Istanbul is a massive city with one part in Asia and the other in Europe, and it is one of the world’s most historically rich places. East and West, ancient and new, traditional and modern – it’s a city of many differences. There are much more to do and see in this fascinating city on the Bosporus that you’ll probably need more than a month to see everything. Here’s a list of the top places to learn about, eat, and stay. But first, apply for a turkey visa online.
You should know
The Turkish baths
In Istanbul, there are several baths, but the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Bath, Cagaloglu, Cemberlitas, Suleymaniye, and Galatasaray Baths are among the oldest and most popular. Suleymaniye and Galatasaray both welcome mixed-gender groups.
The Turkish bath is trendy in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. If you are a local of one of these countries, keep in mind that you will require a Turkish e visa to visit Turkey. It’s a document that confirms the bearer’s right to enter Turkey. Turkey visas are available for Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Historical Sites
You might easily spend a week simply viewing all of Istanbul’s historical attractions. The Aya Sofya, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, and the Galata Tower are all worth seeing.
Insider Tip: For 85 TL, buy a museum pass to avoid the long queues at Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. You’ll be able to save many hours of waiting time. Ladies, don’t forget to carry a scarf with you while visiting a mosque since you must cover your head and shoulders.
A selection of best places to Eat
Van Kahvalti Evi
This is a small, unassuming restaurant with a classic Turkish breakfast. It’s best not to go alone because many of the meals are designed to be shared. Although the restaurant does not accept bookings, the wait will be well worth it.
Kronotrop Cafe
Kronotrop Cafe is known for its vintage antique shops, pubs, restaurants, traditional cafes, and kebab shops. They were one of Turkey’s first speciality coffee shops in 2012. The cafe offers an artistic, hipster vibe (for a minute, We felt like we were transported to Williamsburg). A great area to people watches while sipping a cortado.
MOC (Ministry of Coffee)
MOC is a coffee lover’s paradise. This specialised coffee shop on a kayak Sokak first opened its doors in 2014. Sam Ceviköz, a Sydney local, and his colleagues employ syphons and cold brew drip systems and infuse espresso with zesty citrus fruits and other exotic ingredients. The company imports green coffee beans from 12 different countries and roasts and blend them to create one of the most delectable coffees you’ve ever tasted. MOC Istanbul also has chocolate croissants brought directly from France.
Insider Tip: Try their cold brew, which is coffee that has been brewed for 24 to 28 hours on ice.
And for Stay…
Shangri La Bosphorus
The Shangri La Bosphorus, located directly on the river in Turkey’s Besiktas district, is the ideal hotel for taking in the city’s European and Asian elements. The hotel is home to a former tobacco factory from 1929 that has been transformed into an opulent 186-room hotel with a two-story-high chandelier made of modern Bohemian glass. The Besiktas ferry terminal is outside the hotel, which runs frequent commuter ferries over the Bosphorus to the Asian districts of Kadikoy and Uskudar.
The breakfast buffet is impressive, with everything from dim sum to fresh fruit to a table designed to showcase the various types of fresh honey.
Insider Tip: A twice-daily tourist boat departing from right outside the property for 25 lira will take you on a five-hour journey to the mouth of the Black Sea and back.
The St. Regis Istanbul
The long-awaited St. Regis Istanbul is the most recent addition to Istanbul’s finest luxury hotels. The property is located on the city’s “5th Avenue,” in the famous Nisantasi district, known for its upscale shopping. The hotel has a modern look, and the luxurious Bentley Suite is located on the 15th level, complete with a Bentley-leather sofa, a grand foyer, floor to ceiling windows, and an in-room champagne bar. Unlike other St. Regis properties, which exclusively offer butler service to suites, The St. Regis Istanbul offers butler service to all room categories.
Spago, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, is a must-visit when staying at St Regis. The menu features Wolfgang Puck’s famous wood-oven pizzas, handmade pasta, and a broad range of seasonal food with ideas from all over the world, all with a characteristic farm-to-table concept.
Insider Tip: Have a Turkish coffee outside at The St. Regis Brasserie and have your fortune said to you.
W Hotel Istanbul
The stylish W Istanbul is surrounded by cafés and art galleries in Besiktas’ Akaretker district. Private cabanas and balconies are available in several of the rooms. The hotel was recently renovated and now features an entry lounge with an “interactive art installation” mixing lighting, mirrors, video displays, furnishings by Turkish artist Mahmut Anlar, and a traditional Turkish style hammam in the W Spa.
Each of the 136 guest rooms has a smartphone, so visitors won’t have to worry about paying roaming fees while touring the city. The smartphone allows you to make unlimited calls and access the web when you’re out and about. In addition, a ‘W Insider’ looks after any of your requests and requirements, putting a unique spin on the traditional concierge service. My W Insider even added me to Whatsapp, which I used to contact him throughout the day for café and store recommendations.
Insider Tip: Request a second-floor Marvelous Room, which has air-bridges to private cabanas, during the summer months.
Apply for a turkey visa or a turkey e visa with ease at www.turkeyvisaonline.com and make your trip memorable.