Beautiful architecture, history and culture galore, food you’ve never heard of and friendly locals – A recipe for a perfect city break.

Kelly Brook was there not long ago enjoying the Bosphorus waterway.

Here are some of the lesser known reasons to visit the honourary capital of Turkey:

1. THE RAINBOW STEPS

The story of Huseyin Cetinel and his rainbow steps has to be one of the nicest we’ve heard.

A retired forestry engineer dedicated four days and around $800 of his own money to painting a huge set of public steps rainbow colours in the Findikli and Cihangir area in honour of Gay Pride this year.

The community was thrilled with the colourful addition to the landscape but the right wing mayor was not – The steps were painted over in grey over night.

The backlash was so intense that new rainbow steps appeared across the area and the original steps mysteriously returned to their former multi-coloured glory as government workers repainted them over night.

2. CHAI AND CHECKERS

There’s no better medicine for a weary traveller than a nice cup of tea. In Turkey it comes small, without milk and if you like,apple flavour (this tastes quite like hot jam).

Near tourist areas a cup will cost you three to four Lira but if you go off the beaten track you shouldn’t be charged more than one, which is a little more than 30p!

These quiet spots are said to be for men to play games – checkers and bat gammon boards are on most outdoor tables – but don’t worry women are entirely welcome and comfortable.

3. MACKEREL WITH A VIEW

The Galata Bridge is teaming with fisherman so it’s only right to sample a catch.

There are amazing street food sellers on the side nearest to the Galata Tower who fry up mackerel with spices and add salad to create a delicious sandwich for around £2.

Wander down to the water’s edge to the west of the bridge for a perfect spot to sit with your food.

4. SWIMMING SPOTS

Despite all the water, Istanbul is not known as a place to go for a dip.

The main waterway is the domain of boats and fisherman.

However you can make trips to the nearby Princes’ Islands, known to locals as simply “The Islands” for a rest-bite from the city madness and clear waters you can swim in.

Ferries run daily and if you’ve visited during the summer heat you’ll be very happy to make the short trip – just pick which ones you want to see.

5.JUNK SHOP MEANDERING

The area of Beyoğlu is teaming with junk and thrift shops.

It is the perfect place to walk around taking in the local spirit and marvelling and the amount of ‘vintage’ that can fit in one store.

Stick to streets on the South-East of the Istiklal and enjoy getting lost.

Remember to haggle the vendors down as things often aren’t priced.

KELLY BROOK SUFFERS BIG BAD HAIR DAY IN ISTANBUL