Istanbul lies in one of the most historical regions in the world and is the only city to span two continents, connecting Europe and Asia. But do not let that fool you, it is progressively modern and vibrant as well.  Istanbul offers a plethora of sights and activities to pursue, no matter the audience. Ranging from exploring architectural and religious wonders, to late night drinking, to relaxing with a hookah and a massage, there is no shortage of things to do. Here are the top ten within proximity to the Sultanahmet area:

1. Gaze at the Blue Mosque - The majestic minarets and domes can be seen miles off, glittering in the sunlight.One of the architectural/ historical wonders of the world, the Blue Mosque contains a stunning courtyard and interior with a breathtaking view of the sea. It also remains an important meeting place and a center of life for this part of the city.

   (Image via Jamil Karim)

2. Shop at the Grand Bazaar - A diverse array of shops and stalls with a huge selection of goods including jewelry, art, silk scarves, designer clothes, spices, hookahs, and tons of desserts, to name a few. The size of the bazaar itself is worthy of mention – it feels like it goes on forever. By contrast, the Spice Bazaar is far less glamorous, and still maintains the authenticity of an ancient bazaar, with vendors peddling goods like candies and spices from all over the Middle East at a fraction of the price.

   (Image via wikimedia.com )

3. Grab a Drink (or Five) at Taksim Square – The nightlife center of the city, Taksim is home to an uncountable number of small bars and cafes, as well as flashy nightclubs playing music of all kinds. Be sure and try the local raki, a potent anise flavored liquor, similar in taste and texture to ouzo and absinthe (it is customary to drink it over a glass of ice with equal parts water and raki)

   (Image via propertiesinbodrum.com)

4. Walk Across the Galata Bridge- The bridge spans the Golden Horn, connecting the regions of Beyoglu and Eminonu, and is a spectacle in itself. The bridge gives home to dozens of cheap eateries offering fresh caught fish (a glance up will confirm this as the walkway is swarmed with fishing lines all trying their luck) and cooked mussels in the shell, while the walkway under the bridge houses the more elegant restaurants from a choice location.

   (Image via flickr.com )

5. Explore the Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia- The Topkapi Palace is the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans turned museum. Although the palace itself is a work of art, the Ottoman relics housed inside are the real attraction. The palace contains numerous artifacts and artwork, centuries of weaponry, some of the largest and most valuable jewels in the world, and holy relics to both Islam and Christianity. The Hagia Sophia is directly across from Topkapi, and this church turned mosque turned museum gives home to a number of age-old mosaics.

   (Image via ee.bilkent.edu)

6. Relax With a Nargileh- Hookah has evolved to an art form in this part of the world, and the Turks are among the bests. A Hookah, or Nargileh, is the large water pipe filled with sweetened, flavored tobacco which produces large clouds of smoke, and is a highly fulfilling way to relax. The outdoor cafes are constantly full, and servers consistently come around cups of chai (tea) and desserts. The two most notable cafes are those directly across from the Blue Mosque, and both provide a nightly performance of a Whirling Dervish dancer (a Sufi mystic who spins himself into a trance like state) and live music, free of charge.

   (Image via seawayprevention.org)

7. Go for an Epic Run Along the Sea of Marmara- A short distance south of sultanahmet leads you to the edge of the city and across a grassy path to the sea. The road that follows this provides an incredible place to run, with the beautiful water to your right and the monuments and mosques rising out of the city to your left. A couple miles away brings you to the entrance to Gulhane Park, a beautiful garden full of fountains and rose garden pathways a- a great place to stop and rest and enjoy the view. (For those truly looking for a workout, the trail is lined with pseudo gyms- body weight exercise machines that appear every half a mile or so)

   (Image via Jamil Karim)

8. Traverse the Bosphorus Bridge- The mighty bridge connects Istanbul across the Bosphorus Strait, effectively  linking Europe and Asia. How many times will you be able to say you woke up in one continent and fell asleep in another on the same day?

   (Image via Istanbulscenes.com)

9. Splurge on a Dessert Binge- Turkey is internationally celebrated for its array of delicious desserts and nothing can compare to the fresh pastries to be discovered on every corner. Amongst the dozens of specific desserts, the most notable are the honey soaked pistachio filled Baklava and Kadayiff , the Sutlac rice pudding, and the famous Lokum, or Turkish Delights- jellylike candies topped with chopped walnuts or rosewater. All washed down with a surprisngly strong (and tiny) cup of Turkish Coffee.

   (Image via ecurry.com)

10. Let Yourself Unwind at a Hammam- Hammams, or turkish bathhouses are a true testament to relaxation. These sauna like rooms feature multiple chambers of progressively hotter water, ultimately culminating in a massage at the end. (Image via travelblog.com)