THE TOP 5 ISTAMBUL HOTELS:
1. InterContinental Ceylan *****
Asker Ocağı Cad. No:1 Taksim 34435, İstanbul, Turkey
Phone: +90 212 368 44 44
Sophistication, discreet service, and the five-star luxuries that discerning travellers demand are what you’ll find at the Ceylan InterContinental. Perfectly positioned to give guests access to the extraordinary sights of the city, this award-winning hotel features a neoclassical design that inspires the imagination and a contemporary sensibility that ensures your complete comfort.
The Ceylan InterContinental is committed to guests’ pleasure all day and night, providing an array of dining and leisure options to meet your needs. At mealtime, you’ll find a remarkable line-up of restaurants and lounges to satisfy any appetite. When it’s time to play, choose from pursuits such as shopping boutiques, a swimming pool, top-of-the-line fitness centre, haman, and beauty salon.
Each of the 387 rooms and suites boasts impressive views of Istanbul and the storied city’s skyline. The décor is a stunning combination that pays tribute to the medieval Ottoman era while also incorporating modern local art. Upscale amenities include marble bathrooms, plush robes and slippers, chic toiletries, and high-speed Internet access. The exclusive club rooms, suites, and presidential rooms boast LCD TVs, DVD players, and home theater systems to ensure that you’re entertained and connected at all times.
2. Ritz- Carlton Istanbul *****
Süzer Plaza, 34367 İstanbul, Turquia
+90 212 334 4444
Set in the heart of this fascinating city, The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul interprets the decadence and culture of the historic Ottoman Empire for modern luxury travelers. Overlooking the Bosphorus and only 15 minutes from iconic attractions such as the Blue Mosque, our Istanbul hotel offers five-star amenities including:
- 243 well-appointed guest rooms, including 23 suites and 57 Ritz-Carlton Club Level rooms
- Exceptional dining experiences including Bleu Lounge & Grill
- More than 25,866 square feet of conference rooms and event spaces
- The Ritz Carlton Spa, features eight treatment rooms, a unique 17-meter indoor pool, a traditional authentic Turkish Hammam, a unique Couples-Hammam Suite, the city’ s first open-air spa and a fitness centre
- Conveniently located near the Istanbul cruise port
3. Ciragan Palace Kempinski *****
Ciragan Palace Kempinski *****
Ciragan Caddesi 32, 34349 Istanbul
+90 212 326 4646
The Ciragan Palace Kempinski is five-star luxury resort right in the heart of bustling, enchanting Istanbul. Overlooking the celebrated Bosphorus, the immense building (and former sultan’s palace) retains the look and feel of its previous incarnation with its stunning architecture and lavish appointments.
With 313 rooms are luxuriously designed, with upscale toiletries, plush bathrobes and slippers, and Internet access. Most of the guestrooms also boast furnished balconies. To experience pure opulence, however, choose one of the Palace Suites, with standard amenities such as a 42-inch plasma TV, designer linens, rain shower, hand-woven Turkish carpets, and goose-down pillows and duvets. Palace Suite services include 24-hour concierge provision; complimentary breakfast and high tea buffets; evening cocktails; business services; and libraries of books, CDs, and DVDs.
4. Hyatt Regency Istanbul *****
Ataköy 1 Mh., Ataköy 1. Kısım D Blok No:1, Bakırköy, Turkey
+90 212 463 1234
Inspired by the proximity to the Marmara Sea, the interior structure represents a powerful ship, its bow ploughing forward through the sea from this costal spot. Hyatt Regency Istanbul Ataköy reflects contemporary décor with subtle local references. Traditional Ottoman design details reflect the historical story of Turkey, which blend seamlessly with the regional contemporary design.
Scenic Marmara Sea or city views are featured in all of the 284 spacious guestrooms and suites. The speciality restaurant situated at the lobby level, and Vue Lounge & Bar at the roof top offer authentic tastes for guests to connect with the world cuisines and convene in a spirited atmosphere. Over 3500 sq m of flexible meeting and event facilities and 1000 sq m pillarless ballroom are available for the perfect meetings, events or wedding. The Residence is an ideal place for both business and social events, offering the opportunity to hold meetings and events in a homely setting with a highly personalized service.
