Д°stanbul - Lonely Planet Site

: Gaze at the soaring dome and mosaics of the Hagia Sophia or explore the opulent Topkapı Palace to uncover the secrets of the Ottoman sultans.

: Wander these historically cosmopolitan neighborhoods for colorful homes, antique auctions, and "shabby-chic" cafe culture. Lonely Planet Pro-Tips Д°stanbul - Lonely Planet

: Visit the atmospheric Basilica Cistern , a subterranean "forest of columns" that has famously appeared in films like From Russia with Love . Eating & Drinking Like a Local : Gaze at the soaring dome and mosaics

: Buy this reloadable transit card immediately to save money and time on the city’s robust metro, tram, and ferry network. Eating & Drinking Like a Local : Buy

: Linger over a serpme kahvaltı —a table-filling spread of cheeses, olives, jams, and eggs—at spots like Van Kahvaltı Evi or along Beşiktaş's "breakfast street".

: Major sites like Topkapı Palace require at least half a day to avoid "speed-sightseeing". The 16 best things to do in İstanbul - Lonely Planet

: Surrender to the steam in a historic 16th-century bathhouse like Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı for a quintessential Ottoman experience.