Istanbul Guide
Our Istanbul guide features a handpicked selection of the best places to eat, drink, shop, stay and explore in Istanbul. Made for lovers of luxury travel, history and contemporary dining experiences…
Welcome to our guide to Istanbul in partnership with Blacklane, to provide you with our exclusive guide to the enchanting city of Istanbul. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from efficient and luxurious transportation options to the finest dining experiences, must-visit attractions, and top accommodation choices. Whether you are looking for the most convenient ways to move around the city, seeking out the best culinary delights, exploring iconic landmarks, or selecting the perfect place to stay, our guide has you covered. With our expert recommendations and tried-and-tested tips, you can make the most of your time in Istanbul and create unforgettable memories in this vibrant and culturally rich destination.
// How to get around in Istanbul - BLACKLANE
Navigating transportation in Istanbul can be particularly bewildering, especially when you are a first-time visitor to the city. Finding Uber rides or taxis can be a challenge due to their unreliability and scarcity. Hence, we strongly advise using Blacklane to alleviate this issue. Blacklane offers dependable, hassle-free, and luxurious services that can be conveniently booked through their user-friendly phone application, making your travel experience in Istanbul smoother and more enjoyable. With Blacklane, you can sit back, relax, and let their professional drivers take care of all your transportation needs, ensuring a stress-free journey.
Where to dine: Our must-try dining options
// Where to go for coffee, breakfast & lunch
HOUSE CAFE
Our top pick to savor a traditional Turkish breakfast with a contemporary twist is The House Café Ortaköy, which opened its doors in 2005 in a beautiful Bosphorus setting. The spacious venue features an inviting indoor café upon entry, two large terraces overlooking the breathtaking seaside, and a stylish indoor dining area. During the summer weekends, guests can enjoy live DJ performances.
// Where to go for DINNER & DRINKS
SUNSET GRILL & BAR
Sunset has been the go-to spot for stylish Istanbul residents to showcase the city's beauty to their international guests since 1994. With breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, a sophisticated menu featuring Asian-inspired dishes, and an exclusive club-like vibe that fosters a sense of community, it’s no wonder this restaurant is a favorite. Nestled within Ulus Park, it boasts a lovely terrace where a glass dining hall offers panoramic views, surrounded by open-air decks filled with tables during the summer months. Sunset Grill & Bar is known for its signature flavors, featured in a delightful cookbook, while being home to the city's first sushi bar and expertly curated, house-aged beef steaks that remain highlights on the menu. The owner, Barış Tansever, a respected member of Chaine des Rotisseurs, has a keen passion for arts and design, which is beautifully reflected in the restaurant's ambiance. The striking illuminated circular bar is topped with a stunning lighting fixture made of cocoons, while the garden features flower-like Maxxi Poppy lamps, reminiscent of those used by Zaha Hadid in her design for the MAXXI museum in Rome.
VOGUE RESTAURANT
Nestled at the top of an understated office building, this restaurant exudes a chic atmosphere, adorned with striking visuals from the famous Vogue magazine archives that enhance its lively decor. However, it’s the stunning vistas of Dolmabahçe Palace and the Bosphorus that truly steal the show. The menu is impressively varied, offering everything from classic Turkish cuisine and pasta to delicious sushi and sashimi.
ULUS 29
Upon stepping into this elegant restaurant, you immediately sense the extraordinary atmosphere. The stunning view of the lively Bosphorus, the captivating minarets, and the iconic Istanbul skyline is truly one-of-a-kind! At 29, you can expect an exquisite dining experience, where the rich flavors and warmth of traditional Turkish dishes are artfully reimagined with a contemporary flair, all set in a beautiful environment!
LUCCA
Lucca, located in the trendy and upscale Bebek area of Istanbul, is regarded as one of the city's coolest spots. We take pride in our lively atmosphere that buzzes from morning till night. With resident DJs maintaining the upbeat vibe all week long, you’ll also find international musicians frequently gracing our decks with their amazing tunes.
// Where to stay
1. Best Luxurry Hotel: Çırağan Palace Kempinski
Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul beautifully merges historical imperial elegance with an extraordinary location. Once the residence of Ottoman sultans, this luxurious hotel is perched right along the Bosphorus, the picturesque strait that separates Europe from Asia Minor. The property features two magnificent buildings: a meticulously restored 19th-century Ottoman palace dedicated to exclusive suites and banquet spaces, and a contemporary annex that accommodates most of the rooms, suites, and dining options. The garden, located directly by the water, boasts an expansive open area that stretches nearly a mile along the seafront. In this breathtaking environment, the hotel enjoys a distinctive advantage — it is the only venue in Istanbul accessible by private boat, helicopter, or car, making it a sought-after location for hosting lavish events. It’s undoubtedly the perfect venue for weddings, offering a stunning backdrop, regal atmosphere, and an exclusive feel.
