A student of mine at the university suggested I go and visit the Camera Museum in Bakırköy. A few days later, curiosity got the better of me, and I jumped on the Marmaray to find out what a camera museum was really all about. It turned out to be much more than just a museum visit.

Hidden among the busy streets near Eminönü is one of Istanbul’s most peaceful museums. Hilye-i Şerif ve Tesbih Müzesi combines exquisite prayer beads, beautiful Islamic calligraphy and a tranquil Ottoman medrese, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into centuries of craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Explore the interactive 360° photos at the top of this article and step inside one of the city’s most overlooked museums.

An Ottoman gunpowder mill that produced gunpowder for the army for more than 200 years is today one of Istanbul’s more interesting cultural centres. Baruthane is also an excellent example of how historic buildings can be preserved while being given entirely new purposes.

The 1,600-year-old Şerefiye Cistern, also known as the Theodosius Cistern, has opened the summer exhibition Dün ile Bugün by Seçkin Pirim. After losing its popular light show earlier this year, the historic site may finally have found a new identity.

A sunset cruise on the Bosphorus is one of Istanbul’s most popular experiences. My partner and I joined a small yacht cruise with friends to see what it was really like. Here’s our experience of two hours on the water with wine, snacks and some of the best views Istanbul has to offer.