TRAVEL GUIDES

OUR GUIDE TO ISTANBUL

Decorative, ornate interior room with arched windows, intricate wall and ceiling designs, and a chandelier.

Come along on our foodie trip to Istanbul!

We spent a week there for Ines’ birthday, which was just the right amount of time to really enjoy the city without rushing.

Even though we’d both been before, we were struck by how much Istanbul has changed. New places keep popping up, and many of the big cultural sites were renovated during the Covid years. It felt less like a return and more like discovering the city all over again.

We happened to be there during Ramadan, which gave the city a slightly calmer rhythm. It was easier to get around, and we loved exploring different neighbourhoods on the European side , and we even took a little escape to the islands!

Our days were a mix of long walks, culture, stops at the Hamam, and, of course, unforgettable meals. Every dish and every restaurant had its own story, a perfect blend of tradition and something new.

There’s something magnetic about Istanbul.

Our hearts (and definitely our stomachs) keep wanting to go back.

Istanbul

2023

Istanbul 2023

A cozy living room corner with a patterned sofa, a round wooden coffee table with a lit candle, a red lampshade on a side table, and a mural of palm trees painted on the wall.

Where to Stay

What to Do

What to Taste

Where to Stay

Cityscape view of Istanbul, Turkey, featuring mosques with domes and minarets, with boats docked in a harbor and birds flying in the sky during sunset.

BANK HOTEL

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

From 200€ per night

Elegant white building with large windows, surrounded by trees and pink flowering bushes, located along a waterfront with blue water in the foreground.

FOUR SEASONS BOSPHORUS

Bosphorus, Istanbul

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 the perfect mix of lively city energy with just enough calm to breathe also.

A hotel room bed with white linens and three pillows with blue and white zigzag patterns, a wooden headboard with intricate carved floral designs, a side table with a pink lamp, an analog alarm clock, a black phone, a standing floor lamp with a white shade, a green armchair with a geometric-patterned pillow, beige curtains, and a concrete column next to the window.

BEBEK HOTEL

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. Located in the stylish northern residential area of Bebek, it's a hotspot that captures the liely spirit of the city with a more international vibe.

Bebek, Istanbul

From 280€ per night

What to do

Interior of a historic building with marble columns, ornate tile work, and a double door with gold accents.

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

A mosque with four tall minarets and a large central dome, surrounded by leafless trees and a palm tree in the foreground, under a partly cloudy sky.

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

Interior of a historic mosque featuring ornate golden domes with intricate designs, arched windows, and large Islamic calligraphy plaques hanging inside.

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 personalised and in-depth exploration with insights into its multifaceted history and architectural brilliance.

HAGIA SOPHIA

Sultanahmet, Istanbul

Interior of a minimalistic, white marble mosque with arches and a central fountain.

Indulging in a Turkish bath (or Hamam) is not just a spa treatment; it's an immersion into centuries-old traditions and a must-ritual  that adds a unique layer to your Istanbul experience. There’s the historic ambiance of Çemberlitaş, the architectural beauty of Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan, and the renowned Çağaloğlu Hamami (Ines did this one with friends for a bachelorette trip and it was super nice).

EXPERIENCE A TURKISH BATH

Istanbul

A harbor scene with boats docked along a waterfront. Behind the waterfront are multi-story buildings with shops and cafes, and a hillside with green vegetation and houses. A bird is flying in the sky above.

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. A very nice visit for a sunny day.

VISIT THE PRINCE’S ISLANDS

Burgazada, Prince’s Islands

Underground hall with tall brick columns and arches, illuminated with warm orange lighting, reflecting on a wet floor.

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

A boat with a Turkish flag docked on a body of water, with other boats and a hilly shoreline in the background.

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. If you’re looking for a contact, let us know. We found a very good boat through a friend who is local. It includes food and drinks too!

EXPLORE THE BOSPHORUS

Bosphorus, Istanbul

Assorted colorful spices and herbs displayed in glass bins at a market, labeled with names like 'Chicken Spice', 'Salad Spice', 'Love Tea', and 'Dry Vegetable'.

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

A dimly lit restaurant table set for dinner with wine glasses, water glasses, napkins, and silverware, against a brick wall background.

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.

Interior of a restaurant with blue tile walls, a window with a view of a cityscape, and a dining table set with glasses and napkins.

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.

Entrance of a bar and restaurant named 'Yeni Lokanta Bar' with a view into the cozy interior, featuring hanging pendant lights, a bar counter with bottles, and a small table with wooden chairs inside.

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.

An outdoor dining table with a blue and white checkered tablecloth set for four people, with white plates, silverware, and glasses, next to a wooden railing overlooking a scenic view of trees and a blue lake or ocean.

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. 

A plate of grilled kebabs with flatbread on a wooden table, surrounded by a fresh salad, a spicy meat dish, a grilled green chili pepper, and a small bowl of shredded cabbage salad.

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!

A cozy living room corner with a patterned couch, a wooden coffee table with a lit candle, a red glowing lamp, and a wall mural with tropical trees.

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.

A dining room with a wooden table set with glasses and silverware, a vase with flowers as a centerpiece, and wooden chairs. In the background, a person sits near a window, with a gray door and a cabinet with glassware visible.

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.

A variety of hot dishes and appetizers in stainless steel pots and trays on a buffet table, including fried foods, sauces, and stews.

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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Interior of a cozy café with wooden furniture, a long black cushioned bench, small tables and stools, decorative mirrors, framed paintings, a chandelier, and shelves of bottles on the wall.

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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Empty restaurant dining area with tables set for service, large windows, and a chandelier.

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 table set with a glass of white wine, a black empty plate with a fork and knife, a rectangular red plate with sliced cheese and slices of prosciutto, a piece of banana bread on a small white plate, and bowls of olives and oil.

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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