Above: Forty windows illuminate the central dome of Hagia Sophia. Right: A Turkish baker sells bread on the street.
a refreshing drink while discussing your favorite tales at either the café or the restaurant in the tower. Hire an inexpensive boat to go to and from the tower. “The Bosporus is the heartbeat of Istanbul,” says Martin. “You can’t really go there without seeing it.”
Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar Located in Sultanahmet, this vast area is lined with more than 4,000 shops and is one of the oldest covered markets in the world. The Grand Bazaar is most famous for its jewelry, spices, pottery, and leather products, so most everyone will find something worth haggling over. 38 >> winter 2012
The Spice Bazaar, also located in Sultanahmet, is almost as big as and possibly even more sensory than the Grand Bazaar. Walking down the aisles, you can see vivid shades of red, orange, yellow, brown, and green. The exotic smells lead you on a tour down each colorful row. The Spice Bazaar also speaks to the legacy of trade in Turkey as the center for spice trade in Istanbul both anciently and currently. “You can get any spices you can think of, and the smell is unbelievable,” says Reimann. The Spice Bazaar, like the Grand Bazaar, is connected to a mosque that is open for exploration.
Topkapi Palace This palace primarily housed the Ottoman sultans for 400 years. After a brief visit, you will immediately gain an appreciation for the sultans’ pristine taste in architecture and decor. “The courtyards were built with love and attention to detail,” Reimann says. This palace, which offers clear views over the Bosporus to the Asian side of Istanbul, houses some of the holiest relics of the Muslim faith, including the prophet Mohammed’s cloak and sword. Tours are offered for those who want to get a full rundown of Topkapi Palace history.