The most popular destination in Turkey is its capital Istanbul. The skyline of Istanbul is a spectacular mix of domes, mosques and castles. As you walk the streets of Istanbul you will be surrounded by history. The ground you are walking on is the same ground once walked on by crusaders. There is ancient architecture everywhere in Istanbul, from mosques to palaces.

Possibly one of the most stunning pieces of Islamic architecture is the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Both the exterior and interior of the Blue Mosque is amazing. The gorgeous domes and towers outside the mosque are an eye-catching sight. Fine marble and handmade tiles are abundant inside the mosque. During prayer times the Blue Mosque is closed to non-Muslims, and areas within the mosque are reserved for private prayer throughout the day. When visiting the Blue Mosque you should dress modestly and women should cover their heads; shoes are removed before entering. Admission to the Blue Mosque is free, although donations to continue the maintenance of the mosque are gladly appreciated.

One thing every visitor in to Istanbul should experience is a Turkish bath. This spa like treatment has been popular in Turkey for thousands of years. These bath houses are the perfect place to not only cleanse the body, but to relax. The process used in taking a Turkish bath is comparable to a sauna, but dates back to the bathing practices of the Romans.

You begin your Turkish bath in a relaxing in the warm room. Relax as warm air flows throughout the room before moving on to the hot room. After your stay in the hot room, your Turkish bath experience continues into a cold pool. You then receive an exfoliating body wash and massage before retiring into the cooling room for some more relaxation.

Another popular place to visit in Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar. Here you can practice your negotiation skills with the local merchants. Remember never to accept the asked price and that when the salesman turns away upset you have reached his lowest price. Prepare yourself for many techniques used by the vendors to attract you. Many will offer a “special price, just for you.” This of course is not a price just for you, but a starting point for negotiations. If the scene at the Grand Bazaar seems too hectic for you, plan to go to the Bazaar during Friday prayer. The number of open vendors drastically decreases, but with many vendors selling similar products you should not have a problem finding what you are looking for.

There’s a fantastic culture and thousands of years of history to experience in Istanbul, making Turkey a hidden gem that many travelers overlook.