Welcome to Istanbul
Istanbul is full of life, colourful, cultural and has a rich history which shows at the largest market, the Grand Bazaar as well as in the architecture with its old Ottoman mosques.
There is an abundance of impressive historic buildings and new and exciting art galleries and museums to visit and in the evening the choice of restaurants, from fine dining to traditional small taverns is huge.
The nightlife is full of action, with an array of bars, clubs and stylish lounges to satisfy even the most avid partier. No wonder Istanbul has been dubbed the ‘City of the World’s Desire’.
Important Information
TURKEY
Tourist Information goturkey.com
Emergency number: 112
Country code: +90
Currency: Turkish Lira, TL1
ISTANBUL
Tourist Information english.istanbul.com
Tourist Information Office addresses:
Atatürk Havalimanı
Atatürk Airport – Yeşilköy
0212 465 31 51
Sultanahmet
At Meydanı – Sultanahmet
0212 518 18 02
Area code: 0212
Airports:
Ataturk Havalimani ataturkairport.com
Yeşilköy Mh., 34149 Istanbul, Turkey
0212 463 3000
Sabiha Gökçen sgairport.com
Sanayi Mh., 34906 İstanbul, Turkey
0216 588 8000
Transport:
Bus IETT 0212 372 2222, tram
Taxi:
Pera Taxi 0212 245 5498
Istanbul Taxi 0216 361 1807
Istanbul Taxi Reservation 0532 777 0264
Emergency numbers:
Emergency: 112
Police: 155
Restaurants/Cafés
Balikçi Sabahattin
Type of cuisine: Traditional
Balikçi Sabahattin is housed in an old restored wooden Ottoman building wonderfully near the Blue Mosque and is one of Istanbul’s best fish restaurants. Opened in 1945 as a small fish shack this restaurant has grown into one of the city’s most popular seafood restaurants attracting the elite of Istanbul and international visitors. Rice (pilav) with mussels and roasted angler fish are their most famous specials. The restaurant is family-run and now in the third generation, who produce their own olive oil from an olive grove in Mudanya.
balikcisabahattin.com
Cankurtaran Mh., Seyit Hasan Sk No:1, Cankurtaran / İstanbul
00 90 212 458 1824
Mikla
Type of Cuisine: Fine dining
With its outstanding food, breathtaking view, proper service and inspiring music, Mikla (at the top of the 18-storey Marmara Pera Hotel) has been voted best restaurant in Istanbul. Both the menu and the general feel of the restaurant reflect the Turkish-Scandinavian background of Chef-Owner Mehmet Gürs. Ingredients from Istanbul and throughout Turkey are carefully sourced and selected, “mostly humble”, not necessarily fancy, but they are interpreted with the utmost respect. At the core of each search lies an understanding of the land, its traditions, and its people.
www.miklarestaurant.com
Meşrutiyet Caddesi 15, Istanbul Province
00 90 212 293 5656
Asitane
Type of Cuisine: Traditional
Asitane Restaurant serves traditional Ottoman dishes, bringing to life again the tastes and flavours of this glorious era of the Ottoman Empire, during which time Asitane was the name for Istanbul. With the aid of old Ottoman dictionaries the restaurant has archived more than 200 original recipes, which are served in its summer and winter menus such as ‘Dishes from Mehmet the Conqueror’s Reign’, ‘Food from Istanbul Kitchens’ and ‘Aphrodisiacs from the Palace Menu’. Each dish on the menu comes with its original Ottoman name and date.
www.asitanerestaurant.com
Derviş Ali Mh., Kariye Cami Sk No:6, 34240 Edirnekapı, Istanbul
00 90 212 534 8414
X Restaurant & Bar
Type of Cuisine: Late night, International
X Restaurant & Bar is situated on the top floor of the atop the Deniz Palace, also home to the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV), offering splendid views from its large windows. Chef Murat Karaduman has already been part of Michelin-starred restaurants in Portugal, Austria and Germany, and here, with the help of Şakir Eczacıbaşı and Rasim Özkanca, he has mastered excellent Turkish Mediterranean fusion cuisine with dishes that range from a traditional Anatolian “wedding soup” to oven-baked pizzas.
