Located in a refurbished mansion on one of Istanbul’s biggest shopping streets, Arter is already regarded as one of the city’s most esteemed contemporary art studios. While the gallery supports international artists, most of the exhibits feature Turkish artworks.

The final sight on Sultanahmet’s holy trinity tour is the Basilica Cistern or “Sunken Palace,” a subterranean well that is located southwest of the Hagia Sophia. The cistern, known as Yerebatan Sarayi in Turkish, was first constructed by Constantine then rebuilt and enlarged by Justinian, was used to store water for the Great Palace of Constantinople and the Topkapi Palace after the Ottoman conquest of 1453. The underground site, reminiscent of a cathedral, was neglected for centuries but has been renovated for public touring. A narrow stone staircase leads to an eerily lit catwalk that crosses the space, which is filled with water, giant ghostly fish and a forest of 336 columns. If it looks familiar that’s because James Bond rowed across it in From Russia with Love. Indagare members can contact the bookings team to arrange for a private guide.

Across the park from the Hagia Sofia is the early-17th-century Sultanahmet, or Blue Mosque. Famous for its scandalous six minarets (only the Prophet’s mosque at Mecca was allowed that many) and blue Iznik tiles, which inspired its nickname, the building is particularly dramatic at dusk. Indagare members can contact the bookings team to arrange for a private guide.

For action at night, head to Yalikavak on the northwestern coast of the peninsula, where the Billionaire Club is located, or to GölTürkbüku in the North where the day party at Maçakizi moves over to nearby club Ship’s Ahoy. The younger crowd usually head towards the largest – and slightly démodé – of all the clubs, Halikarnas, located on Cumhuriyet Cadessi, nicknamed “Bar Street”, the boardwalk in Bodrum town that is lined with bars and clubs pumping Beyoncé and Tiesto until sunrise.

Located in a 100-year-old mansion that is the headquarters for Borusan Holdings, a Turkish steel and energy business, this gallery is open to the public on weekends only (so as not to disturb business hours). Abutting the Bosphorus, the collection displays pieces from the company’s corporate art holdings, which boasts pieces from international as well as Turkish artists.

A magical way to see Istanbul is from the water. While there are commercial group day cruises, the best way to enjoy the sights is on a private charter, which can depart directly from one of the Bosphorus hotels (if you are staying there). Seeing the sun set behind the silhouetted spires of the Blue Mosque minarets is unforgettable. Indagare members can contact the bookings team to arrange for a private yacht or gulet for a cruise with cocktails, dinner or even an overnight.

In 1853, the reigning sultan abandoned the Topkapi Palace in Sultanahmet for the Dolmabahçe Palace, which is located directly on the Bosphorus. The glittery, over-the-top interiors were designed by French decorator Séchan, who also masterminded the interiors of Paris’s Opera Garnier.

Ephesus is not an easy day trip from Istanbul, but for those eager to see the well-preserved Temple of Artemis, one of the ancient world’s seven wonders, the journey is worth the effort. Leave on an early-morning flight to Izmir, which is approximately an hour from Ephesus. For the easiest and most interesting visit, book a guide and driver, who will meet you at the airport and arrange for the day’s transportation. The site, which includes marble-paved streets, frescoes, decorative reliefs, mosaic floors and a 25,000-seat theater, is about 100 miles north of Bodrum, so some travelers choose to continue south. But those returning to Istanbul can also catch a late flight and return to their hotel for a late dinner. Indagare members can contact the bookings team to arrange for a private guide.

The ancient city of Ephesus, whose Temple of Artemis was one of the ancient world’s seven wonders, lies just 100 miles north of Bodrum and makes a wonderful cultural addition to a sun and sea vacation. The site includes marble-paved streets, frescoes, decorative reliefs, mosaic floors and a 25,000-seat theater.

The quaint seaside village of Gümüşlük (pronounced ga-moosh-luk) sits on the west coast of the peninsula and is a hidden gem. Not yet discovered by the jet-setting crowd, it evokes the more bohemian lifestyle of Bodrum in the ‘70s. Spend an afternoon exploring and stay for dinner at Mimoza.

Built between 532–537, during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, when the city was Constantinople, the Hagia Sofia had the largest dome in the world for a thousand years until it was eclipsed, in 1436, by Florence’s Duomo. Once one of the most important Christian churches, safeguarding religious treasures such as fragments of the True Cross and various relics of saints, it was ransacked by the Crusaders in 1204 (and converted to an Islamic mosque more than two centuries later, in 1453). Inside you can view fascinating Christian mosaics. Indagare members can contact the bookings team to arrange for a private guide.

Istanbul is home to some of the most exciting markets and bazaars in the world and also boasts a long culinary tradition. For those interested in food, tours can be arranged that visit the historic Spice Bazaar and food markets in Kadikoy and can also include lunch at one of Istanbul’s most well-known culinary destinations. Private cooking lessons can also be arranged. Indagare members can contact our team to book.

Near the shore of the Sea of Marmara is the most picturesque part of Istanbul’s Old City and holds most of the major sites. Start with visits to the fabled Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, which are located across a park, in walking distance from one another. History buffs also should not miss the Basilica Cistern, the so-called “Sunken Palace” southwest of the Hagia Sofia. You’ll need plenty of time to properly explore the Topkapi Palace, a lavish complex of beautifully preserved tiled buildings and picturesque courtyards (note that it is closed on Tuesday). If you go with one of Indagare’s recommended guides, you will be able to bypass the normally long lines to get into the Harem, which requires a separate ticket.

