Get Romantic in Istanbul

Our Local Expert Says:

Most luxurious hotel along the Bosphorus Strait

Description:

Les Ottomans, located on the banks of the mighty Bosphorus, is a 10-suite hotel oozing ultraluxury from every pore. From the bathroom fixtures to the pillowcase fabric and the wildly attentive staff, no expense has been spared. The decor blends the best of Turkish tradition with the most modern of cutting-edge innovations. The on-site restaurant earns rave reviews from the international jet set, the in-house Q Jazz Club hosts celebrities on a near-nightly basis, and the spa is renowned the world around.

Description:

Modern white façade hotel, set on the banks of the Bosphorus River, 15 kilometres from the Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sofia. Air-conditioned rooms with light pastel decor and contemporary furnishings have flat screen TVs and wireless Internet access. Guests can unwind in the wellness centre where facilities include a gym and Turkish steam bath; massage treatments available.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the best by-the-sea boutique hotels

Description:

Formerly an alcohol factory producing suma -the unadulterated spirit used to make rakı (the Turkish Ouzo)-, the establishment of Sumahan as a boutique hotel was a long standing wish that its owner-architects had. Nedret Ercan Butler and Mark Butler were both studying architecture in Minnesota, USA when they met. Nedret Ercan Butler established the "Sumahan Project" as her thesis for graduation. The couple brought that to life years later when they returned to Istanbul. With a magnificent view of the Istanbul skyline and bustling waterside activity, the hotel is indeed a charming place. Adjacent to the hotel is the in-house seafood restaurant, called Kordon Balık. However, one may also lunch or dine inside the Sumahan itself (great salads and sample mezes). It is also possible to sign up for transport and a guide to see around and perhaps discover other enchanting places. Or, ask for the hotel-boat-shuttle to take across to the European side and make discoveries on your own. When you come back, relax in the sublime Turkish bath at the hotel's health center. With its modern, cozy rooms and location, it personifies the romantic spirit of the city. read more

Description:

The two buildings of this hotel, once the former residence of the Ottoman Sultan, are nestled on the glowing shores of the Bosporus Strait. Just a short drive from the airport, all of the rooms are richly furnished and fitted with several amenities, and some offer magnificent views of the sea. The hotel boasts of many in-restaurants and bars to take care of your gastronomic needs, and excellent facilities to ensure the success of any corporate event. For sightseeing, there is the nearby Oratakoy District, where you will find that most eateries serve fish delicacies. The area is also popular for its antique stores, jewelry shops and handicrafts. The shopping zone of Akmerkez is also just a short drive away.

Our Local Expert Says:

Without doubt one of the most historical sights in Istanbul and Turkey at large. Consisting of hundreds of rooms, including the scandalous harem, Topkapi doesn't dissapoint. Plan atleast 4 hours for this - yes, it's THAT big.

Description:

Topkapi Palace, on the Seraglio Peninsula, became a museum in 1924. The Harem, Baghdat Pavilion, Revan Pavilion, Sofa Pavilion, and the Audience Chamber distinguish themselves with their architectural assets, while other artifacts reflect palace life. Gülhane Park is located on the slopes below Topkapi Palace extending to the seashore, and is popular among Istanbul residents for picnicking and open-air concerts. In the park is the Gothic Column, known to have been one of the main obelisks of the Byzantines, and an as yet unclassified, and therefore unofficial, Byzantine ruin.

Description:

With a trendy and sought after locale, Feriye Lokantasi has a few things to brag about; delicious traditional cuisine, historic setting in Ortakoy, and a beautiful view of the Bosporus Bridge. This gourmet restaurant is a great place for a romantic night out on the town as you overlook the breathtaking views of gorgeous Istanbul. Don't forget to dress up!

Our Local Expert Says:

Local's pick

Description:

Majestic view of Bosphorus hidden at Anjelique. Anjelique is the leading candidate for the best and most popular site of Istanbul in the summer; an address for fun, chill-out and full enjoyment with fascinating view and decoration. Top specialties of Anjelique are the lively feeling of the place, the majestic view of Bosphorus and the menu consisting of different flavours. Decoration is designed and renovated by Mahmut Anlar (Geomim Architecture). The simplicity of the decoration and specially angled mirrors bring wide-spectrum of Bosphorus inside Anjelique.

