İstanbul
The most important city of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, then known as Constantinople, remains an economic and cultural center today, strategically situated on the Bosporus Strait, connecting the Mediterranean and Black seas and having one foot in Europe and one in Asia. This city of more than 15 million people is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites and was named the 2010 European Capital of Culture. Its temperate climate, cosmopolitan ambience and historical sites draw visitors from around the world.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Most visitors arrive at Istanbul Airport, 24 miles from Taksim. It opened in 2019 on the European side of the city and is the hub for Turkish Airlines. The metro line to IST is due to be completed later this year; currently HAVAIST Airport Shuttle or private or shared shuttles are the best options. Taxis and rental cars are available, but İstanbul’s notoriously heavy traffic makes the use of the metro, buses, trams, funiculars and ferries often the best choice for getting around the city. The pre-paid and rechargeable İstanbulkart may be used on all forms of public transportation.
LODGING Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
Housed in a restored 19th-century Ottoman palace on the Bosporus shore, this luxurious property boasts traditional hammams, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center and personal trainers. Child care, private cruises and helicopter rentals can be arranged.
Çırağan Cad. No. 28, 34349 Beşiktaş, İstanbul, Turkey, tel 90 212 381 40 00 fourseasons.com
Intercontinental Istanbul
This high-rise luxury hotel sits at the heart of the modern city, within walking distance of İstiklal Avenue shopping and entertainment and Taksim Square. Spa and fitness facilities include an outdoor pool, sauna and Turkish baths, while dining options promise gourmet cuisine and incredible views.
Gümüşsuyu, Asker Ocağı Cad. No. 1, 34435 Taksim, İstanbul, Turkey, tel 90 212 368 44 44 ihg.com
Seven Hills Hotel
This elegant boutique hotel offers spacious, beautifully appointed guestrooms and gracious service and lies within walking distance of many of the city’s most famous historical sites. Its rooftop Seafood Restaurant features excellent dishes using the day’s fresh catch and magical views of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia and the Sea of Marmara.
Cankurtaran, Tevkifhane Sokak No. 8, 34400 Fatih, İstanbul, Turkey, tel 90 212 516 94 97 www.seven hillshotel.com
DINING Mikla
Holding a spot on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list since 2015, Mikla presents New Anatolian cuisine, combining new and traditional techniques, via fixedprice or à la carte menus or a five-course tasting menu. Menus vary daily depending on availability of locally sourced products. Its rooftop location guarantees spectacular views.
Asmalı Mescit, The Marmara Pera, Meşrutiyet Cad. No. 14, 34430 Beyoğlu, İstanbul, Turkey, tel 90 212 293 56 56 www.miklarestaurant.com
Mürver
Mürver combines regional cooking techniques and recipes with local ingredients to create seasonally inspired gourmet dishes using an open-fire grill and wood-fired brick oven. Meats are aged, dried and smoked in house, and fish and seafood arrive daily. Its location atop the Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus hotel provides views of the water and historic peninsula. Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus, Kemankeş Cad. No. 57-59, 34425 Karaköy, İstanbul, Turkey, tel 90 212 372 07 50 novotelistanbulbosphorus.com
Sur Balık Arnavutköy
Located in the trendy İstanbul neighborhood of Bebek in a multistory former Ottoman mansion, the restaurant serves an array of mezes and classic and unusual seafood dishes, all fresh and seasonally focused and complemented by an extensive wine list. Bebek Arnavutköy Cad. No. 52, Bebek, İstanbul, Turkey, tel 90 212 257 27 43
ATTRACTIONS Bosporus Cruise
A six-hour cruise on the Şehir Hatları Public Ferry offers the best view of İstanbul’s mosques, mansions and historic sites from the water, starting at the ferry dock in Eminönü and traveling nearly to the Black
Sea and back on historic two- or three-deck ferries. These offer large decks, plenty of seating and audiotaped narration and operate year-round. Şehir Hatları and other companies offer shorter (1.5- to 2-hour), more frequent cruises, with dinner and sunset cruises available. sehirhatlari.istanbul
Cağaloğu Hamamı
Experience centuries of history along with a traditional Turkish bath at this hammam. Options range from a simple “self-service” experience to a two-hour service “worthy of a sultan.” The traditional experience begins with a hot room (sauna-like) rest followed by an exfoliating rub with a kese scrubbing mitt and finishing with a foaming soap massage. Bath products and lotion are included, along with the use of a locker, towels and slippers. Guests also enjoy Turkish tea and refreshments.
Alemdar Mah. Profesör Kazım İsmail Gürkan Cad.
No. 34, 34110 Fatih, İstanbul, Turkey, tel 90 212 522 24 24 cagalogluhamami.com.tr
Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar
İstanbul is a shopper’s paradise, with plenty of modern malls, international brands and boutiques. However, nothing in the world compares to two of the world’s oldest and largest covered bazaars. If its size alone doesn’t overwhelm (61 covered streets and 4,000-plus shops), the variety of goods at the Grand Bazaar certainly will, from gold and silver jteuwrekilrsyhtococpeoramteiccsl,utbuarkdis2h.pladmf ps1, car6p/e1t7s/2a1nd kilim rugs. The Spice Bazaar, in the Eminönü district, presents a feast for the senses, overflowing with colorful spices and teas; dried fruits and nuts; Turkish delight and other sweets; and oils, perfumes and rare essences.
Grand Bazaar, Beyazıt, Kalpakçılar Cad. No. 22, 34126 Fatih, İstanbul, Turkey, tel 90 212 519 12 48 kapalicarsi.com.tr
Spice Bazaar, Erzak Ambarı Sok. No. 92, Fatih, İstanbul, Turkey, tel 90 212 513 65 97 misircarsisi.org.tr