Must-Sees in Istanbul

We'll be in Istanbul for one full day. We obviously can't see it all in one day---can you recommend some absolute "must sees" and "must dos"?

[Lew]

There are several beautiful palaces and mosques in Instanbul--the Blue Mosque
is one, the Tapati(sp)Palace is another. If you have time a visit to the Market
is most interesting--be sure you don't get lost. A good suggestion is to check
with your library and peruse one of the travel books on Turkey.

[CruiseAholic]

A stop at Topkapi Palace is a must, the cisternes were interesting as was the Blue Mosque. We didn't do it, but if we get back, a trip to the Grand Bazzaar!

[Dave M]

i was in istanbul a few years back for a few days and i suggest seeing the topkapi palace (a bunch of neat stuff there - like jewels and even a hair that was supposedly plucked from muhamad (and his footprint)).

Also, stop and see the grand bizzarre (mostly covered - so that is nice in the hot summer). Also see the spice market (by the water) if that is your thing. I liked the blue mosque and the st. sophia mosque (reddish color) (in the evenings they have a history show right outside the st. sophia mosque - each day is a different language).

If you are a female - be careful about wearing shorts - best idea is to wear conservative clothes.

they sell water and food in venders all over the city that is less than american standards & i got very sick after eating/drinking some of this - i suggest sticking to ship food/water or very reputable places.