Description:

"Ask" means love in Turkish, so the Assk Kahve is the "Love Cafe" in translation. It has a very simple menu with various sandwiches, toasts and paninis, salads and pasta. Yet, its unique location on the sea makes Assk Kahve one of the places to be in the summer. As such, it tends to get quite crowded with both young adolescents and adults. It is highly recommended that you find yourself a seat on the deck, but for that you will need to arrive a bit earlier than 11:00 AM. Breakfast is very enjoyable and you are supposed to order everything to the middle. Do order the "giant pogaca" (pastry / croissant) and honey & cream. At other times, enjoy their home-made lemonade and the "tongue of love" sandwich.

Description:

Mia Mensa wins the hearts of its customers by its key-point location inside a pretty garden on the Bosphore shore. Open throughout the year, yet extremely in-demand only during the summer months, Mia Mensa is frequented by adults and young adolescent friend groups alike. In fact, during the peak summer season, the latter and the younger group dominates tables for hours to catch a glimpse of who-else-might-be-there and for fine gossip. The menu at Mia Mensa is characterized by à la carte southern Italian fare; and is accompanied by few tasteful Mexican and Chinese sample dishes. Examples from this diverse menu include baked mushrooms with cheese and chicken, penne with broccoli and zucchini, linguine with garlic and oil and chicken curry with rice. There is a good variety of excellent Italian wines (as well as Grappa and Sambuca) as well. Whilst the dinner menu is available only at certain hours of the day; there is a café section serving quick salads and pizzas all day. An elegant place, yet trendy among young adolescents... A word of thumb: The service can be irritatingly bad and rude at times of peak hours.

Description:

One of the most enjoyable ways to travel in Istanbul! Traditional ferry boats travel convenient routes up, down, and across the Bosphorous, connecting Karakoy, Eminonu, and Besiktas on the European shore with Uskudar, Haydarpasa, and Kadikoy on the Asian side. A lovely parade of great, ancient mansions which line up both sides of the coast, a romantic escapade under crimson moonlight, no better way to seize the sea-water-canal of this city which divides it apart.

Our Local Expert Says:

Istanbul's nightlife queen

Description:

One of the hottest clubs in Turkey, Reina is actually a vast playground filled with bars, restaurants and dance floors that can welcome up to 2500 people. Supposedly, the name 'Reina' was inspired by a 'very cute' 3-year-old girl (wCities). In the past few years, Reina has been becoming more and more "less local." This has to do with its vast popularity and scenery, which have made it very famous worldwide and thus very crowded. It is located at the foot of the European side with a magnificent view of the Bosphorus Bridge. It is open every season, yet moves out to its vast open space in the summers. The place gets renovated right down to its toilets almost every season and opens both its winter and summer seasons with huge parties. The restaurants inside this complex run the gamut from Italian to Sushi to more traditional local fare. Many well-known restaurants including Kosebasi Kebab, Samdan Restaurat and Dragon Chinese Restaurant move into Reina for the summer season. Nevertheless, you may not be able to find the same restaurant here season after season: Who pays the piper calls the tune...

Our Local Expert Says:

Chic and elegant lounge area

Description:

Despite a fairly good French-influenced menu, most of the moneyed clientele come here to be seen rather than eat. The well-heeled customers enter through a narrow corridor -a.k.a VIP-, walk over colorful old carpets and bright kilims (traditional Turkish rugs) into a wide saloon with an incredible view of the Bosphorus. Ulus 29 is located right above, on the same hill as the, Sunset Grill Bar & Restaurant. The two restaurants share the same aura, clientele and the view; and have slightly influenced menus, yet differ by the fact that Ulus 29 is a bar, restaurant and club. Even though dinner may end around midnight at 29, the 29 club is usually just starting by that time. The ostentatious décor of both restaurant and the club area makes the whole place resemble a gigantic Bedouin tent. In summer, everyone prefers to dine on the open-air garden terrace with fabulous views of the Bosphorus. The menu covers a wide array of cuisines, but is fairly influenced by French, Ottoman Classics and Italian.

Our Local Expert Says:

Certainly the place to go to see and be seen. Frequented by celebrities and the who's who of Turkey, Reina doesn't disappoint, save for the 30 euro drinks.

