Straddling the Asian and European continents, there’s no other metropolis quite like Istanbul. This veritable crossroads of cultures is teeming with fabulous hotels, historical attractions, and top-notch restaurants and bars. Here’s our guide to exploring Istanbul’s best.
Where to Stay:
Shangri La Istanbul
Conveniently set in the Beşiktaş district, this palatial hotel is a glimmering ex of Ottoman opulence right on the Bosphorus—which means hopping on a ferry around the city is a breeze. The 186-room grande dame is housed in a former 1920s tobacco warehouse that has been glamorized with gilded furniture, polished marble, and a scene-stealing two-story Bohemian glass chandelier.
Soho House Istanbul
Soho House’s Istanbul outpost joined the line-up of sophisticated hotel-cum-members’ clubs in 2015, opening up in Palazzo Corpi, the former 19th-century mansion of a Genoese merchant. Many of the Beyoğlu palazzo’s original architectural elements remain, with hip furniture and décor placed seamlessly into the patinated backdrop. This sophisticated 87-room retreat has not one, but two rooftop pools overlooking the Golden Horn from the European side.
Where to Eat:
Neolokal
Tucked inside the SALT Galata cultural complex, Neolokal pairs breathtaking views of the Bosphorus with upscale Anatolian cuisine whipped up with ingredients sourced from a sustainable farm nearby. Chef Maksut Aşkar is one of the country’s most acclaimed culinary talents, updating ancient recipes and techniques for the modern age.
Ocak
Upmarket restaurant Ocak is located in the heart of the Old City. Chef Ömer Bozyap’s contemporary Turkish dishes are at once authentic and innovative. Start with the Three Shades of Chickpeas platter before continuing to the Hünkar Beğendi̇ (slow-cooked beef with smoked eggplant), Pazi Dolmasi (stuffed chard), and manti dumplings.
Where to Drink:
Sunset Grill & Bar
For over two decades, Sunset Grill & Bar has been one of Istanbul’s top places to eat and drink—literally, thanks to its perch on a hill inside Ulus Park. As one would expect, the views are simply spectacular (especially around sunset) with an equally impressive cocktail list and a wine cellar stocked with rare wines from around the world.
Nardis Jazz Club
For over two decades, Sunset Grill & Bar has been one of Istanbul’s top places to eat and drink—literally, thanks to its perch on a hill inside Ulus Park. As one would expect, the views are simply spectacular (especially around sunset) with an equally impressive cocktail list and a wine cellar stocked with rare wines from around the world.
Where to Visit:
Bebek
Escape the crowds by heading to trendy Bebek, a leafy neighborhood located on the European side. The coastal district has a high concentration of restaurants (try Bebek Kahvesi for coffee or Lucca for lunch), concept stores like Midnight Express and Tru Perfect Basics (walk over to the Etiler district for more retail therapy), and its Bosphorus-side promenade that ends at the Rumeli Fortress.
Hagia Sophia
Once the tallest man-made structure in the world for a thousand years, the Hagia Sofia remains one of the most impressive human achievements of all time. Originally constructed in the year 537 as a cathedral, this wonder of the ancient world has recently been converted into a mosque, meaning that proper dress is required to enter. An absolute must!
Topkapı Palace
For almost half a millennium, this was the former imperial seat of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the museum today (it’s located right behind the Hagia Sofia) to explore its mosaic-covered corridors, collection of invaluable sultans’ jewels, and harems that once housed hundreds of concubines. If you can enlist a tour guide, do it here.
Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı
A Turkish bathing experience often rises to the top of a tourist’s to-do list in Istanbul, and this gorgeous high-end hammam is one of the best spots to soak, steam, and get massaged by a professional therapist.
