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The church of Haghia Sophia was dedicated by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 537 AD, and featured the largest dome ever built for the next thousand years. When the Ottoman Turks expelled the Byzantines, it was converted into a mosque and four minarets were added. In 1934, the building was deconsecrated and declared a museum. Its main features are the dome and its splendid interior mosaics.

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This remarkable columned cavern was the water source for both the Byzantine's Grand Palace and the Ottomans' Topkapi Palace. The Sunken Palace, the most exclusive of the myriad underground cisterns, was built by Emperor Justinian to meet the city's water requirements. It stands on 336 columns and features the statue of the head of Medusa.

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Built in the early 17th century, and recognised by its six slender minarets and walls covered with amazing cobalt blue Iznik tiles, this is perhaps the most famous mosque in the city.

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This sixth-century church is located within the courtyard of the Topkapi Palace.

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Built in the 15th century, the Topkapi Palace was the principal residence of the Sultan. It was the legendary palace of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The palace has low buildings set in a series of courtyards and is quite unlike its western counterparts. Be sure to see the Harem, the Treasury and the golden-roofed Baghdad Kiosk.

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A fine selection of prints, maps, ceramics, miniatures, calligraphy, textiles, antique rugs, silver and contemporary art. Appointments can be arranged by the hotel Concierge.

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This cruise stops at various fishing villages on the way to the Black Sea. The cruise is offered three times daily during the summer and once a day during the winter.

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The Spice Market was built in the 17th century as an extension of the Grand Bazaar. It is an exotic food market and bazaar that sells spices, dried fruits, cheeses and olives, as well as towels, slippers, baskets and jewellery. Outside the market there is a wonderful flower and bird market.

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The Grand Bazaar was built in the 15th century. It has several gates: the most used one is Nuruosmaniye and Beyazit (5 minutes drive from the Hotel). Istanbul's legendary bazaar is a labyrinth of over 4,000 little shops and is everything you dreamed an oriental market could be. It offers gold, jewellery, carpets, silver bibelots, leather, ceramics, copper and brass objects, hand-woven textiles and meerschaum pipes.
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Çukurcuma is a charming old quarter famous for its antique dealers. It is definitely worth browsing through the various little antique shops, which are full of hidden treasures.

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Located in the Taksim area, the cultural centre is open daily.

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Offers concerts and recitals.

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This palace was the 19th-century rococo residence of the Ottoman Sultans and the place where Ataturk died in 1938. Visitors are admitted in groups and led by guides.

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Inönü Stadium is a venue for soccer games, located in the Dolmabahçe area.

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This centre is next to the Hilton Hotel and CRR Concert Hall in Harbiye. ICEC is ideally located in the very heart of the city, at the centre of the city's business, cultural and commercial life. The centre is equipped with the latest technology and offers 26 meeting rooms with a total capacity of 8,900, including the Anadolu Auditorium and the Rumeli Exhibition Room.
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The Nisantasi area is famous for its chic cafés, bars and boutiques.

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Located in the Harbiye area, Cemal Resit Rey is open daily.

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This mall is an ultramodern skyscraper.
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These twin fortresses can be found along the Bosphorus river, approximately 30 minutes from the Hotel.

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