www.xrestaurantbar.com
İstanbul Kültür Sanat Vakfı, Sadi Konuralp Caddesi Deniz Palas 5, Sishane Istanbul
00 90 212 334 0845
Zuma
Type of Cuisine: International
Zuma brings a sophisticated and elegant dining experience to Istanbul in a stunning water-side location. Already renowned in London and Hong Kong, Zuma offers a contemporary representation of the informal Japanese dining style, izakaya. Respecting the traditions of Japanese food culture, Zuma brings the authentic flavours and textures of japanese cuisine and delivers them – Zuma Style.
www.zumarestaurant.com
Salhane sk No:7 ortaköy Istanbul
00 90 212 236 22 96
Sunset Grill & Bar
Type of Cuisine: Fine dining
Open since 1994, Sunset Grill&Bar today is one of the leading fine dining white tablecloth restaurants in Istanbul and the first restaurant in Istanbul with a Sushi Bar. The restaurant offers a spectacular view of the Bosphorus strait, Bosphorus Bridge and Asian shoreline. Initially specializing in “California” cuisine and also preparing the best grilled steaks in Istanbul, different authentic tastes from Turkish cuisine were added to the menu in 1996 to respond to the needs of international clientele.
www.sunsetgrillbar.com
Kuruçeşme Mh., Yol Sk No:2, Istanbul
00 90 212 287 0357
Cipriani
Type of Cuisine: International
Cipriani Istanbul is a 2,500 square foot restaurant that seats 180 indoors and features a 1,000 square foot enclosed terrace with seating for 75 outdoors. Cipriani’s menu offers traditional Italian dishes, some directly from the original and widely famous Harry’s Bar in Venice. The new restaurant and event space is located at the Edition Hotel in the heart of the Levent business district on the prestigious Buyukdere Street. The interior reflects the warm, timeless, inviting decor of Cipriani locations worldwide.
www.cipriani.com
Buyukdere cad. No: 2 Kat:1, Levent / Istanbul
00 90 212 317 7787
Hotels
Amira Hotel****
Amira Hotel is a boutique hotel in Istanbul located in the heart of the centuries old empires’ capital near the great St. Sophia, the magnificent Blue Mosque, the mystic Basilica Cistern, the imperial Topkapi Palace and the colourful Grand Bazaar. Amira offers you spaciously designed rooms, featuring very comfortable Visco mattresses, high-tech amenities such as iPhone docking stations and local touches like hand-made ceiling paintings. Along with its personalized first class service, Amira also offers free Wi-Fi access, a luxury business centre featuring an iMac and a wellness area that includes a gym, Jacuzzi, sauna, massage service.
www.hotelamira.com
Küçük Ayasofya Mh., Mustafa Paşa Sk No:43, 34122 Istanbul
00 90 212 516 1640
Hotel Neorion****
Hotel Neorion is a small and comfortable hotel at the very center of Istanbul’s ancient history and modern culture. Named for Byzantium’s grand port on the Golden Horn, it welcomes visitors from around the world just as the port did in the great days of Constantinople. The hotel’s 53 guest rooms and suites bring the past to life, all with modern comforts. The swimming pool, Turkish bath, massage spa, cultural library, and museum-quality decorative arts are supplemented with complimentary fine arts musical performances, cuisine demonstrations and cultural events exclusively for hotel guests.
www.neorionhotel.com
Hoca Paşa Mh., Orhaniye Cd No:14, 34110 Istanbul
00 90 212 527 9090
A’jia Hotel*****
A distinguished boutique Hotel, A’jia is a traditional Ottoman mansion on the Asian shores of the Bosphorus. With well appointed contemporary interior design, and its centuries old architecture the venue oozes trend and excitement. With its 16 rooms that feature breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, A’jia truly offers a private hideaway with easy access to historical and cultural attractions of the city. Each room is uniquely designed, furnished and equipped with all the latest gimmicks and amenities blending in perfectly with the timeless elegance of the 1800’s. The A’jia restaurant is an exlusive venue with an exquisite menu.
