Carl’s Liked Places

Carl Griffin: Impressive neoclassical palace with lavishly decorated interior. Interesting to tour the ceremonial suites, harem and apartments of the crown prince.

Carl Griffin: Formerly a chariot racing circuit during Byzantine times. Now a pleasant landscaped park.

Carl Griffin: Superb collection of modern art set in an impressive location on the banks of the Bosphorus.

Carl Griffin: Colourful bustling heart of the old city. Beware of pick pockets and over zealous shop keepers.

Carl Griffin: Bustling thoroughfare lined with trendy cafes. Wonderful mix of modern and traditional architecture.

Carl Griffin: Fascinating museum of conceptual art.

Carl Griffin: Beautiful Ottoman palace housing many magnificent artifacts including calligraphy and a huge collection of antique carpets.

Carl Griffin: Beautiful mosaic and fresco laden church, now a museum. A great example of Byzantine art.

Carl Griffin: Excellent collection of exhibits tracing the history of Istanbul and the Ottoman empire.

Carl Griffin: Originally a 6th century Byzantine church and HQ of the Eastern Orthodox christian church. Was converted to a mosque by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453 & then to a museum by Ataturk in 1935.

Carl Griffin: Sits proudly on top of one of Istanbul's seven hills. One of the grandest and most beautiful of all of the Ottoman mosques.

Carl Griffin: Impressive 15th century palace. This thriving royal court would have been filled by sultans, courtiers, eunuchs and concubines. Wonderfully lavish interiors and great views across the Bosphorus.

Carl Griffin: Eccentric museum filled with cyborg body parts, vampire cocoons and terminator heads.

Carl Griffin: Excellent exhibits of currency from the use of cowrie shells through to credit cards.

Carl Griffin: Remains of a Franciscan convent bombarded to ruins by the French in 1695.

Carl Griffin: Lovely baroque interior featuring a remarkable altarpiece.

Carl Griffin: The female counterpart to the Manneken Pis features a squatting girl.

Carl Griffin: Small enough that you will not have big queues getting through security.

Carl Griffin: Hub for budget flights.

Carl Griffin: Incredible selection of Belgian beers.

Carl Griffin: Beautiful traditional cafe. Could do slightly better in the beer choice

Carl Griffin: Perfect place to experience some traditional Belgian dishes and beers.

Carl Griffin: Excellent interactive museum. Great way for kids to learn about science.

Carl Griffin: Only church to have a pissoir incorporated into its structure.

Carl Griffin: No longer the primary residence of the royal family. An impressive room has its ceiling clad with the wing cases of 1.4 million Thai jewel beetles.

Carl Griffin: Excellent rundown of the history of chocolate in Europe. Chocolate making demonstrations and samples are highlights.

Carl Griffin: A must visit when in Brussels. Seat of the most powerful and controversial organisation in Europe.

Carl Griffin: Ringed by 48 bronze statuettes representing the city's medieval guilds.