Д°stanbul - Lonely - Planet

İstanbul , the legendary meeting place of Europe and Asia, is often described by Lonely Planet as a city with more top-drawer attractions than it has minarets. To experience the "Lonely Planet" version of this "magnificent, maddening city," you must dive into its layers of history, indulge in its communal food culture, and explore its distinct neighborhoods.

: The city's current "cool" neighborhood, packed with independent art galleries, third-wave coffee shops, and spectacular sunset views from the Moda seafront. Д°stanbul - Lonely Planet

: Gaze at the soaring dome and mosaics of the Hagia Sophia or explore the opulent Topkapı Palace to uncover the secrets of the Ottoman sultans. İstanbul , the legendary meeting place of Europe

: Visit the atmospheric Basilica Cistern , a subterranean "forest of columns" that has famously appeared in films like From Russia with Love . Eating & Drinking Like a Local : Gaze at the soaring dome and mosaics