Istanbul

Istanbul is a divided city, split by the Bosporus, the narrow channel that separates Europe from Asia. Ironically, the Asian side holds Western-style suburbs, while the European side contains old Istanbul, a wonderland of mosques, opulent palaces, and Byzantine ruins from the city's 16 centuries as a world power. But contradiction is the city's defining characteristic: At dawn, while revellers head home from nightclubs and bars, others heed the call to prayer that rebounds from ancient minarets. Donkey carts vie with shiny BMWs in the noisy, narrow streets, and Oriental bazaars compete with Western boutiques for the custom of tourists and 12 million residents. To find your bearings, head for Galata Bridge, which crosses the Golden Horn: To the north of this straight is the new town, modern Beyoglu, and Taksim Square. To the south lies the old walled city, with magnificent Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace at its heart.