ISTANBUL
Bridging Continents, Cultures, and Eras
Welcome to Istanbul, a city where continents converge and worlds intertwine, offering a breathtaking blend of history, culture, and timeless allure. Straddling the majestic Bosphorus, Istanbul captivates with its unique fusion of East and West, where ancient traditions meet modern aspirations in a seamless harmony.
With every step, Istanbul envelops you in its rich tapestry of sights and sounds - the vivid shades of the Grand Bazaar, the fragrance of Turkish coffee and freshly baked pastries fills the air, the call to prayer that floats from minarets, echoing across the streets.
But beyond its renowned landmarks, lies a deeper, more intimate Istanbul. In the shadow of its ancient walls, you’ll find artistic enclaves alive with creative energy, traditional tea houses where time slows, and secret gardens where the soul of the city reveals itself.
Join us as we dive into the heart of this enchanting city and let its spirit guide you on a journey of discovery.
Where to stay: Georges Hotel Galata is a lovely luxury boutique hotel, located in a beautiful 19th century building renovated with the help of local craftsmen, know-how and materials.
Day 1 - Strolling in Beyoglu’s cobbled streets, shopping in local craftsmen shops
Georges Hotel Galata is located in the heart of Beyoglu neighborhood and 5 minutes away from the Galata Tower. It’s the perfect location to enjoy most parts of the city by foot, and in any case to conveniently be “in the middle” of Istanbul.
Check in to your beautifully made room and prepare yourself to start enjoying this incredible and vibrant city.
Begin the tour with a coffee at Mundo Novo and proceed to the Galata Tower. If you’re lucky enough not to find a long line of people waiting to climb to its top, it’s worth starting with this amazing view of the city. Alternatively, book your tickets for another time to avoid wasting your time in line.
Beyoglu is an amazing historical area of Istanbul - strolling in its cobbled streets you’ll find plenty of interesting shops, cafés and restaurants. Unmissable is Yakto Ipek Dokuma, an old shop specialized in knitting with silk, cashmere and cotton threads - they have their loom inside the shop and you can choose from a wide variety of products, including beautifully hand-knitted scarves, blankets and linens. Other places worth visiting in the area are Woodenart, Neolithic Textile, Baston Vintage, Frankestayn Kitabevi-Bookstore & Cafe and Janset Bilgin Jewelry.
Take your time to enjoy the energy that fills the streets and to talk with the people you meet in the shops. It’s part of the experience and the discovery of this place.
Be sure not to miss a visit to Salt Galata - located in the hip and bohemian Galata district, Salt Galata is a spot for art lovers. Formerly a bank, the building that now hosts a library and a gallery is one of the prominent structures in the area featuring neoclassical and orientalist architectural details on its façade.
End your first day with a drink overlooking the city - either at Soho House if you’re a member (one of the most beautiful terraces of Istanbul) or at Roof 106 and an amazing dinner at Aheste - a modern Turkish and Middle Eastern meze restaurant.
Day 2 - The landmarks
After a nice breakfast on the hotel’s terrace, start your day with a beautiful walk to Topkapi Palace. On your way to Sultanahmet neighborhood you will cross the bridge, a fulfilling experience by itself - enjoy watching local people fishing any day of the week and at any time of the day!
Topkapi Palace is one of the world's largest surviving palaces and served as home to the Ottoman Sultans for almost four centuries. It acquired its current appearance in the 16th century and is now a complex that includes four main courtyards interconnected to galleries, a Harem, and several small courtyards, pavilions, and gardens.
Continue your landmarks’ discovery with the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) - a standing testament to the grandeur of Ottoman architecture and renowned for its stunning blue tiles, six minarets, intricate decorative elements and its massive courtyard, the biggest of all Ottoman mosques. Continue your visit with a tour of Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque - which served as a center of religious, political, and artistic life for the Byzantine world. It has also been a national museum for 86 years, before being reverted back to an active mosque in 2020. Hagia Sophia is simply a unique place - Its history could not be richer, and its mosaics and paintings are breathtaking.
Stop for lunch at Giritli Restaurant. If the weather allows, sit in the beautiful and cozy courtyard, where the kitchen is also located - make sure to try the meze menu, which inventively showcases Turkish fresh products and traditional flavors.
After lunch, it’s time for the well renowned Basilica Cistern, the biggest surviving cistern in the world with its 9.800 square meters extension. It provides a window into the hidden world beneath Istanbul and is a monument to the Byzantines' brilliance in engineering and architecture.
If you’re up for a nice stroll, walk into Istanbul University’s main campus and - it goes without saying - take some time to explore the Grand Bazaar. While most of its stands have become quite touristy over time, its vibe is still fascinating. Don’t be afraid to get lost in there! It’s completely normal and part of the fun.
Reach the beautiful Yeni Mosque, probably our favorite one. Built in the 17th century, it showcases classic Ottoman architecture with its elegant domes and towering minarets. The courtyard is adorned with intricate tilework, while the prayer hall, lit by stained-glass windows, is decorated with ornate calligraphy and Iznik tiles.
Another 15 minutes away there’s the Suleymaniye Mosque, considered a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and one of Mimar Sinan's greatest works. It’s the largest Ottoman-era mosque in the city. It’s located on the Third Hill, from where you can enjoy a beautiful and extensive view of the city around the Golden Horn. This is the perfect closure of your second day in the city and to savor a stunning sunset over the city.
Have dinner at Neolokal - an amazing one Michelin Star restaurant that combines modern techniques with timeless recipes.