5. Swissotel Istanbul Bosphorus*****
Swissotel Istanbul Bosphorus
Bayildim Cad. No.2 Macka ▪ 34357 Besiktas Istanbul ▪ Turkey
Tel: +90 212 326 1100 ▪ Fax: +90 212 326 1122 ▪
A member of the Leading Hotels of the World and awarded Europe Luxury Hotel 2013 by World Luxury Hotel Awards, Swissotel The Bosphorus, Istanbul is a five-star luxury hotel right in the centre of Istanbul on the European banks of the Bosphorus. Nestled within 65 acres of historical gardens with world-class shopping and vibrant nightlife nearby, it offers 497 guest rooms and suites, featuring state-of-the-art technology and exclusive amenities. For guest staying in Executive rooms, the Swiss Executive Club lounge provides additional luxury and exclusivity.
THE TOP 5 ISTANBUL RESTAURANTS
1. La Mouette
Located in the beautifull terrace of Beyoğlu’s Tomtom Suites Hotel with a Contemporary mediterranean cuisine served at a chic terrace with a magnificent view of the Old Town, Prince Islands and beyond.
To make your special moments memorable, or to make a good impact on your clients with a business dinner, Nicole Restaurant’s terrace offers a perfect setting.
Timetable:
Open Mon-Sat 6.30am-11pm
Contacts:
Bogazkesen Caddesi
Tomtom Kaptan Sokak
No.18 Beyoglu, 34433
Istanbul / Turkiye
info@tomtomsuites.com
+90 212 292 4949
2. Lokanta Maya
It seems chef Didem Şenol knew exactly what Istanbul was missing when, last year, she opened Lokanta Maya – a casual neighbourhood bistro with a brief menu of contemporary Turkish cooking and seasonal specials. Since opening, Maya has been showered with well-deserved praise, locally and internationally, quickly earning the place an enthusiastic following. The mucver, zucchini fritters, are so popular that Şenol wrote the recipe on a mirror in the dining room so customers would stop asking for it. The caramelised sea bass with orange is irresistible, too.
Timetable:
Open Tue-Sat noon-5pm and 7pm-11pm, Mon lunch only
Contacts:
Kemankeş Caddesi 35 A
Karaköy İstanbul
34425
T + 90 212 252 68 84
info@lokantamaya.com
4. Mikla
Mikla opened in October 2005. The initial idea was to create a refined but contemporary “Istanbullu” Restaurant. Both the menu and the general feel of the restaurant reflect the Turkish-Scandinavian background of Mehmet Gürs, the Chef-Owner who pioneered the contemporary restaurant scene in Istanbul when he moved here in 1996. With its outstanding food, breathtaking view, proper service and inspiring music, Mikla was instantly voted best restaurant in Istanbul and continues to enjoy raving local and international reviews.
Timetable:
Open Mon-Sat 6pm-11.30pm
Contacts:
phone: +90 (212) 293 5656
Address:
The Marmara Pera
Meşrutiyet Caddesi 15
34430, Beyoğlu, İstanbul
e-mail: info@miklarestaurant.com
If the illuminated collection of manuscripts on display at Sabanci Museum is not reason enough to head up to the neighbourhood of Emirgan by the Bosphorus, Müzedechanga, located inside the museum, certainly is. The brainchild of Kiwi chef Peter Gordon, this restaurant is a top address for creative spins on Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant setting with spectacular views of the water from the terrace. Though more subdued than the trendier branch of the restaurant in Taksim, a meal at Müzedachanga always feels like a special occasion.
Timetable:
Open Tue-Sun 10.30am-1am
Contacts:
Sakip Sabanci Caddesi 42, Emirgan,
+90 212 323 0901
THE TOP 5 ISTANBUL SHOPS
1.Buhjahar
Buhajar’s bright, airy interior provides a welcoming introduction to the diverse collections offered by this upscale brand, which first opened in 1958 in the gold souks of the Libyan capital Tripoli and launched its first international flagship store in Istanbul last year. The jewellery lines offered at Buhajar are all designed and produced in Italy and range from sleek and modern to Eastern-inspired, with nods to historical forms. Choose among the classic diamond tennis bracelets and pearl necklaces, abstract multicoloured rhinestone-encrusted rings, quirky wish tree charms and pendants sporting sapphires and diamonds.
