Istanbul

Istanbul has been home to many - the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans, to name a few - and the city is a wholehearted representation of that. Historic structures like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Dolmabahce Palace will take you on a journey through time, but much of Istanbul feels fresh and modern, like the city's vibrant nightlife, which stretches along the European shore in Bebek. It's also well worth checking out the food scene in Kadikoy, and spending time in the forward-thinking Princes' Islands, where cars are banned despite its proximity to the metropolis.