TRAVEL GUIDES
OUR GUIDE TO ISTANBUL
Welcome to our ultimate foodie journey: Istanbul!
Our trip was a week-long celebration for Ines' birthday, a perfect duration allowing us to savor the city's every corner.
Having been to Istanbul before, we were amazed by its ongoing transformation. We discovered there’s new, trendy spots continually emerging, and that most cultural landmarks underwent renovations during the Covid lockdown. Our return transformed into a rediscovery of a city in perpetual evolution.
We chose to visit during Ramadan and this added a unique charm. The usually bustling city became (a bit more) tranquil, making it surprisingly easy to explore without the usual tourist rush. Nestled on the European side, we meandered through various neighborhoods and even extended our adventure to the islands.
Our exploration was a harmonious blend of long walks, cultural immersion, and serene moments in the Hamam, with each meal evolving into an incredible culinary experience. Every bite revealed a story of tradition and innovation.
This city has a magnetic pull that keeps drawing us back.
Istanbul, our hearts (and stomachs) undoubtedly belong to you.
Where to Stay
Located in the old town neighborhood of Karaköy (Istanbul’s on-the-rise cool cultural hub), this hotel is an ideal choice if you’re looking to explore the city on foot. During our stay, we enjoyed the rooftop almost every day, which offered incredible views over the Bosphorus bridge and the Golden Horn. The breakfast was also a big plus!!
Karaköy, Istanbul
BANK HOTEL
From 200€ per night
Bosphorus, Istanbul
FOUR SEASONS BOSPHORUS
From 400€ per night
Four Seasons Bosphorus feels like a secret escape within the city. We visited some years ago, but the vivid memories of that stay remain. It's a bit further away from the action, so you might need transportation to explore the city, but that just adds to the calm and tranquility once you're back. It's a perfect blend of urban vibrancy and secluded tranquility,
Bebek Hotel is the go-to spot for young people in Istanbul. Our casual coffee plan turned into a prolonged terrace experience, with hours spent sipping drinks, reveling in live music by the Bosphorus. Nestled in the stylish northern residential area of Bebek, it's a hotspot that captures the vibrant spirit of the city with a more international vibe.
Bebek, Istanbul
BEBEK HOTEL
From 280€ per night
What to do
Topkapi Palace in Istanbul is a historic masterpiece that invites you to explore the opulence of the Ottoman Empire. Perched on Seraglio Point, it boasts ornate architecture, lush gardens, and glimpses into royal life. A must-visit to immerse yourself in the grandeur and cultural richness of Istanbul's past.
TOPKAPI PALACE
Sultanahmet, Istanbul
The Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a breathtaking testament to Ottoman architecture in Istanbul. With its stunning blue tiles and six towering minarets, it's not just a religious site but a cultural marvel. A visit is essential to witness the beauty and historical significance that graces the heart of Istanbul.
THE BLUE MOSQUE
Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Hagia Sophia, with its history and recent transition into a public mosque, stands as an iconic and fascinating symbol in Istanbul. We would really recommend visiting the mosque with a private guide to get a more personalized and in-depth exploration with insights into its multifaceted history and architectural brilliance.
HAGIA SOPHIA
Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Indulging in a Turkish bath (or Hamam) is not just a spa treatment; it's an immersion into centuries-old traditions and a sensory journey that adds a unique layer to your Istanbul experience. . Whether it's the historic ambiance of Çemberlitaş, the architectural beauty of Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan, or the renowned Çağaloğlu, each offers a unique experience.
EXPERIENCE A TURKISH BATH
Istanbul
For an unforgettable day trip, catch a ferry from Istanbul to the Princes' Islands. We explored Burgazada where we strolled through its charming streets, then hopped on a minibus to the mountain's peak. There, you’ll find Kalpazankaya, where you can savor an incredible scenic lunch with breathtaking views—truly a must-visit!
VISIT THE PRINCE’S ISLANDS
Burgazada, Prince’s Islands
Descend below the streets of Sultanahmet into this majestic underground world. Dating back to the 6th century, the basilica has recently been renovated for a quick but captivating visit. Known to James Bond fans from 'From Russia with Love' this Sunken Palace stands as the largest cistern from Istanbul's Byzantine era. (The queue goes quick!)