Contacts:
Buhajar, Abdi İpekçi Caddesi 6-8A, Nişantaşı,
+90 (0)212 240 4273
2.Midnight Express
Midnight Express is a design concept store specialising in prêt–à–porter clothing as well as lifestyle goods, furniture, nic-nacks and jewellery. You can find Midnight Express Stores in Bebek and Nisantasi .
Contacts:
Küçük Bebek Cd. No: 7/A, Bebek
+90-212-2654547
3.Evihan
Evihan is a one-of-a-kind store in Cukurcuma, opened in 2003.
Evihan’s specialty is its collection of unique, handmade angels.The angels are made by firing up a special Bohemian torch to 1200°c, which is then used to melt and shape Moretti glass rods into figurines. Each one has its own special facial expression and comes in many different colours and styles with precious or semi precious stones such as pearl or amethyst used in the chains.
925-grade silver with laser enamel is used on the bodies. The angels are then attached to pendants, brooches or rings and can be made to order and customised from photos.
Evihan also stocks a range of stoneware, scarves, felt hats, picture frames, decorations and clothing from a variety of designers, including as far away as Holland.
Contacts:
Altıpatlar Sk 4/A, Çukurcuma/Istanbul – Europe, Turkey
+90 212 244 0034
4.Cocoon Chic
Cocoon was established in 1996 by Seref Ozen and Mustafa Gokhan Demir. Located in the historic Arasta Bazaar, in the shadows of the Blue Mosque of the Sultan Ahmet district of Istanbul, Cocoon specializes in rugs, flatweaves and textiles from Central Asia as well as Persia and Anatolia.
Seref Ozen who is considered to be one of the foremost authorities in the world on Central Asian textiles and Cocoon has become synonymous with quality service among collectors around the world. He has exhibited at all the major tribal art shows around the world including the HALI fair in London and is a regular participant in ACOR and San Francisco at the Caskey Lees Tribal Art show every February.
Seref has also contributed various articles to HALI and represents the magazine in Istanbul.
Contacts:
Sultanahmet Kucukayasofya Str. No: 15
( Old Door Number: 13 )
Fatih 34122 Istanbul – TURKEY
00 90 212 638 6271
00 90 532 251 5316 gsm for seref
00 90 533 760 6792 gsm for gokhan
5.Cocoon Chic
Spice Bazaar aka the pretty little daughter of the Turkish Bazaar’s.
Commissioned by the Sultan’s wife, Hatice Turhan Sultan, as a way of helping to support the upkeep of the Yenni Cami, architect Kazim Aga built the Spice Bazaar in 1664. With its eighty six shops packed full of herbs, spices, fresh, preserved and dried foods and souvenirs, the Spice Bazaar is a vibrant and fragrant celebration of all things delicious.
Powdered and fruit teas, as well as spices are arranged outside shops in brightly coloured pyramids, and most shopkeepers won’t mind you pointing your camera at these man-made marvels.
Shops sell everything from olives, cheeses, Turkish Delight, dried meats and fruits, teas, to bright scarves, lanterns and Turkish water pipes. For those feeling a little under the weather, the Spice Bazaar’s function as a natural pharmacy is still in use. Herbs are mixed to provide cures to such ailments as lack of love or problems making love.
Contacts:
Rüstem Paşa Mahallesi, 34116 İstanbul, Turkey
+90 212 513 6597
THE TOP 5 ISTANBUL ART & CULTURE SPOTS
1.Design Zone
Design Zone Gallery was the first design and art gallery on the Eminonu Peninsula. The store combines old Turkish motifs with modern design with their eclectic range of jewellery and homeware products.
There are a range of designers represented including renowned Turkish designer Ozlem Tuna who founded the store in May of 2007. Tuna has a BA in Ceramics and an MA from the Department of Graphic Design. Her unique jewellery and table ware collection brings together a variety of materials such as copper, silver, ceramic and precious and semi precious stones.
Expert craftsmen are used to make separate pieces which are then combined in unusual ways. Some featured items include ceramic coffee cups with silver, jewel-laden handles and mosaic rings with diamonds.
Design Zone has featured in many Turkish and international publications including Madame Figaro Japan, Elle Magazine Turkey, Skylife Magazine and Maison Francaise.