www.ajiahotel.com
Ahmet Rasim Pasa Yalisi Halide Edip Adıvar Caddesi No 27 34812 Kanlica / Istanbul
00 90 216 413 9300
Pera Palace Hotel*****
Step back in time and discover the glory of Istanbul’s ‘belle epoque’ days at the timeless Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah. Overlooking the magnificent Golden Horn, this stylish hotel offers all the romance of old Istanbul and all the luxury of the modern city. Decadent meals, spa treatments and world-class conference facilities come to life in this 19th century hotel whose iconic building has played host to an impressive list of guests that includes Ernest Hemingway, Agatha Christie and Alfred Hitchcock among others. Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah was designated with “museum-hotel” status in 1981 when Room 101 was converted into the Atatürk Museum.
www.jumeirah.com
Evliya Çelebi Mh., Meşrutiyet Cd No:98, 80050 Istanbul
00 90 212 377 4000
Ciragan Palace Hotel*****
The quintessence of five-star services and facilities awaits at Çırağan Palace Kempinski. The tastefully decorated rooms and suites are lavish in style and comfort and capture the essence of pure luxury. Most of them offer a balcony that welcomes you with a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus. 11 Suites in the imperial Palace will treat you to an exclusive ambience that was once enjoyed by the majestic Sultans of the Ottoman Empire. The hotel features a Spa, Fitness Centre and Indoor Pool, Shopping Arcade and Hair Salon.
www.kempinski.com
Yıldız Mh., Çırağan Cd No:32, 34349 Istanbul
00 90 212 326 4646
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus*****
A chic city retreat on Istanbul’s glorious seafront, this converted Ottoman palace is surrounded by indigo waters and mountaintops. Each luxury hotel room at the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus is a bright and airy example of what happens when new meets old, with the best possible results. Chic, luxury Istanbul hotel-room interiors mingle with centuries-old architectural details as balmy sea breezes give way to panoramic waterfront, garden and city views. As always, Four Seasons signature service is a quiet presence as you relax, dine and celebrate among Bosphorus’s most beautiful and historic spaces.
www.fourseasons.com/bosphorus
Yıldız Mh., Çırağan Cd No:28, Beşiktaş, Istanbul
00 90 212 381 4000
Georges Hotel Galata****
Georges Hotel Galata is a stylish 20 room boutique hotel housed in a heritage building in the heart of Istanbul’s chic cultural centre. All rooms feature high ceilings, sleek furniture, wood parquet floors and a spacious modern feel with Led TV, iPad docking stations, laptop sized safes, Nespresso machine and free Wi-Fi. Many of the rooms also feature balconies and stunning views of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn. The George’s own restaurant is among the highlights; Le Fumoir Restaurant & Terrace & Bar serves well-crafted made with artisanal methods French cuisine in a clubby brick-walled dining room and in the rooftop terrace.
www.georges.com
Müeyyedzade Mh., Serdar-ı Ekrem Cd No:24, Beyoğlu, Istanbul
00 90 212 244 2423
Ibrahim Pasha***
Lovely boutique hotel blends a stylish modern interior with Ottoman antiques. Chic and cosy, the Ibrahim Pasha, a merging of two turn-of-the-20th-century Ottoman homes, is located in a central but quiet street of historical Sultanahmet. The ground floor has a lobby with two fireplaces; the 4-storey building has an elevator. The rooftop terrace has a breathtaking view of the Blue Mosque and the Sea of Marmara and has a bar for the exclusive use of guests.
www.ibrahimpasha.com
Binbirdirek Mh., Terzihane Sk No:7, 34122 Istanbul
00 90 212 518 0394
Bars/Nightclubs
360istanbul
The multi award winning 360istanbul is set in a penthouse perched on a 19th century apartment building overlooking the old embassy row in Beyoglu which on weekends hosts dance shows and live music performances accompanied by local and internationally renowned DJs. It commands a 360 breath-taking view of Istanbul all the way across the Bosphorus strait to the Hagia Sophia Mosque and out to the Sea of Marmara. 360 is open for lunch and dinner, and turns into Club360 on the weekends with talented Djs and vocalists, live dancers and performances.
