Start your Vitality Walk at the front door of your home in Istanbul. You're perfectly located just a few minutes from parks, the water, and several monuments.

The largest palace in Turkey, this spectacular complex served as administrative headquarters for the Ottoman Empire for most of 1856 to 1922. 5 min.

Built in 1875 as dormitory for Dolmabahçe Palace and renovated in 1996, Siraevler includes shops and a museum of Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic.

Known for its Art Nouveau apartment buildings, many of Nisantasi's ground floors are occupied by upmarket restaurants, cafes, and stores lining the sidewalks.

Next to Macka Democracy park; this tiny park is reserved for the busts displaying founders of all 16 Turkish states in history.

Perhaps the most prominent exhibition piece is the huge chain that the Byzantines stretched across the Golden Horn to keep out the Sultan's navy in 1453.

The ICC is one of Istanbul's most important venues, having hosted meetings for the IMF and the World Bank, among others. 17 min.

Enjoy Istanbul's magnificent climate by indulging in a world-class music concert by local talent or international stars at the city's most popular venue. 20 min

There is much to explore in this green valley. The Maçka Gondola crosses above for those without time, while fitness buffs sweat in the crossfit parkour. 5 min.

The ITU is the world's third oldest technical university and is dedicated to engineering sciences as well as social sciences. Ranked first nationwide.