Explore neighbourhoods that remain largely undiscovered by tourists, passing quaint local eateries, cosy tea shops, and charming gardens within the historical peninsula. These two majestic and iconic buildings stand proudly about 500 meters (1,640 feet) apart in the heart of Sultanahmet, with over a thousand years of history between them. Begin with the glorious Hagia Sophia Mosque, commissioned by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 527, stands as one of the world’s architectural wonders, boasting a breathtaking central dome and an interior adorned with gold mosaics. A brief walk across a green square adorned with fountains leads to the domed Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque), intentionally constructed opposite the Hagia Sophia to rival its magnificence. The mosque derives its name from the predominantly blue Iznik tiles, over 20,000 of them, that embellish its interior. While the bustling Grand Bazaar might be a tourist magnet with its 4,000-plus shops, and the more intimate Spice Bazaar, they still attract numerous visitors as temples of late-Medieval consumerism. Lose yourself in the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, where you can find anything from counterfeit designer jeans and authentic Turkish rugs to leather jackets and traditional gold jewellery. The Spice Bazaar lives up to its name with an array of dried fruits, nuts, and the ever-popular Turkish delight. As dusk falls, venture down to the vibrant market area spanning Galata Bridge to witness why the Golden Horn earned its name. You can observe the silhouette of the cascading domes and graceful minarets of the Suleymaniye Mosque perched atop the city’s third hill and enjoy a refreshing beverage from one of the many café-bars nestled into the bridge itself.