Beneath Istanbul's inimitable skyline is a teeming, triumphant metropolis with imperial history, intrigue, and entrepreneurial zeal written into its streets. It's a city constantly being remade and re-imagined. The resulting sense of opportunity and vigour is palpable. This guide will point you in the right direction for the finest places to eat, drink, and shop, and navigate you through the city's architectural gems from Ottoman follies converted into art centres to back street Byzantine beauties.

Monocle –the magazine that covers urbanism and city design like no other –knows about the hidden gems in all the great cities. It also knows where to take an ambassadorfor breakfast, an on-the-go business partner for a late-night cocktail, or where to get an astute concierge at ungodly hours. Its deep understanding of cities, and all they have to offer, has now been compiled in The Monocle Travel Guide Series.

These beautiful informative books reveal the Monocle team’s favorite places, from the ideal route for an early morning run to the best spots for independent retail. Aimed at people who do not want to be tourists but rather feel like locals when they travel, these are books for those who want to mix the classic with the contemporary, want to get beyond the cliches, and know they can get a feel for a city even if they only have a few days to spare.

And they are full of surprises and quirks: the books will direct you to a grand hotel but also to a cozy two-star, and will leave you drinking in a neighborhood corner bar or being served by a great waiter who knows his craft. Each book also contains a series of city essays and perspectives. Created by the Monocle design team, these authoritative guides are trim enough to drop into your pocket and wise enough to stay by your side throughout your travels