Istanbul is a very cosmopolitan city, but it is also the city where East meets West. It has a vast combination of cultures, fashions, architecture, and tastes. A city break in one of the many short-term rentals here gives you the opportunity to explore the best of Europe and Asia all in one place. If you’re short on time or you want to fit in as much as possible on your vacation, here are four places that you simply have to visit.

Between the 15^th and the 19^th centuries, the Topkapi Sarayi was the sultan’s palace. It was home to many imperial servants as well as a fantastic array of jewelry.

On a visit to the Galata Dervish House, you can see the whirling dervishes in their traditional environment. These are Muslim monks who carry out devotional exercises through bodily movements.

The Spice Bazaar was built in the 17^th century, and you can pick up almost anything while wandering through these stalls. For an amazing shopping experience, head to the Grand Bazaar. It has more than 3,000 shops that sell everything from textiles and jewelry to leather and pottery.

A trip on a Bosporus boat tour is one of the best ways to experience the Istanbul shoreline. You can take in the grandeur of the city and see the sights that would otherwise be hidden away.

If you only have time for these four activities, you’ll still get to experience the best that Istanbul has to offer.