Istanbul, Turkey – Best Family Trips – National GeographicPhotograph by Panoramic Images East meets West in Istanbul, the city divided by the Bosporus and spanning two continents. From the historic sites in the Sultanahmet neighborhood to the shops and restaurants in the Beyoglu district, the European half of Istanbul has plenty to offer. Old Istanbul is comprised of seven hills, each topped with a mosque. The best known is the Hagia Sophia, a cathedral built in A.D. 537 that centuries later became the city’s greatest mosque, and today is a museum. Also visit Topkapi Palace, part of the beautiful Blue Mosque. Reserve a family loft suite at Sumahan on the Water in the Cengelkoy district. To get to downtown Istanbul, use the hotel’s complimentary launch or the nearby ferry service. Where to Play For local crafts, food, and everything else you can imagine, head to the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul’s market that boasts 5,000 vendors. Near the Bosporus and less intimidating is the Egyptian Bazaar. To get a grasp of Istanbul’s history-which covers three millennia-head to the Istanbul Archaeology Museum. To explore the Asian side of Istanbul, hop on a ferry from the Golden Horn. At Day’s End The whole family will be mesmerized by the whirling dervishes during their performances at Istanbul’s Hocapasa Cultural Center.