360istanbul.com
Istiklal Street, Mısır Apartment, 8th Floor No: 163 Beyoglu, Istanbul
00 90 212 251 10 42 – 43
00 90 533 691 0 360
Summit Terrace and Bar
Located on the 14th floor of the Conrad Hotel, Summit offers flawless aperitifs, classic cocktails, and a spectacular view of the Istanbul skyline. Summit Terrace is a bar with a view, above and beyond the Istanbul skyline. With flawless aperitifs, drinks from around the world, modern and classic cocktails and appetizing food menu, Summit casts a spell which is impossible to resist.
conradhotels3.hilton.com
Conrad Hotel Istanbul, 34353 Istanbul
00 90 212 227 3000
Reina
Type of Cuisine: Late night
Reina Bar/Restaurant/Club is one of the most prestigious entertainment venues in Istanbul. Famous across the borders, is Reina not only famous as an entertainment venue but also has become a tourist hotspot as well as a meeting point for international statesmen and world stars. Having a drink at the Reina is indeed a very special pleasure since the view to Europe on one side and to Asia on the other side is truly unique. Add to this the silhouette of Istanbul with its historical buildings and its magnificent bridge, and you have the perfect skyline.
www.reina.com.tr
Muallim Naci Cad. No:44 Ortaköy/Istanbul
00 90 212 259 5919
Ulus 29
Type of Cuisine: Late night
Ulus 29 is located on a hilltop in the upscale neighborhood of Ulus and comprises a restaurant, terrace bar, upscale club and wine cellar, and boasts spectacular views. The atmosphere at the chic, yet cozy Terrace Bar affords an ambiance that is lively, dynamic and young with music in the forefront. Try the tasty finger foods accompanied with refreshing cocktails. Resident DJs play a variety of music nightly. Also on premises is Club 29 where you can hobnob with clubbers and celebrities from Turkey and abroad. Club 29 has hosted and continues to host trendy and popular DJs from around the world.
www.group-29.com
Adnan Saygun Caddesi Ulus Parkı İçi No:71/1 Ulus, 34340, İstanbul
00 90 212 358 29 29
Anjelique
Type of Cuisine: Late night
This well-known restaurant and nightclub is located in a 3-storey seaside mansion in Ortaköy, where each floor has a different music style and hosts the world-famous DJ’s. The celebrities of Istanbul’s nightlife-scene have been enjoying Anjelique’s exquisite atmosphere and incomparable view of the Bosphorus. Moreover, at Anjelique you can find the most delicious tastes of the Aegean, Asian and world cuisine. Anjelique is the meeting place for people who want great entertainment and exquisite flavours together in the same extraordinary place.
www.anjelique.com.tr
Salhane Sok. No:5 Ortakoy, Istanbul
00 90 212 327 28 44
Shopping
Grand Bazaar
The historic Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with 61 covered streets and over 3,000 shops and up to an amazing 400,000 visitors daily; well-known for its jewellery, hand-painted ceramics, carpets, embroideries, spices and antique shops. It has been an important trading centre since 1461, and is home to two mosques, four fountains, two hamams, cafés and restaurants. Location: Inside the walled city of Istanbul, in the district of Fatih, stretching roughly from west to east between the mosques of Beyazit and of Nuruosmaniye.
Sofa Art & Antiques
Established in 1976, SOFA has become, through love and hard work, one of the outstanding ‘antique’ dealers of the art scene in Istanbul, presenting a unique wide range of engravings and other print media; jewelry; glass, gold- and silverware; miniatures and calligraphy; tiles, ceramics and mosaics; paintings; reproductions; seals; textiles, embroidery and needlework to a global clientele.
