Istanbul Flights And Sights

More than Ottoman minarets and beguiling bazaars, Turkey's cultural capital is also fashionable and progressive. Spanning both Asia and Europe and divided by the Bosphorus, Istanbul is a beguiling mix of ancient and modern, of conservative and secular. The hulking Byzantine Hagia Sophia and opulent Topkapi Palace dominate the old city Sultanahmet, but over in Karaköy, in a converted warehouse, the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art embraces the future.

Things to Do

Along Galata Bridge, fishermen looking for dinner dip their rods into the waters of the Golden Horn. Walk past them to buzzing, bazaar-filled Eminönü where locals stock up on fresh pistachios and crumbly sheep's cheese from the aromatic Spice Market. The sunset call to prayer from pencil-slim minarets brings welcome serenity, especially from mosques clustering the busy Old City, crammed with elegant Ottoman and Byzantine landmarks. Families crowd onto passenger boats at weekends to cruise the Bosphorus, Istanbul's real gem, past pastel-colored wooden summer houses.

Shopping

At 500 years old, the sprawling Grand Bazaar in Beyazit remains vibrant -- carpet and gold dealers are as persuasive as in Mehmet the Conqueror's day. It's also the best place to haggle for an inlaid backgammon set. In Istanbul's modern Beyoglu, it's back to the 21st century along the packed, pedestrianized Istiklal Caddesi, lined with sleek bookshops and local fashion chains. Kitten-heeled shoppers find the latest designs in chic boutiques like Turkish designer Bahar Korcan in Nisantasi.

Nightlife and Entertainment

In cultured Istanbul, you're never far away from an arts, film or music festival. It may be opera in the cavernous Atatürk Cultural Centre in Taksim Square or summertime jazz in Cemil Topuzlu open-air theater in leafy Harbiye. Beyoglu is where Istanbul's revelers head to sip cocktails at fashionable rooftop bars or join friends at outdoor cafés with a tulip-shaped glass of tea. At funky Babylon club, catch the latest Balkan fusion band, or join football-mad fans on the terraces to cheer on Besiktas.

Restaurants and Dining

Busy Beyoglu has the best choices of mayhanes (traditional eating houses) and contemporary cuisine. On packed Nevizade street, waiters allure you into bustling restaurants, where platters of meze (garlicky dips and tangy salads) start off a typical Turkish dinner of grilled fish or skewered lamb, as fasil (gypsy) musicians play at your table. Locals have a real taste for international dishes, from sushi at Vogue in Besiktas to a bohemian brunch of eggs benedict at the waterfront House Café in village-like Ortaköy.

Find flights to Istanbul with American Airlines and get ready to experience this undeniably captivating city. From exploring the Spice Bazaar and shopping for fine rugs to exploring former palaces and seeing priceless ancient artifacts, there is a wide selection of fascinating things to do in Istanbul you won't want to miss.

One of the most memorable activities in Istanbul is visiting the Spice Bazaar (also called the Spice Market or the Egyptian Bazaar). It's one of the oldest markets in the city, with vaulted rooms housing sellers of spices, dried fruits, seeds and other edible delights. The sights -- and especially the smells -- are an experience to cherish. It's located at the southern end of the Galata Bridge on the Golden Horn. From the bridge, which is considered the heart of the city, you can see toward Europe on one side and toward Asia on the other.

Another one of our favorite activities in Istanbul revolves around shopping. A can't-miss is the Grand Bazaar, which is the largest covered market in the city, with thousands of shops. Here you'll be able to find everything -- Turkish rugs, pottery, apparel, pipes, copper teapots and so much more. There are also many restaurants here, so you could easily spend the better part of a day exploring every corner. Keep a close eye on your valuable as you move through the crowds, however. And start practicing your price-negotiating skills. No list of things to do in Istanbul would be complete without including a stop at the Topkapi Sarayi Museum, or Palace of the Cannon Gate. It was once the very center of the Ottoman Empire, and the home of sultans for centuries. It's one of the most popular places to visit in Istanbul, with guided tours, beautiful grounds and multiple courtyards. Afterward, you can walk to the Archeological Museums and Gulhane Park, both worthy of the stroll. The Archeological Museums are in fact made up of three museums: Archeological Museum, Museum of the Ancient Near East and Tiled Kiosk. It's the Museum of the Ancient Near East that holds the most interest for many, with artifacts from Greece and Rome, including portions of the gates of Ninevah.

If a visit to the storied land of Turkey has piqued your interest, let American Airlines help you fly to Istanbul and discover the best of this compelling city.