When visiting Istanbul

After being transformed from Three different churches (of which the first one had been built starting on the 15th of February in the year 360, during the reign of Constantius II and ordered by the Arian bishop Eudoxius of Antioch), a mosque and nowadays a museum, the Hagia Sophia has seen it all. The rise of Byzantium and it's fall, the rise of Constantinople and the fall of it up till the museum in Istanbul today. 

It's world famous for its massive dome, that 'changed the history of architecture' and for about a 1000 years it was was the largest cathedral in the world and still one of the most impressive buildings ever built.

This cistern was built between 532 and 542 by the Byzantine emperor Justinian and served as a water reservoir for his palace (where Topkap? Palace stands today).

The site of the underground Basilica Cistern, also known as 'Yerebatan Saray?' which means ‘Sunken Palace’ is as impressive as it can get. Search for the two Medusa heads under the pillars (one is upside down) and it's mysterious history and the 'tear pillar.'

The Milion was a mile-marker monument built in the beginning of the 4th century AD in Constantinople. It was ‘point zero,' the absolute center point for measurement of the distances for all the roads leading to the cities of the Byzantine Empire. The domed building of the Milion rested on 4 large arches, that had many decoartions, such mosaics, fresco’s and paintings. It remained intact till 50 years after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. Partial fragments are still being found from time to time today under the houses in the area.

The Grand Bazaar or 'Kapal?çar??' - meaning covered bazaar - has been a very important trading center since 1461. It was built by the order of 'Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.' In the 16th century the bazaar was enlarged under the reign of 'Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent,' and in 1894 it had to be restored because it was largely destroyed by an earthquake.

Nowadays it is still used by locals, but it is also a huge tourist location. And as a tourist beware! Prices are way higher then in any of the other bazaars in the district, and not just a little. The Grand Bazaar is a must see, but it’s also a tourist trap.

This store can be found just outside of the Grand Bazaar and has the most amazing and rarest Ottoman and Turkish literature. Old maps, books, you name it! A must visit for every historian or history fanatic! A true gem in it's own way!

The Golden Horn or 'Alt?n Boynuz' in Turkish is a historic inlet of the Bosphorus dividing the European side of the city of Istanbul into two parts.

Enemies in the past were not be able to enter the Golden Horn to reach the city. A big chain, supported by barrels from one side to the other was preventing ships to enter it.

The Galata tower was built in 1348 under the name 'The Tower of Christ. Over hundreds of years the tower has undergone many restorations in the past and under Ottoman rule it was used to spot fires in the city.

Inside the tower is a restaurant. You can walk outdoors around the tower on the top level for nice views over the city.

I don't know the name of this little open cafe, but here you can basically just find a dozen or so chairs and tables right next to the water offering great views (and if you're really lucky you can see some dolphins up ahead, so pay attention especially in summer) over the Bosphorus. A great place to relax a little with a cup of Turkish coffee or tea. If you found the not so inviting looking parking place for cars, you’re close so just keep walking towards the water.

Great place for lunch with an amazing view over the Bosphorus straight. Might want to book ahead, though because it's a place loved by both locals and tourists. But if you can't get a spot, no worries. There are plenty of similar places around with amazing views as well. Perhaps just a bit less fancy.

On top of the highest hill in Istanbul (270 meters), you will have a better understanding of the name 'Metropol.' And it will be unlike one you have ever seen. As far as the eye can see there are houses and this place offers a 360 degree bird-eye view over the entire city while you are standing admitst green pastures topped with tall pinetrees. You can easily reach the summit via a ‘dolmus’ or a taxi and wander around and enjoy a picknick - just like the locals do - on one of the many terraces, green pastures and beautiful gardens.