kashifsofa.com
NuruOsmaniye Cad. 53/A Cagaloglu 34440 Istanbul
00 90 212 520 2850
Ucuzcular Spices
Established in 1886 Ucuzcular Spices located at Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar has been serving its customers with high quality spice seeds and ground spices, special spice blends, medical plants, essential oils, hair and skin care oils, herbalist products, natural perfumes, food chemicals, other various kinds of chemicals, food essences, organic products and all other natural products in wholesale and retail and also importing & exporting it; bringing their five generations worth of knowledge and experience to you.
ucuzcularspices.com
Spice Bazaar/Market No:51, Istanbul
Abdi Ipekçi Street
Abdi Ipekçi street is the premier shopping street of Istanbul, located in the upmarket Şişli district, host to many designer labels. During the last decade, the street in the prestigious neighborhood developed into a place hosting luxury retail shopping venues. A variety of exclusive and expensive shops offering Turkish and international designer labels; restaurants of international cuisine and cafés are lined up on both sides of the street.
Abdi İpekçi Caddesi, Şişli, Istanbul
Akmerkez
One of the best shopping centers in the world, Akmerkez is an impressive mall located in the Etiler quarter of Istanbul, covering four storeys which offer visitors close to 250 shops. The shopping center provides clothing and textiles, stationery, toys, sports shoes, eyewear and gift shops along with restaurants, a hairdresser, a currency exchange office, electronic goods, car maintenance, shoe shine services, a dry cleaner, a tailor, travel agents, orthopedic goods and a supermarket.
www.akmerkez.com.tr
Ulus Caddesi No:3, Etiler, Istanbul
Spice Bazaar
The Spice Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest bazaars in the city. Located in the Eminönü quarter of the Fatih district, it is the second largest covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. The bazaar offers spices, dried fruits, cheeses, sausages, jams, nuts andseeds, lokum (Turkish Delight) as well as jewellery and other accessories.
www.misircarsisi.org
Mısır Çarşısı No.: 92 Eminönü – Fatih Istanbul
00 90 212 513 65 97
Culture/Leisure
Bosphorus Cruise
Şehir Hatları is Istanbul’s official ferry company offering three great Bosphorus tours: Short Circle Bosphorus Cruise, Full Bosphorus Cruise and the Full Bosphorus Cruise by Night. Availability of these tours change according to the season. The Şehir Hatları Bosphorus lines sales offices are located on the left docks of Eminönü when coming off the Galata Bridge.
ISTrapped
Turkey’s first and only room escape game.. The door slowly closes behind you. You are suddenly enclosed within a room containing numerous locked doors. All you need to do is find the clues, combine and use them to help you solve the final puzzle – the key to escape. Using real objects to solve puzzles and open doors, you will truly feel like you’re the lead character of a movie, book or computer game, for REAL!
www.istrapped.com
Asmalı Mescit Mahallesi Asmalı Mescit Caddesi No:29/3, 34430 Taksim, Istanbul
00 90 212 244 2546
Galata Mawlawi House
Visit the oldest Mawlavi House in Istanbul to witness the Whirling Dervishes; a religious ceremony with chants, prayers, music and a whirling dance. Galata Mawlavi House was built in 1491 as a hunting farm, and throughout the centuries it has been rebuilt and renovated many times and was opened as a museum in 1975. Contributions by the Mawlavi House to Turkish culture that led to music and science have been very important during the centuries. But most enchanting are the Whirling Dervishes, a must-see.
www.galatamevlevihanesimuzesi.gov
Seyh Galip Caddesi 15, Beyoğlu, Istanbul
00 90 212 245 4141
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns, the subterranean structures that used to provide water to Istanbul and lie beneath the city. The cistern, located 150m southwest of the Hagia Sophia on the historical peninsula of Sarayburnu, was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I and then forgotten for centuries. Now it has been fitted with lights and music offering a great view with fish flittering around the bases of the 336 columns that support the ceiling.
www.yerebatan.com
Yerebatan Caddesi 13, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
00 90 212 522 1259
Blue Mosque
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is the most renowned historic mosque in Istanbul, popularly known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior. It was built between 1609 and 1616 years, during the rule of Ahmed I. Just like many other mosques, it also comprises a tomb of the founder, a madrasa and a hospice. This is still an active mosque, so it’s closed to non-worshippers for a half hour or so during the five daily prayers.
