"We're now the hippest city on the planet - and if you don't believe us, read Vogue or Wallpaper. Hip bars, boutique hotels, stylish restaurants... We've got 'em all. And let's not even begin on our evocative history!"
Europe's largest city is indeed a buzzing, hip metropolis full of stylish locals and a huge array of bars, clubs and restaurants. But it's still a city of historically significant buildings and architectural wonders.
If there's one action that sums up Istanbul, it's pulling up a chair in the Grand Bazaar and watching the world while puffing on a herbal fruit hooka and drinking a Turkish tea.
The locals are an enterprising bunch and pretty sharp to boot - try haggling with a market stall holder to see them in action.
In summer, Istanbul can get outrageously hot - up to 40 degrees on some days. In winter, there's often lots of snow.
Authentic Turkish delight is very different to the chocolate-covered bars you get in the UK. The best stuff is bought fresh from one of the many stores in the city.
Nese Erberk had men all over the continent drooling when she was named Miss Europe 1984.
Istanbul is the world's third largest city after Mumbai and Karachi.
"If one had but a single glance to give to the world, one should gaze on Istanbul." - French poet Alphonse de Lamartine
The vast mosque was the largest enclosed space on the face of the planet for nearly 1,000 years. The Byzantine building houses acres of mosaic surfaces and has some fascinating stories attached to it.
There is a public car parking area by the entrance of the mosque but if this is full, you can use the Yeni Konak Garaji in Piyerloti.
The home of the Ottoman Sultans between 1465 and 1853 is another incredibly ornate Byzantine structure. You could quite easily while a day away marveling at its elaborate artwork.
You can use either the Yeni Konak Garaji in Plyerloti, Kilicliglu Otopark in Nobethanec or the Zafer Otopark in Nobethane C Darussade.
Unsurprisingly, this mosque, built under the reign of Sultan Ahmed I in the 1600s, is predominantly lined with blue tiles. Rumour has it the Sultan popped down to help the builders on occasion but died within months of its completion.
There is a free on-site parking area. If this is full, use the Hagia Sophia car park.
A visit to Istanbul wouldn't be complete without a Turkish Bath, or a Hamam, as the locals say. This one is a mixed bath, so the family can all enjoy it together.
There are two car parks in Suleymaniye: Dindar Otopark in Fetva Yks Nazir Izzettlefendi S or the Fan Ticaret car park in Fetva Yks Nazirizzet Efendi S.
You'd be hard-pushed to miss this huge, cylindrical tower which dominates the skyline in the Galata side of the city. If you manage to get to the top, you'll be rewarded with a stunning vista.
The nearest car park is the Istanbul Otopark in Karabas Dereboyu S.
This costal town is famous for its fabric and its lighthouse, but arguably the best things about it are its long beaches and fish restaurants.
Cross Fatih Bridge and take the E80. It should take about one hour.
Another beach resort, the Kilyos locals like to celebrate summer with plenty of open-air festivals and beach parties.
Kilyos is approximately 22 miles from Istanbul. Follow the road north out of Istanbul, and you will pass through the Sariyer district and the Belgrade forest.
There's plenty to do in this picturesque town - try your hand at horse-riding, golf or hunting, or just have a dip in the sea.
Head north of Istanbul on the Istanbul Cevre Yolu road, until you join the Hardou-okmeydan Bagrantisi road, continue towards Nurtepe and Mimarsinan and then Kermerburgaz.
This small village on the Asian side of Istanbul was founded by Polish settlers at the end of the 19th century. The cemetery makes for an interesting visit.
Take the E80 to Sile, then follow signs for Polonezkoy. It takes approximately 50 minutes from there.
The vast mosque was the largest enclosed space on the face of the planet for nearly 1,000 years. The Byzantine building houses acres of mosaic surfaces and has some fascinating stories attached to it.
There is a public car parking area by the entrance of the mosque but if this is full, you can use the Yeni Konak Garaji in Piyerloti.
The home of the Ottoman Sultans between 1465 and 1853 is another incredibly ornate Byzantine structure. You could quite easily while a day away marveling at its elaborate artwork.
You can use either the Yeni Konak Garaji in Plyerloti, Kilicliglu Otopark in Nobethanec or the Zafer Otopark in Nobethane C Darussade.
Unsurprisingly, this mosque, built under the reign of Sultan Ahmed I in the 1600s, is predominantly lined with blue tiles. Rumour has it the Sultan popped down to help the builders on occasion but died within months of its completion.
There is a free on-site parking area. If this is full, use the Hagia Sophia car park.
A visit to Istanbul wouldn't be complete without a Turkish Bath, or a Hamam, as the locals say. This one is a mixed bath, so the family can all enjoy it together.
There are two car parks in Suleymaniye: Dindar Otopark in Fetva Yks Nazir Izzettlefendi S or the Fan Ticaret car park in Fetva Yks Nazirizzet Efendi S.
You'd be hard-pushed to miss this huge, cylindrical tower which dominates the skyline in the Galata side of the city. If you manage to get to the top, you'll be rewarded with a stunning vista.
The nearest car park is the Istanbul Otopark in Karabas Dereboyu S.