Istanbul is a city of contrasts which 'guarantees a shock to the system'

Kariye Museum is 'a unique building' that stands for Istanbul's history

A travel expert has said that the Turkish city of Istanbul is a "shock to the system" because it is such as mixture of different cultures.

John Brunton, who has written travel guides for destinations such as Italy, Mexico and the United States of America, put forward this opinion in the Guardian newspaper.

He suggested that the area is one of huge contrast, while recommending that people on solo holidays visit Fener, which is not one of the main tourist destinations.

"Istanbul is one of those destinations that guarantees a shock to the system, a seething metropolis that is a chaotic meeting place of east and west, ancient and modern," he opined.

Mr Brunton added that people on solo holidays should visit Kariye Museum, which is decorated with fine art.

"This unique building mirrors Istanbul's complex history," he writes. "Originally a church, then transformed into a mosque and now a secular museum."