Spend a Weekend in Istanbul

If you find yourself in the beautiful city of Istanbul, Turkey, here are a few things to make sure you add to your to-do list.

Show: 36 Hours

Episode: Magical Istanbul

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The Spice Bazaar

The Spice Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey, is one of the largest marketplaces in the city. Among its most famous vendors, Malatya Pazari sells dried fruits, spices, lokum and other sweets.

The Spice Bazaar

With vendors dishing out everything from spices to textiles, the Spice Bazaar is a popular shopping destination in Turkey.

New Mosque

Directly beside the Spice Bazaar is the beautiful New Mosque (or Yeni Cami in Turkish).

The Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia — a former church that became a mosque and then a museum — is a highlight of Sultanahmet, a historical part of Istanbul.

The Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia had to be rebuilt twice — the first structure burned down, and the second was demolished after a riot. The current building was constructed in the sixth century.

Ciragan Palace

The luxurious, five-star Ciragan Palace is a grand sight when observed from the infinity pool at night.

Ciragan Palace

Once home to Sultan Abdülâziz, Ciragan Palace now serves as a hotel on the city’s European shore, where it enjoys some of the best views Istanbul has to offer.

Ottoman Palace

The chandelier and ornate ceiling of a former Ottoman palace that is now a high-end hotel.

Grand Bazaar

Just some of colorful trinkets that shoppers can buy at the Grand Bazaar.

Grand Bazaar

Istanbul’s sprawling Grand Bazaar, which was built in 1461, ranks among the biggest covered markets in the world. Visitors can brush up on their bargaining skills at its 5,000 shops.

360 Restaurant

The 360 restaurant in the heart of Istanbul has a wonderful bar and a terrace with a magnificent view.

360 View

From the terrace of the 360 restaurant, diners can see the Bosporus, the Golden Horn and the hills of Istanbul.

360 Cocktails

Besides the décor, ambience and view, the 360 Istanbul restaurant also offers a huge selection of signature cocktails.

Ikinci Bahar Restaurant

Ikinci Bahar Restaurant serves delicious seafood dishes at its location in Cicek Pasaji, a beautiful, historic building.

Taksim-Tünel Nostalgia Tramway

Tram service in Istanbul ended completely in 1966 but returned in 1990 with the opening of the Taksim-Tünel Nostalgia Tramway. It goes up and down Istiklal Street, the city's biggest pedestrian shopping street.

Karakoy Port

Up until 1973, the ferry out of Karakoy port was the only means of transport between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.

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Istanbul

Spend a Weekend in Istanbul

Shop This Look

The Spice Bazaar

The Spice Bazaar

New Mosque

The Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia

Ciragan Palace

Ciragan Palace

Ottoman Palace

Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar

360 Restaurant

360 View

360 Cocktails

Ikinci Bahar Restaurant

Taksim-Tünel Nostalgia Tramway

Karakoy Port