Get ready to be dazzled and amazed – not only by the array of jewels and artifacts on display at the Topkapi Palace, but also by the panoramic views of the Bosphorus. The lavish seat of the Ottoman Empire for centuries, the palace is a must-visit both for its stunning architecture and for the incredible collection held here.

One time Greek Orthodox basilica, one time imperial mosque, the architectural marvel and cultural landmark is now a museum. The Hagia Sophia Museum (also known as the Ayasofya) contains many religious artifacts, but the building itself is the truly incredible sight.

The Hagia Irene is a former Orthodox church, the first church built in Constantinople. It is the only church that was not turned into a mosque after the Ottomans conquered the city in the 1450s, and it stands on what is believed to be the oldest site of Christian worship in Istanbul.

Dating from the early 1600s, the historic Sultan Ahmed Mosque is more commonly know as the Blue Mosque for the many blue tiles adorning its walls, as well as its giant blue stained-glass windows and blue painted ceilings. You might want to do some neck limbering exercises before entering because you'll be looking up in awe the whole time you're there!

The largest of the many hundred ancient cisterns lying beneath the streets of modern Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern is nearby the city's top historical attractions and, although it's just as amazing to visit as any of them, it's usually not nearly as crowded.

The Istanbul Archaeological Museums is actually a trio of museums situated in leafy Gülhane Park, near Topkapı Palace: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient and the Museum of Islamic Art. Together they hold more than a million objects representing nearly every era in human civilization. Highlights here include the Alexander Sarcophagus and tiles from the Ishtar Gate of Babylon.

Considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of a Byzantine church, The Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora (aka the Kariye Museum) is a delight for the eyes and a true marvel to behold for art fans, history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike. Originally part of a 5th century monastery complex just outside the walls of the city (then Constantinople), it was converted to a mosque after the rise of the Ottoman Empire, and then became a museum in 1948. Especially striking are its gorgeous and rather well preserved mosaics depicting the life of Christ.

Inaugurated in 2005, the Pera is without doubt the newest kid on the block in terms of Istanbul museums. Located in the lively Beyoğlu district and situated in the former Hotel Bristol, this privately owned museum houses three permanent collections: Orientalist Paintings, Anatolian Weights and Measures, and Kütahya Tiles and Ceramics. Temporary exhibitions have featured collaborations with important cultural institutions such as Tate Britain, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the New York School of Visual Arts, with works by artists like Rembrandt, Frida Kahlo, and Pablo Picasso on view. Well worth a visit!

The 1,500-year-old Galata Tower is an enduring and iconic landmark of Istanbul, and despite the many modern towers and rooftop bars and restaurants that now exist, this medieval stone tower still offers some of the best views of the city, the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus.