Istanbul

The local area

Acting as the ancient meeting point between East and West, Istanbul is a captivating blend of cultures that has formed over countless centuries.

It's a city buzzing with a vibrant love for life, fuelled by coffee from its famous coffee houses and filled with people ready to welcome each new visitor with boundless generosity.

Dive into the exhilarating hub-bub and explore fascinating layers of history from the tranquil sophistication of our luxury apartment, deep in a metropolis that has been the capital of empires.

The History of Istanbul

Istanbul's perfect strategic position has meant it's seen the rise and fall of the world's greatest empires. It's been home to the Greeks, Persians, Romans, Venetians and finally the Ottomans throughout the thousands of years since its conception. Going through numerous changes in identity and name during its tumultuous history, each successive culture has left its mark on the city. This can be seen everywhere, from the mosaics and frescos of the Byzantines and magnificent mosques of the Ottomans, to the cultural diversity which makes the city so inclusive. Having once been the final stage of the Silk Road, this is a true travellers' city, open-hearted and convivial.

What To See and Do In Istanbul

The coffee house, known a kahvehani, was invented in Istanbul almost 500 years ago, and with tea gardens, bustling kebab restaurants and Turkish taverns, there's plenty of opportunity to get caught up in the exciting social hum of Istanbul. This extends into the city's vibrant nightlife with the suburb of Beyoğlu containing many of the Istanbul's great bars. Beyoğlu is also one of the city's oldest districts, containing the 15th-century Galata Tower, which soars above the other historic buildings.

Most of the buildings and monuments that make up Istanbul's distinctive skyline lie in the Old City of Constantinople, on the southern shore of the Golden Horn. Cross the Galata Bridge and head for the area in and around Sultanahmet Square, where such architectural wonders as Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar are all located.

Turkish Cuisine

With such a vast history of disparate cultural influences, it's no surprise that Turkish cuisine has developed into something wonderful. You'll find kebabs, koftes and each delicious nibble of a meze, from hummus to baba ganoush, represented at their best in this city, and still have barely scratched the surface of Turkish cookery. Beyoğlu - the location of our luxury apartment - is one of the most popular places to eat out, and some say it's the place where you'll find the best baklava. Try the anise-flavoured clear brandy, Raki, for an authentic taste of Turkey, as well as the orchid and cinnamon drink Salep, which is unavailable outside of Turkey's borders.

The Experience

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Istanbul

The local area

The History of Istanbul

What To See and Do In Istanbul

Turkish Cuisine

The Experience

Liman Lokantasi

Ulus 29

Nardis Jazz Club

Galata Tower

Galata Mevlevi Museum

Hagia Sophia Museum (Aya Sofya Muzesi)

Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi)

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

Sultan Ahmet (Blue) Mosque

Basilica Cistern

Kiliç Ali Pasa Hamami

Raffles Spa

Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam

Bosphorus River Tour

Day trip Princes' Islands

Beyoğlu

Grand Bazaar

Spice Bazaar

Ritz-Carlton Spa

Neolokal

Mikla

İstiklal Caddesi

Sunset Grill & Bar

Private Guide

Yeni Lokanta

Karakoy Lokantasi

Hodan

The Stay Bebek Hotel

Lokanta 1714

Sabanci Museum

Nicole Restaurant

Ortaköy Mosque

Balat

Pierre Loti

Aqua Florya

Otağtepe Fatih Grove (Otağtepe Fatih Korusu) ( Reserve in Istanbul)

Kadıköy

Üsküdar

Rumelihisarı

Grand Çamlıca Mosque

Beylerbeyi Palace

Seven Hills Restaurant

Suleymaniye Mosque

The Camondo Stairs

MacKenzie-Childs Turkey

Dolmabahçe Palace

Cipriani Istanbul

Atatürk Cultural Center

Viyana Kahveshi

Taht Photo Studio

Cafe Naftalin K.

Abdulmecit Efendi Köşkü (Abdulmecit Efendi Mansion)

Akıntıi Burnu Restaurant

Barboon by Atlas Balık

Baltalimanı Japanese Garden

Banyan Restaurant

Karaköy Güllüoğlu - Nadir Güllü

Velvet Cafe Balat

Nusr-Et Steakhouse Etiler

Van Kahvalti Evi

Il Sud Restaurant

Otooto Sushi

Del Mare Restaurant

Medeniyetler Sofrası - Al Madina Restaurant İstanbul (Etiler/Levent)

Arada Cafe

Giriftar Cafe

Çınaraltı Mangalbaşı Restaurant

Nobu Istanbul

Emporio Ristorante Akaretler Sıraevler

Olden 1772

Roof Mezze 360 Restaurant

Related Properties

Galata