Istanbul is one of the most fonded destinations in the world, yearly millions of people visit the city to experience the treasures and joy found in every corner. The city’s colors, spots, and magic show the connection between the past and present. The city is famous for its historical and cultural value, especially connected with Ottoman history. The city’s borders extend under two of the biggest continents: Europe and Asia. As the cultural capital of different monothetic religions, the city is filled with the most fantastic monuments rich in history and records. The renowned Sultanahmet Square, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace are some of the historical landmarks we are fonded of. The hammams of Istambul are very significant for the city’s history, and it’s a must for anyone visiting the city to step inside these relaxing baths with steam, massages, and body washing. Pretty popular all over the country, not only in the city, are the local sweet snacks – lokum, and gooey. We want to ensure anyone visiting the town enjoys it as much as we do, so we have gathered our favorite accommodations, dining locations, spas, and shops to add to any itinerary alongside the classical and renamed historical landmarks in our luxury travel guide to Istanbul.
Where to stay
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At The Bosphorus
The Bosporus Strait nestles the Four Seasons Hotel right on its shores; the illustrious strait is the boundary between Europe and Asia. The Four Seasons Hotel ventures into Istambul’s acclaimed architecture and contemporary chambers.
Step inside the traditional Turkish baths to connect with this inherited cultural treasure. There is more to enjoy and unwind; the outdoor pool is unique for lounging all day long, plus the possibility to marvel at the numerous minarets seen from the waterfront skyline.
Address: No:28, Çırağan Cd., 34349 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
Phone: +90 212 381 40 00
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Lazzoni Hotel
Awarded eleven times, the Lazzoni Hotel is a top, luxurious accommodation in Istanbul. Home away from home, this is what the hotel and its staff aim to make guests feel when staying with them—dominating the forging of luxury and elegant living environments, the Lazzoni Hotel masters the art of accommodation. Located on the coast of Golden Horn, the hotel is surrounded by historical aspects of the European half of the country. The location also benefits anyone visiting the city due to its proximity to business centers, must-visit spots, and complexes. Each corner of the Lazzoni Hotel has been designed and furnished by the Lazzoni Furniture Company, a company awarded due to its elegance, sophisticated design, and bespoke material quality.
Jin Terrace is an enchanting option when looking to relax at a nice place, recharge energy, have a drink with friends, or have any other occasion that requires good food, drinks, and a pleasant environment. Located on the terrace floor of the Lazzoni hotel, it provides a unique view of Istanbul, one of the best areas around. Their service hours range from breakfast to lunch and dinner, and they are available to enjoy the best parts of the day.
Any great hotel must provide a spa area to complete the relaxation cycle during a trip; Onni Hamam & Spa is found on a 650 m2 site. Different therapy rooms & Suits, sauna and steam rooms to detoxify our bodies, swimming pool, and of course, a Turkish Hamam. The Lazzoni hotel values its guests, which is why they provide a pleasant and memorable time to pamper and connect with themselves.
Address: Sütlüce, İmrahor Cd. No:14, 34445 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Phone: +90 212 311 00 00
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Amira Hotel
The Amira Hotel is found in the center of Istanbul, just a few steps away from cultural and historical landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. The hotel takes pride in the city of Istanbul, its personality, and its peculiarity, which is why they highly encourage guests to wander around the town and live the best Istanbul experience possible.
There is an encapsulated sense of comfort and elegance in every corner of the hotel while maintaining a relaxed vibe. The hotel boutique has 34 rooms thrilled with contemporary decorations and top-tier furnishings.
Address: Küçük Ayasofya Mahallesi, Mustafa Paşa Sk. No:43, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul
Phone: +90 212 516 16 40
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Where to eat
Sunset Grill & Bar
Awarded the 2023 Michelin Service Award, Sunset Grill & Bar has been holding Istanbul’s top charts of “fine dining” since 1994. Located in Ulus Park, a prominent area of Istanbul, the restaurant delivers one of the best views found in the city. Sunset has devoted years of effort to providing the best Japanese, Turkish, and Mediterranean cuisines in one place.
