was the tallest in the world when it was built in 1348AD and originally it was used to spot fires. Nowadays the area surrounding the tower is a popular hangout for both tourists and locals. Many bars and restaurants surround the tower which is beautifully illuminated at night. Climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the views over coffee in the coffee house located at the top. You can also try to see if you can locate your apartment amidst the seemingly endless sprawl of urban life below.

The opulent Topkapi Palace is set in beautiful gardens and there are many ancient Islamic relics on display. Be prepared to queue to enter the Palace, but once inside you’ll be rewarded with beautiful mosaics and stained glass windows. The Topkapi Palace is considered along with the Hagia Sofia to be Istanbul’s top tourist draws. The Hagia Sofia is an extraordinary building and is regarded as one of the finest buildings in the world. Formerly an Eastern Orthodox cathedral, the building then became a mosque and currently it is used as a museum. Both religions have left their mark on the place and the 30,000 gold tiles that make up the interior are amazing. The building was an engineering feat when it was built in the 8th century.

We’re sure you’ve always wondered what it’s like to go shopping in a Turkish Bazaar. Head for the Grand Bazaar. an authentic bazaar with over 4000 shops. Browse the Ottoman carpets, smoke a traditional Shisha water pipe or buy some handmade artifacts – the Bazaar offers hours of fun. If you’re interested in shopping, visit the Istiklal Street. a shoppers paradise and Istanbul’s main nightspot. Istanbulites love to dance and you’ll find all kinds of dancing on this street if you visit at night. Belly dancing, break dancing and traditional Turkish dancing are common, as is live music.

Istanbul is located on the Bosphorus Strait and a large stretch of water divides the city in two – one side in Europe and one side in Asia. Perhaps the best way to start your Istanbul adventure is by taking a boat tour down the water. It is a great opportunity to see the city and its many beautiful sides. If you wish to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, why not take a day trip to the tranquil Prince’s Islands. The ferry ride to the islands is pleasant and you can hire bikes or even a horse drawn carriage when you’re there!

Turkish food is tasty, exotic, fresh and wholesome. Turkish food is famous throughout the world and its influence is in evidence in many different cultures. Here’s a short list of some of our favourite Turkish foods:

Istanbul Ataturk Airport is located 15 miles west of the city centre. There are three options available to get from the airport into the city. The metro operates a good service and the journey takes 30 minutes. For those taking a villa in Istanbul, renting a car is affordable and a great way to be able to explore the region that surrounds the city. Taxis are good value, quick and the simplest option. There is also a bus service – take the Taksim line which runs every half an hour into the centre. You’ll find the best way to get around the city is also via taxi. If you don’t know exactly where you’re going take a taxi, but be wary of con artists who will charge you large amounts. Only accept a taxi ride if you’re paying a meter fare. Istanbul also has very efficient tram and bus systems that are easy to navigate. So when choosing your ideal apartment in Istanbul it is advisable that you keep an eye on the nearest tram stop.