Contacts:
Ali Türbe Sokak No:21/4, Nuruosmaniye, Around Grand Bazaar
+90-212-5279285
2.IKSV
The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV) has its own design store at the Deniz Palas in Sishane. IKSV Design stocks an inspiring collection of items such as notebooks, key chains, jewellery, stationery, t-shirts, crockery and much more.
Contacts:
+90-212-3340830
3.Gama Art Gallery
Art Gallery in center of Prague with a Tourist information for Russian
Contacts:
Turnacıbaşı sok. No: 21
34433 İstanbul
+90 (212) 245 6922
4.Apel Gallery
Apel Gallery represents emerging contemporary artists, both international and Turkish. The gallery was opened in 1998 and is notable for its thematic exhibitions that unite the work of various practitioners. Set in a stunning space of rustic brick, wood and metal surfaces, Apel feels both modern and historic. The founder and owner of the gallery, Nuran Terzioglu, was the former gallery director of Ankara Tanbay and Urart Art Galleries. She has been an influential figure in Istanbul’s modern art scene, being one of the founding members of Sanart and also the artistic activities coordinator of the Fine Arts, Design and Architecture Faculty at the Bilkent University.
Contacts:
Hayriye Cad. No:5A 80060 Galatasaray / Istanbul TURKEY
+90 212 292 72 36
5.Dirimart
Opened in 2002, Dirimart displays the work of emerging and established Turkish artists, as well renowned international names. With its participation in many art fairs and collaboration with artists and collectors, Dirimart has become one of the leading galleries in Istanbul.
Contacts:
Abdi Ipekci Cad. 7/4. Istanbul Turkey;
+90 212 291 3434
THE TOP 5 ISTANBUL NIGHTCLUBS
1. Anjelique
Located on the shore of Bosphorus, it goes without saying that this three storey mansion offers a good view as well as a broad variety of food. The night club is located on the top floor. Some like the place for its music and some for the cocktails, while others go there for the trendy dynamic atmosphere.
Contacts:
SALHANE SOK. NO:5 ORTAKÖY, İSTANBUL
90 212 327 28 44
1. Anjelique
Located on the shore of Bosphorus, it goes without saying that this three storey mansion offers a good view as well as a broad variety of food. The night club is located on the top floor. Some like the place for its music and some for the cocktails, while others go there for the trendy dynamic atmosphere.
Contacts:
SALHANE SOK. NO:5 ORTAKÖY, İSTANBUL
90 212 327 28 44
2. Blackk
Resto-lounge, Club and Levendiz Greek Tavern. One of them will surely satisfy you. Decorated in 18th century Rococo style with angling forms of modernism, in Resto-lounge you will experience “taste” in more than one sense. Modern and classic blends elegantly in the Club, where you can enjoy the Bosphorus view as well as 18th century paintings in a club spirit.
Contacts:
Muallim Naci Cad. No:71 Ortaköy
+90 212 236 72 56
3. Reina
Opened its doors in 2003 and is located by the Bosphorus. In a spacious elegant design, Reina offers several bars, restaurants and dance floors. You can find different exclusive tastes of world cuisine in Reina thanks to their 5 restaurants.Reina is the pearl of the entertainment world. It hosted world wide famous stars like Bon Jovi, Kylie Minoque, U2, Uma Thurman, Daniel Craig, and Naomi Wattswith its exclusive entertainment concept.
Contacts:
Muallim Naci Cad. No:44 Kuruçeşme Ortaköy
+90212 259 59 19 – 259 59 21
4. Sortie
An elite ambience, with a picturesque view of Istanbul located by the Bosphorus with a combination of six restaurants and 3 bars, open between 6 p.m. and 4 a.m. Sortie is one of the best escape places to relax and have fun.
Contacts:
141 Muallim Naci caddesi Kuruçeşme Ortaköy
+90 212 327 85 85
5. Suada
This night club actually plays in a league of their own, since SuAda is not located by the Bosphorus … but on an island in it!
Located 165 meters away from the European shore in Kuruçeşme the island was a present for Serkis Kalfa, the head architect of the Ottoman palace, by Sultan Abdülaziz in 1872.
Contacts:
boat trip from the Kuruçeşme shore.
+90 212 263 73 00/33