Istanbul has a thriving contemporary art scene. Visit studios, museums and galleries with a resident art expert who is connected with the local art scene. The expert can introduce you to photographers, artists and gallery owners and help you with purchasing and shipping. Indagare members can contact our Bookings Team to arrange.

For most teenagers, Istanbul is different from anything that they have seen in their life. Indagare can arrange special visits to hip neighborhoods like Ortakoy, Bebek and Nisantisi where they will find many other teens their age. They can also stroll around the Galata area where young designer boutiques are located along with neat little shops. They will, of course, also love exploring the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. Indagare members can contact our bookings team to arrange.

There are so many options for shopping within Istanbul that it can often be hard to find exactly what you are looking for. Whether you are interested in hunting through the best of Istanbul’s famed bazaar or seeking out high-end boutiques and workshops, Indagare can arrange to have a shopping expert lead you in the right direction. In the past, members have been in search for the perfect leather bag but also more obscure requests such as antique carpets and vintage jewelry. Indagare members can contact our bookings team to arrange.

The Istanbul Archaeological Museum is a compound of museums housing palace collections, including the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great.

The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV), a non-profit foundation focused on the arts, has a wonderful location in the restored Art Nouveau Deniz Palas in Şişhane. Since its founding in 1973, IKSV has launched five regular festivals focusing on film, jazz, theater, music and art as well as organized a Turkish pavilion at the Venice Biennale and hosted such international artists as the Alvin Ailey dance company and Santana in Istanbul. They also have regular exhibits and salons. The IKSV Design gift shop, with an eclectic mix of objects for art aficionados, is a great place to shop for gifts. Be sure to make a reservation to dine at their popular rooftop restaurant, X.

The Istanbul Modern museum, housed in a former customs warehouse by the Bosphorus, is an important stop for those interested in 20th-century Turkish art. It also has good international exhibits. Have lunch at the wonderful Istanbul Modern Café. Indagare members can contact the bookings team to arrange for a private guide.

Travelers come to Bodrum for the sun and sea, not the history. That said, if you’re just a couple of blocks from the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it might be worth a stop. The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, built by King Mausollos in the fourth century BC, was reduced to little more than a pile of rocks by earthquakes, robbers and a group of 16th-century knights who used its stones to fortify the harbor castle. You can still see the basic layout of the burial chamber, and drawings in a covered gallery next to the ruins show how the structure would have appeared. No one seems to show much interest in the site, so you’ll likely have it to yourself.

This Art Nouveau building in Beyoglu is one of Istanbul’s best destinations for contemporary art. With six galleries in all (including Pi Artworks, Galeri Nev and Galeri Zilbermann), the art space promotes innovative works by Turkish and international artists.

The Nobel Prize–winning author Orhan Pamuk wrote his work The Museum of Innocence about a fictional collection of items representing a tumultuous love affair. It wasn’t until a few years after publishing the book that he funded and built the institution in 2012. It is located in a townhouse in the Beyoğlu area and makes for a perfect stop. It’s highly recommended to read the book before a visit.

This small jazz club in Galata is a great place to spend an evening listening to live music.

Located in the town of Yalikavak, the glitzy Palmarina Bodrum development is one of the most popular addresses for mega yachts in the Mediterranean and is a must-visit for window shopping and people watching. Outposts of Roberto Cavalli, Missoni, and Versace can be found alongside high-end Turkish designer shops, all of which are open until midnight during high season. The Palmarina is home to high-end restaurants like Cipriani and Nobu, but it also boasts some wonderful Turkish spots, like the excellent Nusr Et Steakhouse.

Art lovers praise the Pera Museum for its role in bringing outstanding international art to Istanbul. Working in partnership with institutions such as the Tate Britain, Victoria and Albert Museum, St. Petersburg Russian State Museum and the Maeght Foundation, the Pera has presented exhibits that include Jean Dubuffet, Henri Cartier Bresson, Rembrandt and Josef Koudelka. Indagare members can contact the bookings team to arrange for a private guide.

If you have a day to spare, take one of the ferries leaving from Kadıköy, Kabataş or Bostanci to one of the four Princes’ islands in the Sea of Marmara. For centuries, the islands were known as the place where those who fell from favor were exiled; today, with their old wooden villas and car-free streets (you get around by horse and carriage, donkey or bicycle), you can experience what Istanbul must have felt like in the 19th century, when wealthy urbanites started building summer homes here. One of the best islands to visit is Büyükada (which means the “big island”), a ninety-minute ferry ride from the city. In the summer, it’s a popular resort destination for both locals and tourists. You can ride a donkey up a hill to the St. George’s Monastery, where you’ll enjoy fantastic views and the chance for a delicious meal. (If you happen to be there on April 23, join the local crowds making their annual pilgrimage on the saint’s feast day). Alternatively, explore the center, Saat Meydani, and eat at one of the casual cafes overlooking the water. Indagare members can contact the bookings team to arrange for a private boat, which is a much more pleasant way to explore.