BBC travel expert Simon Reeve says this is the best city in the world blending history and culture

Daily Record

10-06-2025

BBC travel presenter Simon Reeve has explored more than 130 countries during his career, and now he has named his favourite city in the world.
BBC explorer Simon Reeve has named a city straddling the East and West as his favourite destination worldwide. He expressed his profound connection to a place where, he feels, history and culture can be felt in the air.
Having travelled to more than 130 countries, Simon recently wrapped up his latest journey, 'Scandinavia with Simon Reeve' – a breathtaking three-part series for the BBC, reports the Mirror.
‌
Now, he has revealed his most cherished city. His selection is based on a sprawling metropolis that bridges the European and Asian continents and is home to what he describes as "one of the most stunning buildings on the planet".
‌
Speaking to The Express, he said: "In terms of a city, I think Istanbul is not just spectacular, but you can't go there and not smell the history and the culture there. You know, I love how it's clearly divided.
You've got your old bit. You've got your modern bit. You've got your Eastern area, as well - the other side of the Bosphorus, Asia, basically. It is the point where, for a thousand years and more, the East and the West have met."
He also shared his "favourite little quirky thing" about the city, which is Hagia Sophia – the ancient basilica turned mosque that stands as a testament to history at 1,600 years old.
Simon elaborated on how this emblematic monument continues to captivate visitors as a magnificent structure that remains an active site of worship.
He shared: "I'll tell you my favourite little quirky thing actually, in many a way; there's a building in Istanbul called Hagia Sophia, which was a church, then a mosque, is now sort of a museum, just open as an attraction."
‌
Simon went on to say: "But it's an incredible building - one of the most stunning buildings on the planet, and up at the top, inside on the upper balcony, there's a bit of graffiti carved into the balcony."
He was referring to ancient Viking runes inscribed into the Hagia Sophia during its tenure as a church. The National Museum of Denmark has identified the Viking visitors as Halvdan and Are.
‌
According to Atlas Obscura, the inscription likely reads "Halfdan carved these runes" or "Halfdan was here", a detail that Simon found particularly captivating, dubbing it his "favourite little bit".
For the presenter, uncovering the story of the rune-carving Vikings was a "chill down the spine moment", underscoring that people have been explorers since the dawn of humanity.
He noted that throughout history, humans have always felt compelled to leave their mark and connect with these "incredible sights".
He concluded: "It's just a reminder that our ancestors travelled, and they were quite similar to us, actually. They probably wanted a beer, a selfie, and to leave a little bit of a mark behind."
All three episodes of Scandinavia with Simon Reeve are available for streaming on BBC iPlayer NOW.