In the 17th century, Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi, an Ottoman aviator, decided to take a leap of faith from the Galata Tower. Legend has it he constructed wings from eagle feathers and wooden rods. While it might not have been the smoothest landing, it's a historical feat that deserves a round of applause for creativity.

Galata and its surroundings are one of the most characteristic districts of Istanbul. The panoramic view of the Galata Tower offers a visual feast to its visitors. Touristic boutique hotels, Jewish synagogues, the Jewish Museum, shops selling design products, wine tasting shops, restored houses and art galleries on the streets are quite intriguing.

Tunel, the world's second-oldest underground railway, has been chugging beneath Istanbul since 1875. It's like a time capsule that transports you from the bustling streets of Karakoy to the heights of Beyoglu. A short ride with a long history – the perfect blend of vintage and modern transport.

Turkish coffee isn't just a beverage; it's a window to the future. Fortune-telling using coffee grounds is a traditional practice. Your barista might be your future seer, predicting your destiny one sip at a time. It's like a caffeine-fueled crystal ball that leaves you both awake and enlightened.

Turkish Delight Diplomacy: During diplomatic negotiations, the Ottoman Empire used Turkish delight as a sweet tool of persuasion. Ambassadors were offered these delectable treats to sweeten the deal. It's like saying, "Let's discuss peace over a plate of Lokum (Turkish delight), shall we?" A tasty way to resolve conflicts, if you ask me.

The Basilica Cistern isn't just a damp historical site; it's also home to two ancient Medusa heads adding a touch of the mysterious to the underground ambiance. It's like a subterranean ancient & modern art exhibition with a dash of ancient mystique.

Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel, introduced the first central dome on a square within a rectangular plan. Half domes surround and support the main dome, a design later adopted by Ottoman architect Sinan for mosques. This unique blend includes the traditional basilical plan with apse, narthex, nave, and central dome with pendentives, marking their historical introduction.

Pendentives, resembling inverted orange slices, circularize the dome's base on a rectangular ground, preventing potential cracking. These supports efficiently transfer dome weight to main piers, averting collapse. Hagia Sophia's acoustic anomaly adds another dimension—the strategically placed minarets produce varying musical tones in the wind, contributing a symphonic touch to the city's rich historical soundtrack.

Everyone knows about the popularity of the Bosphorus. Its unique view and the structures on its shores fascinate everyone. Regularly organized Bosphorus tours are another activity that will allow you to get your fill of these cool waters. It is a unique opportunity for sipping your wine on a sailing boat between two continents. 

Exploring Balat’s vibrant doors is like stepping into a rainbow’s secret hideout! Each door tells a story – some chic, some quirky, but all bursting with character. Forget knocking, I’m just here for the colors! Tiny streets and lots of crossings full of fancy historical houses with colors and designs from Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultures all melt together in the same maze-like neighbourhood of Istanbul.