Description:

One of the hottest clubs in Turkey, Reina is actually a vast playground filled with bars, restaurants and dance floors that can welcome up to 2500 people. Supposedly, the name 'Reina' was inspired by a 'very cute' 3-year-old girl (wCities). In the past few years, Reina has been becoming more and more "less local." Yet, high-fliers, millionaires, celebrities and media moguls continue to mix and mingle under one roof. This has to do with its vast popularity and scenery, which have made it very famous worldwide and thus very crowded. It is located at the foot of the European side with a magnificent view of the Bosphorus Bridge. It is open every season, yet moves out to its vast open space in the summers. The place gets renovated right down to its toilets almost every season and opens both its winter and summer seasons with huge parties. The restaurants inside this complex run the gamut from Italian to Sushi to more traditional local fare. Many well-known restaurants including Kosebasi Kebab, Samdan Restaurant and Dragon Chinese Restaurant move into Reina for the summer season. Nevertheless, you may not be able to find the same restaurant here season after season: Who pays the piper calls... read more

Description:

This little cafe in Bebek offers astonishing view of the Bosphorus from the roof top it is located on. Its menu ranges from many healthy picks (salads, toasts, soups) to delicious and seductive home-made pastries (chocolate cakes and brownies) and delicious big burgers. It is a nice place for lunch, one of the perfect places for breakfast, even nicer for a cosy get-together and a bottle of wine on a cool Istanbul evening.

Our Local Expert Says:

Most trendy neighborhood bar

Description:

Lucca is chic cafe-bistro in the heart of Bebek accommodating your mood at every hour of the day, whether you feel like partying or co-cooning. Early morning to until after lunch time, Lucca offers a menu that features predominantly a variety of options for breakfast, paninis, salads, wraps, home-made pastry and cakes. After 5 p.m. Lucca offers its clients the right atmosphere to chill and relax after a long and hard workday. The menu changes accordingly as well, offering little tasty plates -the tapas-, cheesy and big hamburgers, the drunken beef sauted with wine and a bigger selection of salad and pasta. Everyday whether it is a Monday or Friday, Lucca gets heated with people dining, or just drinking. There are frequently arts and music happenings: special DJs are called in every now and the little gallery inside the cafe renews itself every two months.

Description:

A walk from Besiktas until Sariyer is just too long. But, if you were to do it, you would be passing by Ciragan Palace, Ortakoy, Kurucesme, Arnavutkoy, Bebek, Rumeli Fortress, Baltalimani / Boyacikoy, Emirgan, Sabanci House / Museum, Istinye, Yenikoy, Tarabya and Sariyer successively. This entire walk would last for at least 4 hours, maybe 5. However, a smaller version from Kurucesme until Rumeli Fortress is just enough to see the beautiful old houses, the fishermen, the sidewalk groceries and the Anatolian coast across. The same walk is doable on the Anatolian coast as well. There the line starts from Uskudar (across from Besiktas) and continues along Beylerbeyi, Kuleli Military School, Vanikoy (the elite residential place of mansions), Kandilli, Goksu, Anadolu Fortress, Kanlica, Pasabahce, Beykoz. Again this entire trail would be too long and tiresome. The better parts of this are from the Kuleli Military School until Kanlica. Yet, another trail along the coast on the Anatolian side is the parallel of the famous shopping street the Bagdat Street. The parallel of this street runs by the Marmara Sea and the best trail starts from Bostanci and continues along Suadiye, Caddebostan and... read more

Description:

Hidiv Pavilion was built by an Italian architect, Delfo Seminati, in 1907. After Egypt gained its independence from the Ottoman Empire, the former khedive of Egypt was removed from his office. Consequently, Khedive Abbas settled into the Hidiv Pavilion after the incident with his family. The pavilion has a distinct art-nouveau structure. Inside the middle of the main entrance, there is a fountain made of marble and its ceiling is covered by stained glass. Apart from its architecture, the Hidiv Kasr-i is well known for its view. The Pavilion's most important feature, the watch-tower, offers a vast view of the entire one half of the Bosphorus. After Khedive left Istanbul in 1930s, Hidiv Pavilion was purchased by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. It was rarely used between 1937- 1982, except as a movie set from time to time. Unfortunately, movie producers have not used it with utmost care; hence some of the unique features of the building have been stained. The restoration process was started by Touring and Automobile Association of Turkey (TURING) in 1982. After two years of restoration work by TURING, Hidiv Kasr was opened in 1984 as a hotel, restaurant and cafeteria.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best hill-top restaurant with a magnificent view commanding the air of Bosphorus

Description:

If you were planning to spend a lot of money on food in Istanbul, you'd be advised to make the most of the whole experience by going to Sunset Grill & Bar in the warmer seasons on a very clear night. Arrive early and ask to be seated at a table in the lush garden terrace, which commands fantastic views of the gleaming Bosphorus Strait and the spectacular sunset. The menu boasts modern Californian cuisine and imaginative meat and fish dishes. There is also a sushi bar.

