Want the best of Asia and Europe? Try Istanbul

  
Must-see sights 
Blue Mosque: Named for the blue tiles that decorate the interior, the Blue Mosque is a working religious facility, which means it is a bad idea to visit during prayer times. Completed in 1617, it was Sultan Ahmet’s way of saying “size doesn’t matter” in response to the Hagia Sophia, which is located right across from it. It has 16 balconies and six minarets and an underground pool that regulates the inside temperature. It also houses Sultan Ahmet’s tomb, those of his family, and a reliquary that contains strands of the Prophet Muhammad’s beard.
 
Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofia): When it was built in 537 C.E., it was the biggest building in the world. Now it is a museum, with a gold-leaf mosaic dome that has hundreds of circular windows. The gallery inside contains Byzantine mosaics that were uncovered from beneath a layer of Ottoman plaster, as well as the “sweating pillar.” The pillar contains a small hole that you stick your finger into, and the drop of water that hits your finger is thought to contain healing properties.
 
Hippodrome: This open area, which contains a large Egyptian obelisk, exists as a testament to Byzantine glory. This was the area used for chariot races and public executions of what was then called Constantinople.
 
Topkapi Palace: Just steps from the Hagia Sophia, this palace offers insight into the wealth, excess, cruelty and emphasis on artistic pursuits of the Ottoman Empire at its peak. The palace was built between 1458 and 1465, and is divided into four courtyards and a harem. The harem’s 400-plus rooms housed the Sultan and his family, as well as servants, eunuchs, concubines and general assistants. 
 
Grand Bazaar: Consisting of more than 3,000 shops, this large, covered bazaar is a maze of small streets. It's a fun but daunting experience. Getting lost is almost guaranteed as you follow the labyrinthine streets, haggle for the abundance of goods spilling out onto the walkways, and get harassed by the overeager vendors. My advice: Don't go on Fridays. It's overcrowded. But if you visit on Saturday afternoons after lunch, it's when the locals go and it's more manageable.

Must-see sights (off the beaten track)
If you cross the Galata Bridge to the non-Sulatanahmet side, directly to your left you will find a small fish market. You will hear the Turkish fisherman yelling out and selling their freshly caught products.

Head to the Galatasaray neighborhood to get a feel for one of Istanbul’s artsy parts of town. French Street, or Fransiz Sokagi, is a steep, narrow street lined with art galleries, boutiques and cafes — this area particularly comes to life in the evening, with street musicians and crowds spilling onto the street.

Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar dates back to 1664 and is a heady introduction to Turkish flavors. Inside this covered market you can find spices, nuts, dried fruit and the ubiquitous Turkish Delight. But here’s a tip: If you just head outside to the street Hasircilar Caddesi, you’ll find more spice shops selling goods — often for a lower price!

Don’t miss out on a traditional Turkish bath. Public baths are still a way of daily life in Istanbul — the most famous (and some say best) of the bunch is Cagaloglu Hamami, a 300-year-old institution that has hosted some famous faces like Florence Nightingale, Omar Sharif, Tony Curtis and Harrison Ford. A separate women’s entrance is on the side. 34 Professor Kazim Gurkan Caddesi

For a day trip, you can sail down the Bosporus on a ferry ride to the village of Anadolu Kavagi (it’s the last stop on the Asiatic side). Ferries depart daily from Eminonu Pier. This little fishing village is about as authentic as you can get — and it’s loaded with fish restaurants (some say the best in Istanbul). Climb to the top of the hill to explore the Byzantine fortress Yoros Kalesi and take in the amazing view, then follow it up with a lunch at a restaurant for the fresh catch of the day.

There are spas, and then there is the traditional hamam. This is old-school massage. Every hotel has one. but go for the original. My best bet: Cagaloglu Hamam (cagalogluhamami.com.tr).
 
Or, hop on a ferry to a small islet to visit Kiz Kulesi (aka Maiden’s Tower or Leander’s Tower). This ancient structure, built in 341 B.C., serves primarily as a lighthouse, but also has a café and restaurant featuring live music and dance on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It also has one of the best views in town, with a 360-degree view of Istanbul from its unique position on the Bosporus.
 
If you’re into high-end shopping, sail down the Bosporus and inland a bit to the neighborhood of Nisantasi. This popular, fashionable shopping district has brand-name stores like Gucci and Armani, spas, and a surprising number of bakeries and sweet shops.  
 
And, last but not least: One of my favorite desserts in the world is rice pudding. And no one does it better than the folks in Turkey. You can find it on almost every menu, so make room for it for dessert. You'll be glad you did ...

More from TODAY Makeover! Beauty pageant moms get dolled up Did she fake breast cancer to get breast implants? | Video Palin memoir reveals campaign tensions, criticizes Couric 3 Thanksgiving superfoods you shouldn’t skip   Images: The amazing Week in Pictures

MORE FROM WHERE IN THE WORLD IS MATT LAUER?

Where in the world is Matt Lauer? Section Front

Images: Tango time in Argentina   Video: Watch Matt bust a move in Cape Town   Video: Matt has a sky-high adventure in Austria   Video: Matt learns about life in India   Video: How do they survive the cold in Russia?   Video: Natalie skis the desert slopes in Dubai   Video: History lesson: Who are the Incas?   Discuss Matt's globe-trotting adventures Play the WITW games Matt Lauer’s favorite places in the world Where in the world is Matt Lauer? Section Front   Add Where in the world is Matt Lauer? headlines to your news reader: