IstanbulTravel Guide

The “port-side” Karaköy neighbourhood in the Beyoğlu district is all about trendy bars, eclectic restaurants and exciting nightlife. If this is your scene, SuB Karaköy stands out from typical luxury hotels. It’s industrial yet chic, offering well-appointed rooms with décor inspired by the harbour and sea. Here you can enjoy all the amenities of a luxury hotel (and the famous Turkish breakfast) with the bonus of being in the middle of the action.  

Taksim Square is a tourist hotspot and this part of Istanbul offers many entertainment, retail and dining options, as well as accommodation to suit every pocket. The cheery, cosy Cheers Midtown Hostel offers nine rooms and is close to the tram line. It's the perfect place to lay your head after an all-nighter!  

Also, consider staying on the Asian side, which is generally more affordable than the European side. For example, the residential neighbourhood of Kadiköy (not to be confused with Karaköy on the European side) is popular with the young and trendy. Here, you can find low-key, comfy accommodation such as the Juliet Rooms and Kitchen, which has both deluxe rooms and hostel dormitory rooms.

The historic Sultanahmet neighbourhood is the area to stay in if you’re visiting for a short time and want to see as many tourist attractions as possible. Offering an unusual stay, Hotel Poem memorialises famous artists, writers and composers connected to the city, from Pyotr Tchaikovsky to Ernest Hemmingway. The rooms are spacious with views over the Bosphorus Strait, and the hotel is ideally situated near the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace attractions.

When it comes to exceptional service and jaw-dropping views, it’s hard to beat Hotel Amira in the Fatih district and the Georges Hotel Galata. Hotel Amira has a wide range of room options for couples and families, as well as the standout Amiralto Rooftop Restaurant and Bar where you can indulge in award-winning dining and admire the city lights reflected in the Sea of Marmara.

Georges Hotel Galata in the Galata quarter of the Beyoğlu district takes things up a notch by offering personalised butler services, modern sophistication with a touch of French class and several awards to its name.

See the city from all sides by cruising down the Bosphorus Straight. Throw in dinner and a show and you have the makings of a magical experience.

Istanbul is known for many grand palaces dotted across both sides of the city. See how the other half lived in the opulent Beylerbeyi Palace in the neighbourhood of Üsküdar on the Asian side. Meander through the landscaped gardens and admire the grandeur of a bygone era of Ottoman sultans. On the European side, the magnificent Topkapi Palace is among the most famous stately landmarks and one of the largest museum-palaces in the world. It houses collections of Turkish treasures, such as ornate ceramics, art, jewellery and weaponry.

Forget dark and pokey buildings smelling musty and dusty — Istanbul’s museums are next level! From the charming Istanbul Toy Museum (Kadiköy district), the delicious Pelit Chocolate Museum (Esenyurt district) and the fascinating Archaeological Museum (Fatih district) to the Innocence Museum (Beyoğlu district) showcasing the culture and history of Istanbul, you’re seriously spoilt for choice.

The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, built in 537 AD, is among the city’s most mesmerising historical buildings and the oldest cathedral in the world. Set on a hill in Fatih on the European side, its mind-boggling architecture features domes, spiking towers (minarets), Byzantine mosaics and 104 columns. Take a tour with a headset on and find out all about the mosque’s fascinating history.

The spectacular Blue Mosque is opposite the Hagia Sophia on the other side of Sultanahmet Square. It wasn’t built to compete with the grand mosque but rather to complement it — and it certainly does with its own charms, immense size and six minarets.

On the Asian side, the historic landmark of the Maiden’s Tower stands all alone on an islet in the Bosphorus Strait. Shrouded in legend and mystery (about a maiden, yes) and many other tales, you can get to it by boat from Üsküdar.  

To experience a modern architectural wonder built in 1992, take an afternoon stroll across the famous Galata Bridge that connects the Galata and Karaköy neighbourhoods on the European side of Istanbul over the Golden Horn inlet. You’ll encounter people from all walks of life, including fisherman casting their lines.

The tradition of bathhouses is woven into several cultures, including that of the Turks. Indulging in a Turkish bath or hammam (steam bath) is a unique experience and highly recommended when you visit Istanbul. Basically, it involves a hot room like a sauna, a full-body exfoliation, a foam massage and a rinse — so no actual bathwater! For an upscale experience, head to the magnificent Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam in Beyoğlu on the European side. For a low-key and totally traditional take, there’s Cinili Hamam on the Asian side in Üsküdar.

In the Sultanahmet neighbourhood, traditional Turkish restaurants are scattered throughout the backstreets of the Blue Mosque. This is where you’ll find delicious meze platters (bite-sized hot and cold dishes) on the menu. Ordering one of these is the best way to get acquainted with the local fare. The locals flock to Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta, so you know the food is good.

For a unique experience, head to the historical Flower Arcade (Çiçek Pasaji) in the Beyoğlu district. Built in the late 1800s, the beautiful interior is a feast for the eyes! It’s lined with meyhanes (Turkish restaurant-bars), European beer halls and a variety of restaurants.