Description:

Located on the top two floors of the new Marmara Pera hotel, Mikla is the newest hit of the Istanbul Yiyecek Icecek A.S. ("eat drink") ventures, which includes the very popular Lokanta (at Nu Pera in winter and at rooftop as Nu Teras in summer). The Swedish born chef, Mehmet Gürs, is somewhat of an Istanbul celebrity by now; he settled in Istanbul in the 1990s and has made all of the kitchens he's touched turn to gold. Reservations are hard to come by and the wait for a table is long; the management makes it easy with the upstairs bar views of the lights of the Old City. Raw grouper makes an outstanding appetizer, followed by the whole roast beef tenderloin for two. Try to leave space for the memorable pistachio and tahini ice cream.

Our Local Expert Says:

Local's pick

Description:

Majestic view of Bosphorus hidden at Anjelique. Anjelique is the leading candidate for the best and most popular site of Istanbul in the summer; an address for fun, chill-out and full enjoyment with fascinating view and decoration. Top specialties of Anjelique are the lively feeling of the place, the majestic view of Bosphorus and the menu consisting of different flavours. Decoration is designed and renovated by Mahmut Anlar (Geomim Architecture). The simplicity of the decoration and specially angled mirrors bring wide-spectrum of Bosphorus inside Anjelique.

Description:

The owner of the place, Mithat Can, is also the son of one of the most famous singers of Turkey, Sezen Aksu. The place opened recently in place of the Door's Group winter pearl, Wanna. The opening date 11.11.2009 has been set as the club's name: 11.11. It is rumored to become this winter's hit.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the most famous avenues of Istanbul and one of the most lively

Description:

This 2-mile pedestrian boulevard is a must-stroll for any visitor to Istanbul. Formerly known as the Grande Rue de Péra, the street's name was changed to İstiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue) after Turkish independence was declared in 1923. The grand boulevard's turn-of-the-century European-style façades are well cared for, and the shops and restaurants that line the promenade are not extremely touristy or expensive. If you start at Taksim Square, İstiklal Caddesi will lead you all the way to the neighborhood home to the famous Galata Tower. Before you reach Galata, you'll pass through Karaköy, where you can see (and ride, for all of two stops) the world's second-oldest subway, the Tünel. One of İstiklal's side streets is the old Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passage). Along another offshoot you'll find a slew of independent shops selling handcrafted musical instruments. İstiklal Caddesi is also your point of entry to the famous Balık Pazarı (Fish Market). Obviously, the huge boulevard is full of history and mystery, so leave no cobblestone unturned!

Description:

Galata Mevlevihanesi is a whirling dervish hall in the Tünel Music Quarter at the end of Gallip Dede street. A whirling dervish is the fervent dancing and whirling to traditional Islamic chants and is a worship service unlike any other. The Galata Mevlevihanesi is used by several dervish groups. The octagonal hall is the best place to witness the sema, but tickets cannot be bought on the spot. To avoid disappointment make sure you get your bookings done in advance, or if not in town, get someone from your hotel to get them for you. The performances happen every Sunday and some Saturdays.

Description:

This gallery is famously known in Istanbul for representing the major contributors to the world of art. Apel is the home of several aesthetic spaces, and features various Turkish and Ottoman exhibitions spread over five floors. Come to admire marvelous sculptures by sculptors, such as Yücel Kale and Azade Köker. Like many other galleries and museums in Istanbul Galeri Apel is also featuring special shows like the 'Neighbours'. With the various different exhibits that keep changing, this gallery is a Turkish art connoisseur's delight.

Description:

Initiated in September 2001, this center is located in one of the liveliest areas of the city. It facilitates meetings for artists, curators and critics, acting as a stable platform. There are research and lecturing facilities available here and it is also home to an extensive artist archive. The Platform Garanti Contemporary Art Centre encourages art on both a local and international level - it even offers a Residency Program, which is open to international artists, critics and curators. Visitors can enjoy various group and solo exhibitions as well as lectures, workshops and video and film events. So if you are a budding artist, a critic in search of the next big thing or just an interested visitor, head here for a complete arty experience.