If after dinner you’re in the mood for a drink, try Moretenders’ - special homemade cocktails, good music and cozy ambience.
Day 3 - From the lavish Ottoman splendor to the charming neighborhoods on the European shores of the Bosphorus
Start your day discovering Cihangir, Istanbul's most bohemian and eclectic neighborhoods - it’s a charming blend of history, creativity, and laid-back elegance. Its narrow streets are lined with beautiful old buildings, colorful facades, book shops and cozy cafés. Cihangir’s character is defined by its vintage shops, independent boutiques, and lively cultural scene.
Next to it, there’s Istikal Caddesi - it runs from Taksim Square nearly all the way to the Galata tower and is probably the most famous street in Istanbul and iconic for the red tram that passes in the middle of it.
Walk 20 minutes and stop at Karabatak - not only the coffee is great and you can choose from a wide range of different roasts and origins, but the ambience and vibe are even better.
It’s now time for another unmissable staple, the Dolmabahce Palace - one of the city’s most opulent symbols of luxury and history that offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of Istanbul’s bygone era. Everything there tells stories of the Ottoman splendor and the Bosphorus breathtaking view only adds to its allure.
It will probably be time for lunch by now, so grab a cab to Günaydin Etiler and enjoy their amazing kebabs and mezzes. Alternatively, go to Beckyard.
After lunch, take a stroll around Bebek and Arnavutköy neighborhoods, both really different from what you’ve seen so far and yet extremely alluring. Bebek is one of Istanbul's most upscale and picturesque neighborhoods, known for its chic ambiance, beautiful waterfront, and cosmopolitan vibe. Arnavutköy is one of the most charming and historic districts of the city, nestled along the European shores of the Bosphorus and known for its elegant Ottoman-era wooden mansions, narrow cobblestone streets, and a picturesque waterfront - take a stroll on its promenade along the Bosphorus while watching fishermen cast their lines.
Some nice places in the area are: Rustique (amazing boulangerie in Bebek), Lara Cicekcilik (nice flower shop in Bebek), Safi (nice place for a quick lunch in Arnavutköy), LOULOUDIS.
After what probably has been a long day, relax at Banyan Restaurant with an amazing cocktail overlooking the sun setting over the Bosphorus and the splendid Ortaköy Mosque (Büyük Mecidiye).
Alternatively, you can stop for a drink at Alexandra Cocktail Bar in Arnavutkoy.
End the day with an amazing dinner at Alaf, which means burning flame in nomadic dialect - a vibrant modern restaurant with a bleached wood terrace overlooking the water. Its cuisine reflects Istanbul’s rich cultural mix and blends perfectly authenticity with modern techniques. The cocktails are also great.
Day 4 - Sailing between Europe and Asia and the Golden Horn
Unmissable during your stay in Istanbul is the Bosphorus Cruise - an unforgettable way to experience the city’s fascinating contrasts while sailing along the line between continents, where Europe and Asia meet. Ask the hotel to help you book your tickets and try to pick the boat leaving from Karaköy - it’s usually a couple of hours tour.
It’s time for the less traveled yet beautiful and captivating neighboring districts of Fener and Balat, on Istanbul’s Golden Horn and once the bustling heart of Istanbul’s Greek Orthodox and Jewish communities. Their charm is to be found in colorful Ottoman-era houses, winding cobbled streets, and centuries-old churches and synagogues - here, each turn reveals vibrant façades, art galleries, vintage shops, and cozy cafés that celebrate the districts' eclectic character. Enjoy every corner of them and make sure to visit the Private Fener Greek High School and Maison Start, a nice antique shop.
You have great options for lunch and coffee: Balatkapi Restaurant Cafe, Cafe Naftalin K, Smelt & Co, Dimitrie Cantermir Museum Cafe (beautiful location by itself to visit anyways). Alternatively, walk or take a cab to Pierre Loti, a charming café on top of a hill named after a French writer who lived in Istanbul and enjoy a breathtaking view on the Golden Horn.
Last visit for the day is the Fatih Mosque - the first imperial mosque built in Istanbul after the Ottoman conquest of the city in 1453, it symbolizes the Ottoman victory and Istanbul's role as the new capital of the empire.
If you’re in the mood for an amazing seafood dinner, then Mavi Balik should be your first choice - a large restaurant with a big terrace overlooking the Bosphorus.
Day 5 - The Hammam and the Asian side
Enjoy your last day while relaxing and recharging in one of the typical Hammams - there are a lot you can choose from all over the city. We suggest either the Kilic Ali Pasa or the Cagaloglu.
After a nice lunch, walk until the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art - it usually displays interesting temporary exhibitions about international artists and architects.
As a last experience before leaving, take a boat to the Asian shores of the Bosphorus, take a stroll and just sit on the coast in front of the Maiden’s tower (Kiz Kulesi) and watch the magical view - even better to go with a beer or a çay at sunset.
We hope you enjoyed your first visit to the magic Istanbul. Until next time!
Our practical suggestions for you
How long: 4-7 days
Season: All year round except the months between June and August as it can be too hot - Spring is a particularly beautiful time to go.
Other restaurants: Pandeli (local and very nice), Turk Fatih Tutak, Askana Manti (special Turkish dumplings), Zübeyir Ocakbasi (famous for kebab and baklava), Gulluoglu (nice for a baklava to go), Balikci Abdullah (amazing seafood), Bebek Hotel (perfect if you want a glitzy night with amazing view on the Bosphorus).
Practical suggestions:
Buy tickets online in advance to all the staples so you don’t have to wait in a long queue with the risk of not entering.