BASILICA CISTERN
Sultanahmet, Istanbul
You can explore the enchanting beauty of the Bosphorus in Istanbul through diverse avenues— by ferry, a leisurely stroll along its shores, or by private boat! Many renting services even provide the added experience of a sunset picnic. Although we didn't do it this time, this is firmly on our list for the next visit, especially during warmer weather.
EXPLORE THE BOSPHORUS
Bosphorus, Istanbul
Though undeniably touristy, a visit to the Spice Bazaar is a must—its vibrant atmosphere and array of exotic spices create an experience that's quintessentially Istanbul. Much smaller (just two main alleys) than the Grand Bazaar, it's human-scale and boasts magnificent architecture. Conveniently located, facing the Galata Bridge.
MISIR CARSISI
Sultanahmet, Istanbul
What to Taste
Karaköy, Istanbul
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Aheste restaurant deserves a perfect 10! The staff was incredibly kind from start to finish. The food was absolutely exquisite; trust their recommendations, as everything was superb and the vibe was fantastic too. Traditional yet modern, cool yet not too hip - Aheste restaurant strikes the perfect balance for an unforgettable dining experience in Istanbul.
Sultanahmet, Istanbul
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Perched just above the Spice Market (a quaint staircase awaits once you enter), stands Pandeli, a classic institution. Here, the staff wears elegant uniforms against the backdrop of blue-tiled walls adorned with black and white pictures showcasing esteemed past guests, including Queen Elizabeth II, Audrey Hepburn, and Sean Connery.
Beyoğlu, Istanbul
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Nils absolutely adores this place - it's his top pick! They showcase an innovative Turkish cuisine featuring outstanding signature dishes, from dumplings and aubergine to fava beans and lamb sausage. Just mentioning them makes our mouths water…! Without a doubt, we highly recommend opting for the tasting menu—don’t think twice about it.
Burgazada, Prince’s Islands
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Kalpazankaya, nestled on one of the Princes' Islands, is the kind of place where young people gather in large groups during the summer. Offering views of the beautiful sea, it's a serene escape that contrasts with the city. They don’t speak english but simply point at the menu, and everything will turn out great.
Sultanahmet, Istanbul
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For the ultimate authentic kebab experience, look no further than Sehzade Cag Kebap. You might not choose it walking by but, if you're in Istanbul, do yourself a favor and take a seat on one of their plastic chairs on the street. Indulge in an their cooking technique and the smoky, juicy flavors for an authentic street food delight!
Bebek, Istanbul
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It’s party time! Our evening at Arkestra kicked off with a delightful cocktail on the terrace, setting the mood. Moving to the main room for dinner, we relished a fantastic sando! The night reached its crescendo as we ascended upstairs to the bar, where two DJs spun lively vinyls. The place to be for a vibrant night and a fantastic party atmosphere.
Cukurcuma, Istanbul
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Cuma provides different seasonal menus. Nestled in the up-and-coming artist neighborhood of Cukurcuma, it's conveniently situated near various shops, offering a pleasant backdrop for a leisurely stroll. For our brunch experience, we were graciously invited to a cosy living room setup, and it felt just like being welcomed at someone’s home.
Kadıköy, Istanbul
We landed at Ciya Sofrasi thanks to a Chef's Table episode, our expectations soaring. The experience lived up to the hype—though a tad touristy, the food was undeniably delicious. Situated on the Asian side of Istanbul, close to the food market, it's a spot well worth checking out! They also have a Ciya Kebap which we did not try. Maybe next time!
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VEFA BOZACISI
Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Vefa Bozacısı is your go-to spot for trying gözleme, a typical Turkish drink with a unique taste. It's a delightful blend of thickness, sweetness, and a touch of sourness, with cinnamon adding a standout flavor. While the place may not be the easiest to locate, the journey is undoubtedly worth it and the retro decor takes you a step back in time.
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ASLAN
Aslan Restaurant, nestled in Old Istanbul, is renowned for offering a wide range of dishes that exude the comforting essence of home cooking; the rice pudding is apparently amazing, making this a must-try destination that comes highly recommended (even though we didn't have the chance to experience it ourselves).
Sultanahmet, Istanbul
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A charming little spot in Istanbul with Turkish cheese, wines and beers. We walked past this place , and seeing the number of bottles of wine we were immediately intrigued. Unfortunately, because they only have a couple of tables we will have to come back to Istanbul to try it !
COMEDUS
Karaköy, Istanbul
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The Perfect Trip
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