Our Local Expert Says:

The views here are just as good as the food! A pricey restaurant to be sure, 360 Istanbul offers superb dining with great wait staff, and a view that is paralleled by few. A romantic way to spend the evening.

Description:

As the name implies, this restaurant offers a stunning 360 degree view of the city. Although quiet at lunch, it transforms into a sophisticated and trendy nightspot. The fare is more or less international, with a range of exotic dishes. Try dishes like Prawns in a Jar with Lemon Grass, or the Bollywood Chicken. Stick to Turkish cuisine or go in for some sushi, but definitely order something from the imported wine list. The DJ and the live music keep you on your feet-the atmosphere gets more vibrant as the night progresses.

Description:

The high-point of Litera is its position and view, which encompasses not only the Bosphorus and the Princes' islands, but also the old city. Litera is one of the three restaurants owned by the ERC Group -in fact the address of ERC Office is commonly mistaken on the Internet as the address of Litera. Litera starts the day at 11:00 AM with lunch and continues to serve throughout the day as a cafe. Kitchen re-opens for dinner at 19:00, and after 23:00 the dancing and music starts. It is a friendly place that accommodates also the customers, who wish not to eat, but to have a drink or two against the view of the city and the Bosphorus. Nevertheless, NileGuide advises strongly that you perhaps taste either the fried chicken pastry ( tava börek) or the plainer vegetable börek, followed by spring chicken with thyme -cooked the villager style-, ending with panna cotta or almond nut chocolate cake. Be sure to reserve a table if you plan on having a dinner.

Our Local Expert Says:

An interesting fact is that it has the world's largest chandelier - the size of a small car in fact!

Description:

Imagine a home with 285 rooms, 6 baths (hamam), 68 toilets and a ceiling made of 14 tonnes of gold! The Dolmabahçe Palace built on a reclaimed land is one such marvelous structure, built by the Ottoman Sultan, Abdulmecid between 1853-1922. A guided tour to this splendid palace will be an experience, checking out the modern approach to architecture with an essentially French influence. The rich tastes and splendor of the era is evident in every corner and artifact in the decor. You just can't miss the Bohemian crystal chandelier, the Crystal Staircase or the original bearskin rugs.

Our Local Expert Says:

Indeed one of the best art museums in the city - with great views and a smart café to boast!

Description:

Making its debut in 2004, Istanbul Modern is Turkey's first museum dedicated to displaying contemporary art. Located on the Sea of Marmara, the museum is a 86,000 square foot renovated government warehouse that houses abstract paintings, portraits, sculptures and photographs from local artists and public and private collections. Istanbul Modern fuses Turkish and Western aesthetic influences to create a connection between Turkish and European institutions of art. Although the Turkish government has offered some assistance, the museum is privately funded by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts and the Eczacibasi family, who also provides the permanent collection. Attracting 5,000 visitors daily, one of the most popular exhibits at the museum is the "Stairway to Hell" by Monica Bonvicini in 2003, a sculpture featuring chains and bullet-shattered glass. Other exhibits feature work by Fahrelnissa Zeid and Seker Ahmet Pasa. Istanbul Modern will also offer art history programs for children and adults. Admission is free on Thursdays from 10a-2p, and discounts are offered for students and groups.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best location, very good food

Description:

Iskele Restaurant is very much liked by the local (well-to-do) folks for its unique location on the water front along the Rumeli Hisari coast; and the quality of its services and freshness of the seasonal fish. The best seats in the house are probably those that are outside on the wooden deck, commanding a view across the straits to the castle on the hilltop - Anadolu Hisari. In the winter, tables by the window are second best. The interior décor is unornamented, simplistic and traditional, but still very elegant. The extremely attentive staff are unobtrusive and very friendly, yet still polite and efficient. The service overall is extremely unpretentious. The variety of food is actually not very different from other mainstream fist restaurants. However, Iskele manages to differentiate itself through the quality of its food offer: fresh seasonal fish and delicious seafood meze. Marinated sea bass, Mackarel special from the cold plates; Iskele special from the hot dishes are highly recommended. Locals' choice for business meals and quality time with friends & loved ones. Definitely a place to take your foreign friend and bewilder him during his visit to Istanbul.
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