We visited Istanbul in the winter of 1999, and stayed in a small hotel not far from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia (both stunning).

We explored Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and took a short cruise up the Bosphorus.

Expect to be pestered by rug salesmen in the touristy areas (of course!). Expect to be amazed at all the languages they speak, and all the convesational gambits they’ve memorized (references to TV Shows, Bands, Sports etc. in every major country). Don’t be fooled by their claims that they just want to chat, or practice their English, or whatever – sooner or later, they will try to sell you a rug!