One of Istanbul's highlights, the Basilica Cistern was featured in the Dan Brown film adaptation of Inferno, as well as the popular video game Assassin's Creed. It is a place best enjoyed on a cool night, as you walk through its 336 lit columns, preferably with your partner in arm. However, its hauntingly charming hallways hold a dark history: the cistern is said to have been constructed by 7,000 slaves, with hundreds of them dying in the process. At one point, it was also used as a dumping ground for junk and even corpses! Thankfully, it was renovated in 1985, and thoroughly cleaned as well, leading to it becoming the popular attraction we see today.

Mystical as it is, keep a lookout for the Medusa head that forms part of the columns supporting the vaulted ceiling. Those with a keen eye might notice that they seem to be upside down. Well, you are not wrong! Medusa, who is a monster belonging to Greek mythology, is said to have the powers of turning those who look directly into her eyes into pathetic prisoners of stone. Conversely, turning the Medusa head upside down is said to take away her powers. What a chilling visit this will be, although it will definitely be awe-inspiring!