It’s difficult to even begin to describe just how amazing Istanbul is. Rarely do you see such a coming together of the Orient and the Occident (and many others besides) in one place; it truly is a timeless city. I spent three days there, and I’m sure I only skimmed its surface – a ten-day minimum is probably required to take it all in. Every inch of this city reeks of history, every building seems to have a story to tell. Sure, it’s also very touristy, but what else can you expect? It’s one of the world’s great destinations! The Hagia Sofia is undoubtedly the highlight of the Istanbul experience, but by no means is it the only one. Directly across the road from it lies the Blue Mosque, completed in 1616 and built to rival the Hagia Sofia, with its distinctive six minarets (most mosques have between one and four), cascading domes and stunning blue tile decorations inside.

Adjacent to the Hagia Sofia is the magnificent Topkapi Palace, home to the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire from 1465 to 1853. It has a bewildering number of sections, each superbly decorated, and an absolutely riveting view high up and out over the river. The New Mosque is another gem, standing majestically by the river like some ancient guardian, and of course the two great bazaars (the Spice and Grand bazaars) are worth a couple of days by themselves. For an interesting and relaxing day trip, catch a ferry to the nearby Prince’s Islands, where no motorised transport is allowed – it’s a totally different world out there.

The Sultanahmet area, apart from being home to the Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace, also has most of the budget hotels in Istanbul. Akbiyik Caddesi (Street), just behind the Hagia Sofia, is a good bet for accommodation as it’s lined with hotels. The Eski Konak Hotel (www.eskikonakhotel.com, 40 euro per night onwards with breakfast) is an excellent choice – clean, well appointed, brilliantly located and with friendly owners.