www.bluemosque.co
Sultan Ahmet Mh., Torun Sk No:19, 34400 Istanbul
Topkapı Palace
The Topkapı Palace is a large palace that was the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to 19th century and was, as well as a royal residence, the setting for state occasions and royal entertainment. It contains important holy relics of the Muslim world, including Muhammed’s SAW cloak and sword. The Topkapı Palace is among the monuments contained within the “Historic Areas of Istanbul”, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, described as “the best example of ensembles of palaces of the Ottoman period.”
www.topkapisarayi.gov.tr
Babıhümayun Caddesi, Istanbul
00 90 212 512 0480
Wellness
Cemberlitas Hamami
Historical Turkish bath Cemberlitas Hamami was originally commissioned by Nurbanu Sultan, the wife of Sultan Selim II back in 1584. The Cemberlitas Hamami has separate areas for men and women. Guests are given a pestemal, a traditional cotton wrap and exfoliating mitt on arrival. Then its on to the bath, sauna or massage and reflexology. A truly traditional Turkish experience.
www.cemberlitashamami.com
Mollafenari Mh., Vezirhan Cd No:8, 34440 İstanbul
00 90 212 522 7974
Kilic Ali Pasa Hamam
Commissioned to the great architect Sinan by Chief Admiral Kılıç Ali Paşa as part of the mosque and school complex, this Hamam was constructed in 1580 to serve thelevends (marine forces in the Ottoman navy) and named after one of the greatest admirals in Ottoman history. The Hamam is famous for Mimar Sinan’s architectural lines and beauty and is one of the symbolic buildings in Tophane, Istanbul’s harbor district. Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam has recently opened after seven years of painstaking and intensive restoration and endeavors to provide you with an experience to remember within its amazing historical atmosphere.
kilicalipasahamami.com
Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa Mh., Hamam Sk No:1, 34425 Istanbul
00 90 212 393 8010
Sanitas Spa Çırağan Palace Kempinski
Relax Your Soul at Çırağan Palace Kempinski Spa managed by Sanitas featuring spa treatments include the following: Classical Massages; sport massage, a foot reflexology massage and manual lymph drainage. Turkish Hamam – Just moments from your room, and a thousand years back in time, is the authentic hamam, the Turkish bath of legends. Beauty Treatments – Indulge in a variety of facial and body treatments customised to your skin type. Let your skin shine and your body rejuvenate as you regain all the energy you need through Sanitas Spa’s exclusive facial and body treatments.
www.kempinski.com
Ciragan Caddesi 32,34349 Istanbul
00 90 212 326 4646
Mos
Mos is a renowned hairdressing brand in Turkey with salons across the country all staffed with professionals who have received rigourous training and have plenty of experience to provide you with the best cut and/or colour you could wish for.
www.moskuafor.com.tr
Cemil Topuzlu Cad. NO : 42 Büyük Kulüp Derneği Çifte Havuzlar Kadıköy – Istanbul
00 90 216 467 27 22 23
Erdem Kiramer, Etiler
Since opening his first salon in 1968, hairdresser Erdem Kıramer has always offered the best service to his clients, making him a well-known brand in Turkey today. Kıramer has partnered with Dessange Paris as well as with l’Oreal. He has also worked with magazines and at TV shoots, fashion shows and other events.
www.erdemkiramer.com.tr
Nispetiye Cad./çamlık Sk Çamlık Apt. No:11 D:1, Etiler/Istanbul
00 90 212 287 3304
Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam
The Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam in Istanbul was designed and built by Mimar Sinan, the chief Ottoman architect, at the request of the wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century. It was built where the ancient public baths of Zeuxippus (100-200 AD) used to stand, between the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia, and the site where the Temple of Zeus once stood. Although the hamam was built in the classical period Ottoman bath style, it was an innovation in Turkish bath architecture to have the sections for men and women constructed on the same axis as mirror images of each other.
www.ayasofyahamami.com
Cankurtaran Mahallesi Ayasofya Meydani No:2 Istanbul
00 90 212 517 35 35