Historic Wonders Meet Modern Life in This Timeless City
Istanbul not only straddles Asia and Europe — it also spans the centuries. Its heritage is embodied by the Topkapi and Dolmabahce Palaces, the soaring Hagia Sophia, the maze-like Grand Bazaar, and the domes and minarets of the Blue Mosque, where Muslims pray five times a day. Meanwhile, the 21st century reigns at western shops on Istiklal Caddesi, upscale boutiques in Nisantasi, and throbbing nightclubs by the Bosporus.
Of note: I had a fantastic time in Instanbul and look forward to returning and exploring it and other parts of Türkiye.
The new IST Istanbul Airport opened in 2018, and is state of the art.
The European part of Turkey experience hot, muggy summers and cold, rainy (though seldom snowy) winters. Spring (from April to May) and autumn (from September to mid-November) sees delightful weather in Istanbul, with pleasant temperatures and clear skies. Istanbul’s location near the sea means it can be quite a windy city, especially in the winter, shutting down ferry service.
Sultanahmet, the old part of city
Recently remodeled, this is my first suggestion for anyone who is visiting Istanbul for the first time.
Arches, tiles, and towers catch your eye upon arrival at this century-old landmark, a former prison turned enclave in Istanbul’s Old City. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet is an intimate retreat of 65 rooms and suites offering a variety of views over the landscaped courtyard. The UNESCO World Heritage sites Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Blue Mosque are just a couple of minutes’ stroll from the hotel. Of the 65 guest rooms and suites at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, the signature suites provide extra indulgence. This neoclassical hotel is known worldwide for its attentive service and fine dining.
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Bosphorus Strait
Of Note: A fantastic spa for your private Hammam treatment.
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus reflects the changing face of modern Istanbul, infusing a 19th-century Ottoman palace with the contemporary elegance of its waterfront setting. Sunlight floods through the large windows in 145 guest rooms and 25 suites. Young guests enjoy the Mini Seasons Club while parents relax in The Spa, combining tradition with modern therapy. Enjoy the traditional Turkish hammam, famous for its purity, or lounge around the outdoor pool. Dine at Aqua, serving delicious seafood dishes with an extensive array of fine wines. Try YALI Lounge for all-day dining, and the chic indoor/outdoor bar.
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Bosphorus Strait
The Only Ottoman Imperial Palace And Hotel In Turkey. Located on the shores of the magnificent Bosphorus, facing the Asian continent and overlooking the ancient city, Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul offers the glamour of a genuine Ottoman palace in a city where east meets west, Europe meets Asia and history meets the contemporary.
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Bosphorus Strait
A more modern offering along the Bosphorus.
On a stunning 200-metre shoreline with panoramic views across the Bosphorus on the European side of Istanbul, the verdant Naile Sultan pine grove as its garden Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul is a chic and luxurious urban resort offering 77 spacious and luxuriously designed guest rooms with 23 suites each with a private terrace or balcony. A wide range of stylish wining and dining options including Novikov Istanbul and Mandarin Cake Shop, city’s first destination Spa a 3,500-sqm retreat The Spa, two outdoor, one heated indoor pools accompanied by Kids Club for younger fans are offering is the perfect haven for discerning travellers.
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Bosphorus Strait
The new hotel along the Bosphorus Strait.
Set on the iconic shores of the Bosphorus strait, The Peninsula Istanbul is ready to welcome guests with open arms – and epic views. The city’s newest property is home to 177 opulent guestrooms and suites, multiple dining venues serving local and international fare, plus lush gardens, two swimming pools, and a full-service spa complete with hammam steam baths. Guests can also take advantage of the onsite shopping arcade, an 8,000-square-foot retail space.
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Kabatas
Mehmet Gürs’ New Anatolian Kitchen combines respect for tradition with a sense of innovation. Among other things, he emphasises the importance of craftsmanship and the diversity of produce that Turkey has to offer. He works with the finest ingredients and gives them pride of place in original dishes that are stripped of unnecessary fuss.
Everything here revolves around the depth of the flavours. A lightly boiled and then grilled octopus tentacle, for example, is enhanced by the addition of a slightly sweet lacquer; a pickled green bean salad with purslane and apple vinaigrette provides a pleasant tanginess; add an intense vegetable gravy and dried fish eggs and you have a fascinating creation that grabs your attention with every bite. And those who avoid meat will be glad to know that the chef always offers a vegan menu.
An adventure awaits you here and that also goes for the setting – the magnificent 360° view of Istanbul you get from the eighteenth floor of the Marmara Pera hotel really is the icing on the cake.
Kabatas
Maksut Aşkar and his young team preserve their culinary heritage and guide it into the future with their exciting cuisine. This also involves an emphasis on sustainability, as in the rigorous selection of local produce (including the fine Turkish wines) and the proximity of suppliers. Chef Aşkar puts his stamp on authentic recipes with a subtlety that is all of his own. Imagine a finely spiced ‘cupcake’ made of bulgur and a tasty chicken preparation, accompanied by a rich cream velouté and a full-bodied chicken demi-glace, topped with a potato crisp. The location of the restaurant, in the Salt Galata, makes your experience all the more memorable. The large windows and fabulous terrace afford superb views of Istanbul’s rooftops and beautiful mosques.
Bomonti
Fatih Tutak expresses his love for his Turkish terroir. Every day he puts ingredients from his region and produce from local traders on a pedestal. This is a chef who cooks with respect for tradition and what nature has to offer. His predilection for sustainability is reflected, among other ways, in his no-waste approach and use of preservation techniques such as fermentation and dry-ageing. Traditional flavours take on an extra dimension. Part of his originality lies in his nuanced use of delicate acidic and smoky flavours, with which he puts his own stamp on dishes. Take his preparation of manti, a delicate stuffed pasta; he fills them with rich lamb and serves them alongside a sublime smoked yoghurt cream, tomato tapenade and chilli butter. For dessert, he invites you into the open kitchen of this chic, contemporary establishment. Here you will find yourself in the thick of the action.
My Virtuoso Istanbul Turkey Information Page
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels, Water Adventures and Activities.
WIKIVOYAGE: Istanbul Turkey Page
A great resource for all the basic information you need for Istanbul Turkey.
The Luxury Travel Expert: Top 10: most luxurious hotels in Istanbul
Though a bit dated, a good article. One of the better online blogs for quality travel.
Turkey General Information Page
Bodrum General Information Page
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page updated: March 2023
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