The Hippodrome of Constantinople was the place for horse races. It still survives as a park in which the traces of the old race course are clearly visible and a ruin. It was constructed in 203, during the reign of the emperor Septimius Severus, and after 324 expanded by Constantine the Great. It was about 130 meters wide and 450 meters long, and could accommodate about 50,000 people. The place, which is more or less northeast-southwest in orientation, is in Turkish called At Meydanı ("Horse Square"). During the Byzantine Empire, the hippodrome was not only used for chariot races. Court ceremonies, coronations and parades also took place at the hippodrome, making it the sporting and social center of Byzantine life for over 1000 years.

The Byzantine Emperors loved nothing more than an afternoon at the chariot races, and this rectangular arena alongside Sultanahmet Park was their venue of choice.

This subterranean structure was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532. The largest surviving Byzantine cistern in İstanbul, it was constructed using 336 columns, many of which were salvaged from ruined temples and feature fine carved capitals. Located in the northwest corner of the cistern, the bases of two columns reuse blocks carved with the visage of Medusa.

With its unique architecture and mystic atmosphere, it is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul Old Town.

The Eighth wonder of the ancient world has been built During Byzantine time in 537 by Emperor Justinian. It has been used as Greek Orthodoxe Church, Mosque and Museum today in its history of 1500 years.

The Hagia Sophia (Divine Wisdom), one of the historical architectural wonders that still remains standing today, has an important place in the art world with its architecture, grandness, size and functionality. Leaving Istanbul without seeing it will make your visit incomplete.

The Blue Mosque or Sultan Ahmet Mosque as in Turkish referring to it’s founder Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I is still an active Mosque and also one of the top attractions in Istanbul. Known as Blue as it’s interior is designed by beautiful Iznik tiles. Although it is smaller than St Sophia or Suleymaniye Mosque we must say with it’s six Minarets and regarding to it’s great achitectural beautiy the Mosque looks grand.

Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II ordered a new Palace on an old Roman Acropolis overlooking to Golden Horn, Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara in 1465 and it is built upon 700.000 square meters (183 acre) completed in 1478. Almost 400 years the Palace was administrative center of Ottomans, living quarters of the royal family, educational and art center of the Empire.

With its great sections such as Harem, where Sultan’s family life was, and a selection of Ottoman treasury will take you away from 21st century’s routine. Topkapi Palace is one of the top sites to visit in Istanbul with its differency than most others in the world.

Galata tower is a medieval stone tower in the Galata quarter of Istanbul and offers a panoramic vista of Istanbul's historic peninsula and its environs. It also has itself as one of the most distinctive appearance for Istanbul. It also hosts a very interesting legend. Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi was the first flying person during the Ottoman Empire of the 17th century. He left himself off from Galata Tower with the wings he made. He overflew the Bosphorus and landed on the Asian side.

With it’s grand stance and legends, it’s vicinity full of beautiful cafes, restaurants and Turkish handmade art and designer stores attracts all visiters.

Dolmabahce Palace was built by 31st Ottoman Sultan Abdulmecid (1839-1861). It was the administrative center of the late Ottoman Empire with the last of Ottoman Sultans was residing there.

The Seraglio has also a great meaning for Turkish people since the supreme leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk had used the palace as a residence during his presence in Istanbul and spent the most serious period of his illness and he passed away in this palace on 10th of November 1938.

As well as you can see the western influence on decorations in the palace such as furniture, the setting and connections of the rooms reflects the Turkish style houses. It has 285 rooms, 44 halls and 6 hamams, all are decorated and furnished in a manner emphasizing the historical magnificence of the empire.

Ancient Byzantine church which was first built in the 6th century AD as a monastery. And converted into a Mosque during Ottoman period.

By being quite away from city center the church was paid special attention to reflect the wealth and religion together after 13th century. With Ottoman’s regard to earlier religions they have only plastered over the mosaics and frescoes while they were using the building as a Mosque. It is possible to see life story of Mary and Jesus on nail size gold gilded stone mosaics today since it is converted into a museum and awaiting it’s special visitors.

Grand bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the World which was built in 1461 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. By extending in past centuries, the Bazaar today consists of 66 streets and 4,000 shops, and attracts between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. Grand Bazaar offers you a large range of gold and silver jewellery, antiques, leather products, old or contemporary carpets and kilims, embroderies, fabrics, lanterns, fridge magnets, home decorations, watches, purses, towels, Turkish delight and so on… You can enjoy getting lost in its labyrinthine alleys and get something to remind you your visit of Glamorous Istanbul.

Istiklal (Independence) Street is 1.4 KM pedestrian Street which may be called as center of the city, meeting point for people and socializing district. 3 million people in a single day is passing through the Street. It is located in the historic Beyoğlu county, it is an elegant street which houses boutiques, music stores, bookstores, art galleries, cinemas, theatres, libraries, cafés, pubs, night clubs, patisseries and restaurants.

While strolling through, a music may talk to you or it’s shops will offer you something… You may want to taste it’s food or just go upstairs of a building and overlook to Istanbul.

Designed by the Ottoman Empire's greatest architect, Mimar Sinan by the order of Suleyman the Magnificent. As an unwritten rule royal Mosques in the Ottoman Capital was supposed to finish in Seven years Suleymaniye Mosque and it’s vast complex is completed between 1550 and 1557. Stands grandly as the biggest Mosque of Istanbul on the 3rd Hill overlooking to Golden Horn and Bosphorus strait.

You may see it from distance and still love it, but seeing it from inside, listening your guide speaking about the religion to your ears may answer your questions and astonish you with it’s great stance.

During the Byzantine period, princes and other royalty were exiled on the islands, and later members of the Ottoman Sultan’s family were exiled there too, giving the islands their present name.

There are 9 islands and 5 of them are inhabited by old Istanbullers. The islands are adorned with beautiful 19th and 20th century wooden houses… Also experience that how would that be living in an island without cars.

At the narrowest part of the Bosphorus Strait, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror ordered the great fortress of Rumeli Hisarı in 1452 in order to control commercial and military traffic in preparation for the siege of Constantinople. The Fortress is located on the European shore of the city. Its towers are about 25 meters (82 feet) high with 2-5 meters (7-16 feet) thickness. The fortress was also named "Güzelce Hisar" (beautiful fortress) in some historical documents.

It is the jem pendant if we consider that the strait as a swanlike neck. And from it’s top Istanbul looks even more Glamorous.

Bosphorus is the straight that seperates Europe and Asia on the Northern side of West Turkey. It is 17 miles(31 km) long and apprx. 0.5 miles(750 m) wide. Seafront wooden houses and apartments which enriches with skyscrapers in up hills of the city.

It is truly an astonishing experience sitting on your private yatch while sipping your drink and enjoying the breeze towards the beautiful blend of modern and old sides of Istanbul.