The Best of Istanbul by a Foreign Istanbulite

Melissa Erdagi: At her combination museum-shop, owner Gönül Paksoy turns everyday objects into pieces of art and creates hand-dyed silk coats with vintage beads. Also, must buy her exquisite cook-book!

Melissa Erdagi: For the authentic "yali" - or palace by the bosphorus - tea-time experience. Highly suggested: spend an afternoon in their exclusive spa, for an exquisite turkish-bath experience. Top notch!

Melissa Erdagi: The place for truly unique, designer gifts by world renowned turkish designers

Melissa Erdagi: This street is the place to shop and hang out. Loads of shops - designer stores to outlets, super cozy&chic cafés, and all just a 3 minute walk from the coastline. Just spend the day there.

Melissa Erdagi: "Maraş" - turkish ice cream - my favourite!!

Melissa Erdagi: For exquisite egyptian-cotton sheets and impecably crafted ottoman style accessories

Melissa Erdagi: An artificial island amid the bosphorus for upscale dining, clubbing and in the summertime, swimming in the club pool.

Melissa Erdagi: By the founders of 360: top-notch and unique selection of meze and fresh fish. A spot for the jet set that hasn't forgotten that where you eat is as important as the social scene.

Melissa Erdagi: Sip on the warm turkish winter-drink specialty "salep" on a cold evening in this exquisite bosphorus-front venue.

Melissa Erdagi: When in Istanbul, take the ferry. For further inspiration watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ljQDJ4EILc

Melissa Erdagi: Simply epic.

Melissa Erdagi: For an exquisite palace-style sunday brunch

Melissa Erdagi: This hidden gem in the egyptian part of the bazaar has been around for over a century and is regularly visited by world renowned celebrities, royals and locals alike. Take a visit and find out why...

Melissa Erdagi: Precious antiques, textiles and pillows in this elegant little store in the Egyptian Spice Market.

Melissa Erdagi: Must visit this parisian-inspired street with an eclectic charm - known as Cezayir Sokağı or Cezayir Çıkmazı

Melissa Erdagi: For a day off in Istanbul's most huge and modern mall.

Melissa Erdagi: A permanent exhibition takes you through a history of modern Turkish art. Increasing number of international shows. Also features a restaurant and incredible view of the old city across the bosphorus

Melissa Erdagi: A main collection consisting of Orientalist paintings, old weights and Ottoman tiles. Keep an eye on the Pera's top-notch travelling exhibitions by the likes of Picasso, Botero and Chagal.

Melissa Erdagi: By far, my personal favorite spot for homemade "manti"

Melissa Erdagi: Walk through the winding streets of this historical fish market in one of the nicest neighborhoods on the asian side. One of the more hidden attractions from the tourist masses.

Melissa Erdagi: Eat at this internationally-renowned turkish restaurant after a walk in the most charming asian-side fish market - bubbling with şarküteris, dried fruit, tea&coffee stores, bakeries and baklava stores

Melissa Erdagi: No trip to Istanbul is complete without a daytrip to one of the Princes Islands. Buyukada is the largest with the most attractions. No cars allowed: travel by horse-drawn carriage or rental bike!

Melissa Erdagi: Located on a hilltop in the posh neighborhood Ulus: stunning food and views. International and Japanese cuisines at its finest in addition to a few select Turkish dishes.

Ilke Sahin: Best place in cihangir for Nice, fresh and cheap breakfasts.

Melissa Erdagi: The Grand Bazaar. Just get lost in here.

Melissa Erdagi: Perhaps the most elegant, exclusive club in Istanbul even on the unofficial student night: thursday. Great ambience. Great people. FANTASTIC views. Reservation recommended.

Melissa Erdagi: Enchantingly beautiful place. If you are lucky enough to witness a concert erected on a platform over the water, it might just be the most unforgettable thing.

Melissa Erdagi: The shopping district of western istanbul. Famous for it's high end brand stores and restaurants.

Melissa Erdagi: Number 1 choice for fine dining turkish cuisine. Great food, phenomenal views.

Melissa Erdagi: One of the most interesting hotels to stay in, dine in, or chill in, in Istanbul. Excellent location, extraordinary neighborhood, and panoramic views from some rooms. TOP.

Melissa Erdagi: Charming, luxurious, contemporary area with shops, stylish residences, restaurants and cafes, art galleries, and the W Istanbul in the center.

Melissa Erdagi: Luxurious, historical setting, exquisite service and worth the relatively pricey fee.

istanbul: Topped with a distinctive witch's hat roof, the prominent Galata Tower dates back to the days when Genose traders were settled in this part of town.

istanbul: Standing on the site of the original Byzantine city, the district known as Sultanahmet is the heart of tourist Istanbul, with many of the most important attractions dotted around it.

istanbul: It has a good view of the marina and the sea, has cool retro design, fun modern music that won’t bother you no matter what type of music you listen to, a diverse menu and inexpensive prices

Melissa Erdagi: Come on a saturday afternoon and you may be lucky enough to run into the mythical turkish photographer Ara Güler. Also, be sure to visit his personal museum right on the floor above.