Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
A restored 19th-century Ottoman palace on the European shore of the Bosphorus, the Çırağan Palace Kempinski is Istanbul’s grandest waterfront address, with an infinity pool at the
Istanbul
Raffles Istanbul
Raffles brings sleek, contemporary luxury to the Zorlu Center above Beşiktaş, with a vast spa, art-filled interiors and skyline-and-Bosphorus views from the upper floors. It suits
Sumahan on the Water
Sumahan is a boutique hotel in a converted 19th-century raki distillery on the Asian-side waterfront, with rooms that open to the Bosphorus and a free private boat across to the Eu
Hotel Amira Istanbul
The Amira is a consistently well-reviewed boutique hotel in the heart of Sultanahmet, a short walk from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, known for warm service, a generous breakfa
Marmara Guesthouse
The Marmara Guesthouse is a family-run budget favourite in Sultanahmet, with simple, spotless rooms, genuinely helpful hosts and a rooftop where breakfast comes with a view of the
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
Housed in the 16th-century İbrahim Pasha Palace on the Hippodrome, this museum holds one of the world’s finest collections of antique carpets, along with calligraphy, ceramics and
Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Istanbul’s industrial museum, set in a former Ottoman anchor foundry and shipyard on the Golden Horn, is packed with vintage cars, trains, boats, a submarine you can board and hand
Sakıp Sabancı Museum
A refined art museum in a former villa above the Bosphorus in leafy Emirgan, known for calligraphy and painting collections and a strong programme of blockbuster visiting exhibitio
Pera Museum
A polished private museum in a handsome Beyoğlu building near İstiklal, best known for its Orientalist paintings, including Osman Hamdi Bey’s ‘The Tortoise Trainer’, and its rotati
Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi)
The Maiden’s Tower sits on its own tiny islet where the Bosphorus meets the Sea of Marmara, a landmark wrapped in legend and recently restored. A short boat ride out gets you 360-d