2. Best Boutique: Mr. Cas
In the vibrant center of the City, at the historic Güney Palace Apartments, we invite guests to experience the elegance of exquisitely designed rooms and suites, all while soaking in the charm of a City once celebrated as the Pearl of the World. Güney Palas Building The hotel is housed in the stunning Güney Palas, which first opened its ornate wrought iron doors in December 1900, quickly becoming a magnet for the City’s most creative and fashionable individuals. Artists, fashion designers, milliners, poets, writers, filmmakers, and actors all found a welcoming haven here. The Palace quickly gained fame for its lavish private gatherings, where film industry moguls and stars were often seen mingling. The stories and gossip from these events would keep the entire City buzzing for months on end. The original design elements of the Palace have been meticulously preserved, allowing guests to admire beautifully painted ceilings and walls in a classical style, complemented by an interior that gracefully reflects the Art Nouveau era. Mr. Cas features halls adorned with mirrors, hand-painted glass doors, intricately carved paneling, and 125-year-old detailed plasterwork, all leading to a marble staircase that seems to float through the building. Guests will have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the elegance of a bygone era while enjoying the modern luxuries of today.
// What to do: places you dont want to miss
TOPKAPI PALACE
Once the magnificent home of the sultans, Topkapi Palace boasts significant collections of Ottoman art, including the exquisite royal kaftans. Be sure to explore the harem and the Baghdad Kiosk to admire the stunning tiles and breathtaking views. A pathway descending from the first courtyard of Topkapi Palace leads you to a shared entrance for the Archaeological Museum and the Çinili Kiosk.
HAGIA AYA SOFYA
The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, a magnificent architectural marvel that was once a Byzantine church, has been transformed into a vibrant mosque that showcases the rich history of Istanbul. Noteworthy for housing the amazing tombs of renowned Ottoman sultans, adorned lavishly with intricately crafted Iznik tiles, this sacred site offers visitors a unique glimpse into the city's past. With the convenience of a single ticket, patrons have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the grandeur of both the Byzantine church's heritage and the mosque's spiritual ambiance, creating an enriching and unforgettable journey through time and culture.
BASILICA CISTERN
The Basilica Cistern, also known as Cisterna Basilica, is undeniably the largest among the myriad of ancient cisterns nestling beneath the historical city of Istanbul, Turkey. This captivating underground marvel, teeming with mystique and history, serves as a magnet for photographers seeking to capture its ethereal beauty and history enthusiasts who are keen to delve into its intriguing past. The ambiance within the cistern is nothing short of otherworldly, evoking a sense of wonder and fascination that transports visitors to a bygone era, making it a must-visit destination for anyone enchanted by the allure of ancient architectural wonders.
// To Shop
MISIR CARSI
The Misir Carsi market is a lively hub of colorful activity, where visitors are tantalized by the rich tapestry of offerings, including exotic spices sourced from distant lands, aromatic herbs that awaken the senses, delicately scented soaps that promise relaxation, fragrances that transport the mind to far-off places, plump and succulent dried fruits that beckon with their natural sweetness, mouth-watering sweets that cater to every taste bud, an assortment of cheeses that satisfy even the most discerning palate. Adjacent to this vibrant marketplace lies a charming flower bazaar, where a kaleidoscope of blooms creates a picturesque scene that complements the sensory delights of the bustling Misir Carsi.
GRAND BAZAAR
Renowned as one of the most famous bazaars worldwide, this extraordinary market offers an extensive array of exquisite items, ranging from luxurious carpets and captivating textiles to a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces, shimmering gold ornaments, precious antiques, dazzling jewelry, finely crafted leather goods, and so much more. Established during the 15th century, this mesmerizing bazaar is a labyrinth of enchanting old streets and alleys that hold countless treasures waiting to be discovered. Visitors are advised to wander through its charming alleys with caution to avoid losing their way amidst the alluring offerings of this historical market.
Istanbul, is a vibrant metropolis steeped in history, stands out as one of the world's most remarkable cities. We hope you enjoyed our guide to Istanbul in partnership with Blacklane, and that our tips, help you maximize your time in Istanbul and create lasting memories in this vibrant city!
- Team Splendid x