Vibrant and diverse, Istanbul is by far one of the most fascinating cities on the globe. If you are lucky enough to get there in the near future, here are some sights and activities you definitely should not miss out on, especially if it is your first trip to this wonderful and historic city.

After touring the major tourist sites, it is well worth the time to visit these lesser known, but still important, venues to get a better understanding of Istanbul’s past and present. Since most of these are off the main tourist routes, they are much less crowded and offer a more relaxed atmosphere in which to explore on your own and escape from the tour busses clogging other parts of the city. 1. Rüstem Paşa Mosque: This small mosque, built in 1561, is a welcome respite from the frenetic pace of the Spice Bazaar.

Istanbul’s rich past spans thousands of years and numerous empires, creating a historic mosaic encompassing the city, as well as two continents. With so much to see and explore, it can be overwhelming for the first time visitor to try to decide which sites are ‘must-sees’ in order to have a sampling of Istanbul’s varied past. The top sites on any itinerary should include the following places. 1. Aya Sofia (Hagia Sophia): This impressive monument to Christianity was erected during the reign of Emperor Justinian (532 - 537 A.D.),