To experience the Asian side of Turkish cuisine, head to the vibey district of Kadiköy. Look for lahmacun on the menu — a popular street food that consists of Turkish flatbread topped with minced meat, spices, tomatoes and herbs. Often called the Turkish pizza, some like it spicy, some like it garlicky, but everyone agrees it’s delicious! Halil Lahmacun has years of experience making this dish and with some of the best recipes and bases, it’s a popular lunch spot. Join the queue, it’s worth it.  

To experience authentic street food culture, head to the Asian side of Istanbul where each neighbourhood has its own special dishes. In Kadiköy, look for the borek stands selling baked or fried pastries (borek) filled with cheese, minced meat, spinach or potatoes, and the kumpir stands selling stuffed baked potatoes. The historic district of Üsküdar is known for stuffed mussels (midye dolma) and lahmacun, and Çengelköy for sesame bread rings called simit. Another neighbourhood with a buzzing street food scene is Moda. Try the fish sandwiches (balik ekmek) or, if you’re brave, the delicacy of kokoreç (grilled lamb intestines).

For something special, dine at Turk Fatih Tutak in Şişli on the European side, which boasts two Michelin stars. Award-winning Chef Fatif sources ingredients from local and artisanal producers and creates a constantly changing, experimental menu paired with delicious Turkish wine.

Over in Kanlica on the Asian side, dining at the stunning A'jia Restaurant will make you feel like a celeb. Think chandeliers and rose petals on your seat! Set in a five-star boutique hotel on the Bosphorus Strait, this award-winning eatery offers an eclectic menu with French, Italian and local flair.

By the way, if you spot the word “ikram” on the bill in traditional or fine-dining restaurants in Istanbul, don’t panic about the coffee and tea you will be offered every few minutes, as it’s on the house!

The Grand Bazaar is the most famous of all shopping experiences in Istanbul. Found in the Fatih district of the European side, this bazaar has been thriving as a trading hot spot for centuries. Some say there are 3,000 shops, some say closer to 4,000. Whichever it is, the 550-year-old living museum with its labyrinth of over 60 covered streets is a bucket-list shopping adventure. Picture carpets, textiles, brightly coloured lanterns, antiques, delicately painted vases, trinkets and jewellery all waiting to be haggled for.  

Did you know Istanbul was one of the central points of the Spice Route as various goods made their way from Egypt to China and back? Next to the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar or Egyptian Bazaar is a go-to if you have a sweet tooth or are looking for culinary delights. Here, stalls are packed high with mountains of dates, Turkish delight, fragrant spices, nuts and teas. A feast for the senses! 

Istanbul also has a host of smaller bazaars in different neighbourhoods, each with their own unique selling points and characteristics. Arasta Bazaar in the Fatih district has a charming, laid-back vibe. It’s around the corner from the Blue Mosque and above the Great Palace Mosaic Museum, so you can enjoy several cultural aspects of Istanbul and top it off by buying a handmade Turkish carpet (kilim) to take home.

The Kadiköy market on Asian side is also highly recommended. There are Tuesday and Friday markets where the locals come to do their shopping and tuck into Turkish food. Expect a low-key fun experience and bargains on clothing, homeware and fresh produce.  

If you’re more of a mall rat than a bargain hunter, you’ll be pleased to know the city has over 200 modern European-style malls where you can find many international brands. The Mall of Istanbul in the Başakşehir district is a mega mall with loads of stores and even an indoor theme park, while Istinye Park in the Sariyer district is for the high-end fashionistas.

On the Asian side in Üsküdar, the upscale Akasya mall houses over 200 stores and a cinema. The Tepe Nautilus mall in Kadiköy is a fun, maritime-themed mall offering everything from clothing, accessories and perfume to kiddies’ shops and entertainment. 

Florya Güneş Beach is a sand-and-pebble beach close to the city on the Sea of Marmara. It’s popular with families due to its calm waters and nearby aquarium and park. There are also cafés and restaurants along the promenade.

The Kilyos area on the Black Sea coast features several golden-sand beaches offering water sports and lively beach-club scenes, such as the picturesque Uzunya Beach surrounded by mountains.

The Princes' Islands (or Adalar) is the name given to an archipelago of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara. The four main islands — Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kınalıada — are open to tourists and can be reached by ferry from the European and Asian sides. They offer a tranquil escape from the city and are uncommercialised, unspoilt and car-free. Adding to their charm is the mode of transport: horse-drawn carriages! The islands have both rocky and sandy beaches, as well as some upscale beach clubs. 

Caddebostan Beach in the Kadiköy district is a small family-friendly beach with a long stretch of sand dotted with sun loungers. It’s part of the Caddebostan-Dalyan Park, which offers a mix of outdoor recreation, shopping, dining and nightlife.

The nearby Kiziltoprak Beach is known for its vibey atmosphere. It offers some basic amenities like ablution fountains, and food and drink vendors. Plus, it’s easily accessible by public transport.