The Yıldız Palace is a special hotspot where art and history come together. This palace is located in the Beşiktaş district, unlike most palaces on the Bosphorus (the narrow strait that separates Europe from Asia). The sultan once lived here, now you can look straight into his rooms. We all like to do that, right? Inside you can see beautiful ceramics, luxurious fabrics and ornate objects, every detail is a work of art in itself. You can escape from the busy city in the garden surrounding the palace. This is the ideal combination of art, culture and tranquility.

In the bustling Sultanahmet Square, you will not only find the iconic Hagia Sophia, but also a hidden gem underground: the Basilica Cistern. It is a vast, underground water palace that was once used to pump water to the palace – quite impressive. Nowadays, it also displays modern art. The play of light really brings the art to life, perfect for a bit of magic in Istanbul. The acoustics are also fantastic. That is why there are occasional concerts or fashion shows. Oh, and don't forget to bring a sweater, it can be quite chilly underground.

The Sultan Ahmet Mosque is truly a work of art in itself. The blue Iznik tiles inside give the mosque a special blue glow that makes an impression. It is difficult to walk past this mosque without going inside – it is really worth it. Outside of prayer hours, it is also free to visit, which makes it even more accessible. It is useful to bring a scarf and fresh socks, because you enter a mosque with covered hair and without shoes out of respect for Islamic tradition.