- Topkapı Palace: A grand residence of Ottoman sultans with stunning views and rich history

- Hagia Sophia: An architectural marvel that has stood the test of time, serving as a church, mosque, and now a museum

- Blue Mosque: Famous for its striking blue tiles and unique six minarets

- Basilica Cistern: An ancient underground waterway with a mysterious atmosphere

- Grand Bazaar: One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, perfect for finding souvenirs

- Spice Bazaar: A sensory delight, offering a variety of spices, teas, and sweets

- Dolmabahçe Palace: A luxurious palace with elaborate decor, showcasing the Ottoman Empire's shift towards modernity

- Taksim Square and Istiklal Street (from the square all the way down to Galata Tower)

- Galata: Cute area around Galata tower with restaurants, cafes, bookstores

- Cihangir: Artsy area with cafes etc

- Nişantaşı: Shopping district with fancy stores, restaurants and bars.

- Karaköy: Hipster district with graffitis on narrow streets, cute breakfast places. The best desert place Güllüoğlu is also in this area!

- Bebek (and Rumeli Hisarı): Fancy area by the Bosphorus with hundreds of year-old villas and fancy restaurants, cafes. Rumeli Hisarı is the castle and walls used to surround İstanbul in the Ottoman era that’s worth seeing

- Yeniköy (very close to our wedding venue!): Similar to Bebek, cute area with cafes by the Bosphorus

- Beşiktaş: Central area with full of locals, fish market and a cute street full of breakfast restaurants

- Bağdat Street: Fancy shopping street in the Asian side. Take the ferry from Beşiktaş to Kadıköy (while enjoying a cup of Turkish tea) and then take a cab to Bağdat Street

- Galataport: A dynamic waterfront revival, Galataport fuses cutting-edge facilities, hosting a mix of arts, dining, and shopping

- Nezih Kebap & Kahvaltı and Kale Cafe: Both offer fantastic breakfast options in the Rumeli Hisarı area, with stunning Bosphorus views

- Mangerie: A cozy spot in Bebek with a beautiful view, ideal for a leisurely breakfast

- Mom’s Cafe: Offers a variety of jams and a nice atmosphere in Karaköy

- Çeşme Bazlama Kahvaltı: Expect a wait, but the breakfast is worth it in Nişantaşı

- Ali Ocakbasi: Renowned for its kebap, offering stunning views at its Gumussuyu branch. A must-visit for meat lovers!

- Demeti and Eleos: Both restaurants offer cuisine reminiscent of the western side of Turkey, known for their seafood and meze, with Eleos adding a touch of elegance

- Mukellef: A modern take on Turkish cuisine, where dining often turns into dancing

- Chilai: A fancy dining experience by the Bosphorus in Bebek

- Ahali: Known for its varied selection of mezes in the chic district of Nişantaşı

- Nusret: Experience the flair of Salt Bae's meat dishes

- Bodrum Mantı Nişantaşı: Perfect for a light lunch to enjoy Turkish dumplings, known as mantı