Address: Kuruçeşme Mahallesi Ulus Park, Yol Sokağı No:2, 34345 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
Phone: +90 212 287 03 57
Novikov
The restaurant Novikov stands out from the rest with a worldwide known “market” concept. The dining experience offered by Novikov starts with their skilled chefs working with the vegetables, fruits, seafood, and Peking ducks displayed in the location. The contemporary concept of this restaurant combines the best of Asian and Italian cuisines prepared with a top-tier selection of seasonal ingredients.
Address: Kuruçeşme, Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Muallim Naci Cd. No:62, 34345 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
Phone: +90 212 349 88 99
1924Istanbul
A taste of history, the reborn of a legend; 1924Istanbul is one of our favorite places to dine in the city. The restaurant holds significant historical value for the town since it was founded by Russians fleeing the Bolshevik revolution. They aimed to portray the same urbane and sophisticated lifestyle they enjoyed back home; with time, the restaurant became a symbol of freedom and enjoyment for expats and locals. The menu presents an intelligent combination of Eastern European dishes with Russian wrenches: borscht, piroshki, beef stroganoff, medovik, etc. Travel guides and tourism aficionados describe the 1924Istanbul dine experience as necessary when visiting Istanbul, just as essential as visiting the Blue Mosque or the bazaar.
Address: Asmalı Mescit, Olivya Gç. 7-A, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Phone: +90 530 896 03 60
360 Istanbul
Awarded internationally, 360 Istanbul serves a bespoke selection of modern International & Turkish cuisine. Between the fantastic food and the breathtaking 360-degree view of the city is very hard to decide which one we love the most! With entertainment as one of the most critical factors to ensure a remarkable experience, the restaurant offers a diverse and thrilling set of live shows with renamed artists. 360 Istanbul becomes a fun club where people dance and have fun with the best views and cocktails.
Address: Tomtom Mah. İstiklal Cad. No:163 K: 8, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Phone: +90 212 251 10 43
Where to relax
Relaxing plays a significant role in the overall experience of any trip, which is why we included two of our favorite places to unwind from the world and bring some peace in.
Hurrem Sultan Hammam
The Hagia Sophia Hurrem Sultan is a Bathhouse in Istambul founded during the sixteenth century. This place was custom-built according to Hurrem Sultan’s wishes, the wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. This place holds great historical value since the usage of public baths dates back to the Roman ages. Nowadays, the bathhouse offers massage therapies and Hamman rituals to relax, cleanse your body and recharge positive energies during a visit to Istanbul.
Address: Cankurtaran, Ayasofya Meydanı No:2, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul
Phone: +90 212 517 35 35
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental
Mandarin Oriental Spa is found as an extension of the Hotel and Resort. This luxurious spa treats your body and minds with a holistic approach to maximize relaxation and well-being. A few signature offerings are recommended when visiting the spa; they are performed with the best hands and high-quality products in the best environment: the Digital Wellness Escape, Inner Strength, Oriental Qi, and Time Rituals. Holistically performed, these treatments balance inner energies and create unique experiences.
Address: Kuruçeşme, Muallim Naci Cd. No: 62, 34345 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
Phone: +90 212 349 88 88
Where to shop
You can only wrap up a successful trip with some shopping therapy, and we have the best options to find high-end local and international treats to get from your visit to Istanbul.
Istiklal Street
As a tourist in Istanbul, Istiklal Street is a must-visit. Along the shops in the street, you can find luxurious scarves made out of high-end silk and handcrafted by the most skilled artists. The tastiest chocolate blocks are also found here, and don’t forget about luxurious and exotic glassware.
Zorlu Shopping Center
Zorlu Shopping Center is a top-tier shopping mall with almost 200 high-end stores. Luxurious and renamed brands, a five-star hotel, Istanbul’s most prominent performing arts center, and more. Cafes and restaurants have the most lavish environment, designs, and food quality.
Address: Levazım, Koru Sok. No:2, 34340 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
Phone: +90 212 924 01 00
Furs provided by Sarigianni
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