Icons of Istanbul

For nearly a thousand years, it was the largest cathedral in the world. Later a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again, Hagia Sophia is the very definition of Istanbul's layered history. Its massive dome seems to float in the air, a feat of engineering that baffled architects for centuries.

Walk in the footsteps of Sultans. This sprawling complex was the administrative and residential heart of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years. It's not just a building, but a collection of pavilions, courtyards, and gardens overlooking the Bosphorus.

Descend underground into a mysterious world of shadows and water. Built in the 6th century to provide water to the city, this subterranean marvel features 336 marble columns rising from the water, creating a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.

If Topkapi is traditional Ottoman, Dolmabahce is pure European luxury. Built in the 19th century, it symbolizes the empire's modernization. With its crystal chandeliers (including the world's largest), gold leaf ceilings, and Bosphorus views, it is breathtakingly opulent.