Istanbul is an enchanting city as it straddles Europe and Asia. But getting around can be hassle without a guide as the public transportation system is woefully inadequate. Especially during rush hours as busses and trams are packed solid. Be mindful of your belongings in tight quarters. Otherwise the city brims with historical edifices and must-see sights. Start with Topkapi Palace, entrance fee required. Buy a separate tour for the Harem where the sultan's wives and concubines lived. Then walk to the Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia) church/mosque and now a museum nearby. If you have some energy left cross the street and visit the underground cisterns. So large that they used boats to get around in it. When you get hungry try some of the restaurants that abound in the area. Much better to sit down and order from the menu instead of accepting their "offers" of specials. The next day you MUST visit Kapalicarsi/literally "covered market" aka the Grand Bazaar. Rug and kilim merchants will invite you in with offers of no pressure to buy and cups of apple tea, As you are sipping your apple tea an assistant will hurl open rug after rug for your inspection until they think you like one or two. Then the bargaining begins. No matter how much you bargain you'll still pay. But they'll make you feel that you got a bargain as you just robbed their child's college tuition or they'll have to make up the loss somehow. That's why our family prefers to shop in stores where bargaining is not allowed. The third day you must get on a ferry boat and go across to Asia at Kadikoy and look for the CIYA restaurant. People will be happy to give you directions.