Places hoshiramaadibudda Wants to Go

A tiny park in the middle of some big power politics.

A meow-velous tribute to a beloved street cat, made famous on the internet.

A section of the long chain that blocked enemy ships from entering Constantinople.

Housed in an old British jail, this spot serves up Georgian, Russian, and Ukrainian specialities with a side of Turkish history.

The home-turned-museum of Barış Manço, the mustachioed Turkish Elvis for children.

This crucial gathering spot along the "hippie trail" still displays old notes between traveling beatniks and backpackers.

This column celebrates Rome's victory over the Goths, and may be the oldest Roman monument in Istanbul.

One of the largest wooden constructions in Europe was meant to be a casino, but soon became an orphanage.

A sixth-century Byzantine cistern hidden below a modern carpet store.

The legendary luxury train passage is commemorated with a charming museum inside its former eastern terminus.

No one is sure if the world's fourth-largest diamond had been found in a rubbish heap or was pawned by Napoleon's mom.

Climb a steep hill in 90 seconds on the second-oldest urban subway in the world.

Ancient serpentine sacrifice holder that has stood the test of time.

Legend says if you stick your thumb in the hole and it gets wet, your wish will be granted.

A fountain standing as a testament to a doomed alliance.

Large miniature theme park with 100-plus models.

This eatery re-creates dishes from the Ottoman Empire so you can dine like a sultan.

A small etching on the white marble parapet was written in runic script by a Viking mercenary.

The most metal church of all time was built in record time because of an international, pious pissing contest.

This museum was invented in a novel before being made real by the author.

Step back in time and witness the fall of Constantinople.

1513 Turkish world map, full of European state secrets and snarky commentary.

This remarkably well-preserved Egyptian plinth is pretty well traveled for a giant piece of stone.

Turkish adventurer antiques in the heart of the Grand Bazaar.