After years of being left off bucket lists, Istanbul now seems to be the word on every traveller’s lips. Why? The Turkish city boasts just as many historic sights as Paris or Rome, while its nightlife and art scenes hold their own against the likes of Berlin and Budapest – and all without the hefty price tags. DK Eyewitness Project Editor Rebecca Flynn lists all the reasons why you should hotfoot it to Istanbul.

DK Top 10 Istanbul

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No other city straddles two continents and nowhere embodies the phrase “East meets West” as much as Istanbul. You’ll find the marriage of Europe and Asia everywhere you look – in the architecture, art and on your plate. And thanks to countless ferries and the 1,510-m- (4,954-ft-) long Bosphorus Bridge, you can quickly earn the bragging rights of having one foot in each continent.

While you’re cruising or crossing the Bosphorus, you’ll be treated to a stellar view of Istanbul’s skyline. It’s justifiably one of the world’s most famous cityscapes thanks to the soaring minarets and awe-inspiring mosques. The biggest hitters are Hagia Sophia, which is little changed from when it was built in the 6th century, and (just opposite) the Blue Mosque, so-called because of the 20,000 blue İznik tiles found within.

Ready for another accolade? Istanbul is the only city to have been the capital of four empires: the Roman Empire (330–395), the Byzantine Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261) and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). And reminders of all these periods can be found throughout the city. For Roman ruins, check out the 35-m- (115-ft-) tall Constantine’s Column. Learn more about the Christian Byzantines by admiring the biblical mosaics and frescoes in the Church of St Saviour in Chora, which was turned into a mosque by the Ottomans. Then, discover how the sultans lived at the splendid Topkapı Palace.

As well as turning churches into mosques, the Ottomans transformed Roman baths into hammams. And no stay in Istanbul would be complete without a bout of steaming, soaping, scrubbing and massaging. One of the most stunning hammams is the Çemberlitaş Baths, which was built in 1584. With its hot room, cool room and oil massage room, it’s the perfect place to relax after a day spent exploring the city.

Of course, you’ll find all the vintage stores, record shops and homeware designers you could ever wish for in Istanbul. But you can’t come here and miss the Grand Bazaar – it’s on every serious shopper’s bucket list. This labyrinthine complex reverberates with the sound of hundreds of traders and shoppers haggling and bartering over handwoven rugs, artisan jewellery, decorative tiles and more. For a quieter experience, head to the nearby Spice Bazaar to pick up spices, herbs and teas.

Turkish cuisine has historically flown under the radar but, after a few meals in Istanbul, it’s guaranteed to become your newfound favourite. Sure, kebabs and kofte are mainstays here, but meze allows you to try lots of different local dishes at the same time. Think small plates of dolma (stuffed vine leaves), midye pilakisi (mussels cooked in olive oil) and çerkez tavuğu (cold chicken in walnut and bread sauce). The adventurous can even nibble on koç yumurtası (fried sheep’s testicles). You’ll need a glass of raki (an aniseed-based liquor) to chase that down!

Sweet tooth? You’ve come to the right place. Istanbul is home to lokum, or Turkish Delight, a chewy sweet flavoured with rosewater and coated in icing sugar. Bahçekapi, the store that came up with the original in 1777 still operates in its original location on Hamidiye Cad 81, Bahçekapı. Elsewhere, street vendors and pastry shops sell baklava – flaky pastry drenched in syrup or honey and rolled, with almonds, marzipan or pistachios. Heaven!

This historic and culture-loving city’s museums compete with the world’s best. Don’t miss the fantastic Archaeological Museum, which has a permanent collection spanning 5,000 years. Other museums worth visiting include the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, Sakıp Sabancı Museum, Sadberk Hanım Museum and the Galata Mevlevi House Museum. Head here on a Sunday when this monastery-turned-museum hosts dances from the Sufi Whirling Dervishes.

Art fan? Add Istanbul Modern to your hit list. Here, you can swot up on the development of modern Turkish art, before checking out whatever temporary exhibition is on here or at Arter, SALT, Borusan Contemporary or any of the city’s countless other galleries. The art scene is always buzzing, but it reaches new heights during the Istanbul Biennial.

Overlooking the Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque and the Bosphorous with a drink in hand is a real “pinch me” moment. And Istanbul has scores of sedate rooftop bars and clubs where you can soak up the scenery. But don’t underestimate the force of the city’s club scene, which easily rivals Europe’s party capitals. (Klein has even been hailed as the Berghain of Istanbul because its doorman is just as picky as the Berlin institution’s). Other hot spots include MiniMuzikhol and Suma Han, where you can celebrate finally making it to Istanbul.

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