The Monocle Travel Guide to Istambul

Beneath its inimitable skyline Istanbul is a teeming, triumphant metropolis with imperial history, intrigue and entrepreneurial zeal written into its streets. It´s a city constantly being remade and reimagined, and the resulting sense of opportunity and vigour is palpable.

We´ve sought out must-sees with an eye beyond the obvious, whether it´s visiting the next up-and-coming neighbourhood - brimming with bars, discerning clothiers and coffee houses - or dropping in to an old-school kuafor for a haircut. This guide will point you in the right direction for the finest places to eat, drink and shop, and navigate you through the city´s architectural gems, from Ottoman follies converted into art centres to backstreet Byzantine beauties. So join us for a cross-continental jaunt with bites of simit-sized lore thrown in for good measure. Now don´t miss that ferry.