Istanbul is an enchanting and culturally rich city that straddles the boundary between Europe and Asia. Its unique location has made it a significant part of history dating back as far as 660 B.C., a history that seems to unfold as you stroll down its ancient streets. Around every corner there is something rare and exciting to see, and the people are friendly and welcoming. Although the Middle East continues to see turmoil and war, Istanbul does its best to stay clear of the conflict and hostility.

Here are six things you have to experience on your first trip to Istanbul.

The Blue Mosque

There is no way you can go to Istanbul and not visit the iconic Blue Mosque. Nicknamed for the hand painted blue titles that garnish the mosque’s interior, it is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the country, and one of the most popular mosques in the world. And thanks to the blue light that illuminates the mosque’s five main domes, six minarets and eight secondary domes, it is nearly impossible to miss even at night. Although it is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, it continues to function as a traditional mosque. Visitors will witness men (because Islamic law says that men and women must be separated at prayer) kneeling on the red carpet after the call to prayer. Being that this mosque is a place or worship, visitors are required to follow a strict dress code. Men cannot wear shorts. Women must wear skirts/shorts that fall below their knees, cover their shoulders and wear a scarf around their head. Admission is free. (http://www.bluemosque.co)

Hagia Sophia Museum

You’ll hear the sounds of Hagia Sophia long before you see her beauty as she sings the call to prayer twice per day. Built in 537 A.D., Hagia Sophia has been both a Greek Orthodox Church and mosque before becoming a museum in 1935. The ceilings and walls are adorned with mosaics, marble and paintings, making the building itself a remarkable work of art. On top of its ancient beauty, some of the best views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus River come thanks to Hagia Sophia’s location. Admission is 17 Turkish lira.

(http://ayasofyamuzesi.gov.tr/en)

Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam

Trust me when I say you have not experienced Turkey until you have experienced a Turkish bath. A Turkish bath is ritual of cleansing and relaxing using hot and cold water, along with steam, inside a hamam. However, not all hamams are created equal. One of the greatest is Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam, located between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. There, very qualified attendants treat guests to a luxurious scrub and bubble bath surrounded by marble and mosaics. It was honestly the best spa experience I have ever had. Be sure to book a session well in advance as slots fill up fast. There are different treatment options and prices range from 55 to 140 euros.

(http://www.ayasofyahamami.com/?rel=2)

Night markets

To be honest, almost every market in Turkey can be considered a “night market” because most do not close until nearly midnight. However, I found great joy late one night at the market across from the Blue Mosque. Dozens and dozens of local merchants and restaurants attract hundreds of locals and tourists. You could easily wonder down back streets for hours encountering everything from homemade Turkish delights to handmade Oriental rugs. By the time I returned to my hotel, I had enough silk scarves for my entire family, hand painted ceramic bowls that I still use for dinner parties and belly full of kebaps and baklava.

Designer shopping in the Nişantaşı District

I know what you are thinking: “Why should I fly half way across the world just to shop at stores I can visit while I’m at home?” I’ll give you one good reason: value-added taxes, aka VAT. VAT is a consumption tax added to goods and services, usually in the European Union, whenever value is added at the stage of production and at final sale. However, visitors who purchase goods and then leave the country can be refunded for that tax. That refund, in addition to the Turkish lira’s low exchange rate, can cause products from retailers such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Hermes to be up to 20 percent cheaper (which is a huge difference on a $3,000 purchase). The Nişantaşı District is home to dozens of European designers, as well as high-end Turkish designers. It could be a great place to finally splurge on that expensive bag you have been eying.


A cruise down the Bosphorous River

Just because you don’t have access to one of the yachts docked on the Bosphorous River doesn’t mean you can’t cruise down it. The Bosphorous River is an enchanting body of water that divides Europe from Asia, and the west side of Istanbul from the east. A trip down the river and back is a unique way to see the city. Şehir Hatları is Istanbul’s official ferry company and offers three great Bosphorus tours: The Short Circle Bosphorus Cruise, the Full Bosphorus Cruise and the Full Bosphorus Cruise by Night. The best place to catch the ferry is at the Eminönü dock because then you can grab a delicious balik-ekmek (grilled fish sandwich on sourdough bread) from the boats located next to the dock. Rates range from 12-25 Turkish lira for adults, depending on which cruise you choose.

(http://en.sehirhatlari.istanbul/en)

Megan Pinckney (@shadesofpinck) is a retired beauty queen turned lifestyle blogger who loves exploring the world and writing about it.