Istanbul: Things To Do

Cemberlitas Hamam Soak off the day’s exertions in a Turkish Bath built by the 16th-century Ottoman architect Sinan. Separate sections for men and women, plus gratuity-inclusive prices, ensure a hassle-free visit. Divanyolu; Cemberlitas; Vezirhan Cad. No. 8; 011-92-212-522-7974; www.cemberlitashamami.com.tr
family | culture | history

Cruise the Bosphorus Scoop the best Istanbul views on a cruise up to Anadolu Kavagi, bypassing Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Hisari Castle, and both Bosphorus bridges on the way. Keyif Organizasyon arranges private, custom-designed trips for one to 400 people. Keyif Organizasyon; 011-90-212-277-4363; www.keyiforganizasyon.com
family | tour | smart splurge

Fenerbahce Football Match Turks are fanatical soccer fans. For a taste of local sports culture, grab a ticket to see home team Fenerbahce play on the Asian side of town during the winter. Kadikoy; Sukru Saracoglu Stadium; www.fenerbahce.org, eng
family | spectator sport

Istanbul Modern Housed in a converted warehouse, Istanbul’s modern art gallery offers an introduction to Turkish artists including 19th-century Orientalist Osman Hamdi Bey and contemporary artist Burhan Dogancay. The café is also worth visiting. Karakoy; Meclis-i Mebusan Caddesi; 011-90-212-334-7300; www.istanbulmodern.org
culture | art

Sultanahmet Mosque Better known as the Blue Mosque after the mainly blue Iznik tiles that line its walls, this glorious 17th-century building faces the church of Aya Sofya at the heart of Old Istanbul. Sultanahmet Square; 011-90-212-458-0776; www.sultanahmetcami.com
family | architecture | culture | history

Topkapi Palace Home to Ottoman Sultans for 380 years, the 15th century palace opened to the public in 1924. The 861,112-square-foot grounds encompass the sultan’s living area, concubine dormitories, and the chamber of sacred relics. Sarayburnu; Bab-ı Hümayün Caddesi; 011-90-212-512-0480; www.topkapisarayi.gov.tr
family | architecture | culture | history

Whirling dervishes Banned by Ataturk in 1925, this religious ceremony (called a sema) has recently made a comeback. On summer Sundays watch the unforgettable dervishes whirl in the wooden-floored, 18th-century Galata Mevlevihanesi building. Tunel; Divan Edebiyati Muzesi, Galipdede Caddesi; 011-90-216-349-1114; www.mekder.org
culture | history