ISTANBUL

Introduction

Istanbul Overview

Istanbul is a city of wonder - a fast-paced, sprawling metropolis, an exotic cultural melting-pot, and a harbour city of phenomenal beauty. To experience the ultimate that Istanbul has to offer, explore our highly selective Istanbul City Guide for the best selection of hotels, restaurants, nightlife and things to do in Istanbul. Don't miss our Local Expert interviews, where we open the address books of some of Istanbul’s most discerning locals.

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Where to Sleep

BEST HOTELS  Istanbul boasts a wide selection of luxury 5-star hotels with beautiful Bosphorous views, trendy design hotels and several great budget-chic options located in the heart of Istanbul’s restaurant and nightlife district. Here is our selection of the best hotels in Istanbul right now:

1. Best Design Hotel - Tomtom Suites

2. Best Private Apartments - 4Floors

3. Best Luxury Hotel - Four Seasons 

All Hotels

Where to Eat

BEST RESTAURANTS  Istanbul’s cutting-edge restaurant scene offers a sophisticated mix of global cuisines and restaurant styles, from the ultimate in modern fine dining to the most superb traditional Turkish cuisine. The best restaurants in Istanbul right now includes:

1. Best Fine Dining - Mikla

2. Best Trendy Cafe - Mangerie

3. Best Local Gem - Ciya Sofrasi

All Restaurants

Where to Play

BEST NIGHTLIFE  Istanbul’s nightlife scene capitalises upon its dramatic city and harbour views, where many of the city’s best bars are positioned on soaring rooftops or on the Bosphorous waterfront for maximum X-factor. The best bars in Istanbul right now includes:

1. Best Trendy Scene - Angelique

2. Best For Cocktails - Mikla

3. Best Nightclub - Nu Teras

All Nightlife

ISTANBUL ideas

City Snapshot

A. Sultanahmet - Istanbul’s ancient city and the home of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace & Aya Sofya to name a few.

B. Cagaloglu & Eminonu - A fast-paced and thrilling area with visually breathtaking mosques, and home of the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Markets.

C. Karakoy & Tunel - One of the hottest areas in Istanbul with a vibrant dining and nightlife scene.

D. Beyoglu & Taksim - The shopping and nightlife heart of Istanbul.

E. Cukurcuha & Cihangir - A funky, bohemian district with cool cafes and designer boutiques.

F. Nisantasi - One of the more upscale areas of Istanbul with designer boutiques and artist ateliers.

G. Besiktas & Ortakoy - This is where you’ll find Istanbul’s fashionable crowd hanging out in hip cafes & partying late into the night.

H. Uskudar - Istanbul's Asian side with a wealth of beautiful landmarks and cultural interests.

Detailed Google Map of Istanbul