Sultanahmet

A trip to Istanbul isn’t complete without a visit to Sultanahmet. The social and political centre of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, this neighbourhood takes you through the rich history of Istanbul and some of the most stunning architecture is within walking distance of the main square, such as the sixth-century Hagia Sophia, which dominates the skyline with its vast dome. Other must-sees include the Ottoman-era Topkapi Palace, the 15th-century Sultans’ residence transformed into a museum in 1924; the Blue Mosque, renowned for tiles and minarets, and the sixth-century Basilica Cistern, the largest surviving Byzantine cistern in Istanbul.