Tucked just steps from Hagia Sophia, this small 1559 theological school designed by the great architect Sinan is one of Istanbul's most charming hidden retreats. Commissioned by Cafer Agha during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, the medrese has been beautifully repurposed as a handicrafts center where artisans practice traditional calligraphy, miniature painting, and bookbinding. The real draw is the tranquil inner courtyard with its tea garden, a world away from the Sultanahmet crowds just outside the walls. Order a Turkish coffee, watch craftspeople at work, and enjoy one of the most peaceful spots in the old city. It falls within the UNESCO World Heritage conservation area.