QUINTESSENTIALLY | Insider | City Guides

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The cultural epicentre of Turkey and on the cusp of both Europe and Asia, İstanbul has a dual identity that it is connecting in vibrant ways that has slowly transformed the city into one of the hippest destinations in the world. Home to eleven million people - it is one of the most magnificent cities of the world.

GO THERE FOR

Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul is the historic crossroads between East and West, a city of minarets and palaces looking resolutely to the future.Climbing the hills around the Golden Horn and overlooking the Bosphorus, the city is filled with the wonders of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires, from the Topkapi Palace where the sultans led a truly decadent lifestyle, to the looming Hagia Sophie – part cathedral, part mosque and totally breathtaking. Today the kind of indulgent lifestyle once contained by the palace walls fills the entire city. Istanbul has some of the coolest bars and clubs in whichever continent you’re standing, as well as a treasure trove of shopping and delicious cuisine fit for the sultan himself.

GETTING AROUND

The ferries and water taxis on the Bosphorus are one of the most attractive ways to get around the city. Boats can transport you from Europe to Asia in a matter of minutes, or whisk you from the city centre out to the peaceful Princes’ Islands. Hotel A’jia has its own private launch which will chauffeur guests around in style.

DON’T MISS

The most traditional of Istanbul’s eateries are the taverna-style meyhane where you can sample tapas-like meze. Asmalımescit in Taksim Beyoglu is the right place to go if you want to try meyhanes.

Take a ferry up the Bosphorus to Anadolu Kavaği. The village is surrounded by wooded hills and there are great views from the Byzantine Yoros castle which once controlled the Black Sea approaches.

Have a bath in Turkish hamams. There’re historical hamams in Sultanahmet. (Les Ottomans on Muallim Naci Caddesi offers a luxurious, modern take on the Turkish bath using Caudalie products and has couples treatments. Cağaloğlu Hamam near the Grand Bazaar If you’re so inclined you can relax further with a nargile (hubbly-bubbly pipe) at the cafés off Tophane Iskelesi near the Nusretiye mosque.

Robinson Crusoe is a great bookshop located in Beyoglu. There are lots of international books and magazines in this designer bookshop.

And, of course, you must try Turkish coffee and Turkish delight.

WHERE TO STAY

Bosphorus Palace Hotel
Yalıboyu Cad. No: 64 34676 Beylerbeyi
Enjoy the grand luxury, once enjoyed by Ottoman elites like Damat Melek Mehmet Paşa -Grand Vizier of Sultan Selim III- and İsmail Hakkı Paşa. Located in Beylerbeyi, which lies on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus, Bosphorus Palace Hotel is a 14 room boutique hotel. The 19th Century building, which was burned down in 1983 was restored in accordance with its original design between 1993-1996. All rooms have a historical feel yet are accessorized with modern appliances like satellite TV, hi-fi systems, air conditioning (suites also come with jacuzzi). The restaurant has a magnificent Bosphorus view.

Çırağan Palace Hotel Kempinski
Çırağan Cad. No: 32 34349 Beşiktaş
The Çırağan Palace, which once served as a residence for the Ottoman Sultans, has been restored to its former glory and today is the top five-star luxury hotel on the European side of the Bosphorus: Çırağan Palace Hotel Kempinski. The hotel offers 315 recently renovated rooms and suites – and the view is absolutely amazing.

A’jia
Ahmet Rasim Paşa Yalısı, Çubuklu Cad. No: 27, Kanlıca
Imagine a mansion that combines future and past with a magical touch of white and the deep blue of the sea. With 16 rooms, each with its own design, A’jia is the newest addition to Istanbul’s boutique hotels. The historical mansion where the hotel is located used to be owned by Ahmet Rasim Paşa and has a spectacular view of the Bosphorus. A'jia was recently awarded by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.

Ansen 130 Suites
Meşrutiyet Cad. No: 130 Tepebaşı Tünel, Taksim
Ingeniously designed to maximize space and comfort without losing charm or compromising on décor, Taksim's Ansen 130 Suites is a boutique hotel which infuses functionality and practicality with modern elegance. Ansen 130 Suites will instantly make you feel at home - maybe even better.

Hotel Les Ottomans
Muallim Naci Cad. No:168 Kurucesme
Overlooking the spectacular Bosphorus, Hotel Les Ottomans is located in a beautiful villa named Muhsinzade Mehmet Pasha, offering guests the glamour of the Ottoman style together with modern facilities.The hotel has 11 individually decorated suites, two restaurants (Yalı Hatun and Has Oda) and a private tour guide to show you all the best-kept secrets of Istanbul. Modern facilities and fascinating old traditions combine to create an ambiance that is truly the epitome of luxury in this hotel.

The Marmara Istanbul
Taksim Meydanı
Located in Taksim Square, The Marmara Istanbul offers grand luxury and comfort with wonderful panoramic views of the city and Bosphorus. The hotel has 376 rooms, including two Club Floors, 16 Junior Suites, two Executive Suites and two Presidential Suites, all with cable TV, direct phone, mini bar and internet access. The hotel also has a Turkish bath, swimming pool, gym, business centre and 11 meeting rooms. The Marmara Istanbul features several great restaurants including the Panaroma Restaurant, Brasserie, Tepe Lounge, V.S.O.P Bar and Aqua Lounge.

Housez
Süleyman Seba Cad. No: 60 34357 Akaretler
Located in one of the hippest neighborhoods in Istanbul, Housez is the perfect choice for business travelers. Decorated with ultimate comfort in mind, every suite and flat is equipped with the latest in high-tech standards to ensure all your business needs are met. The hotel holds 18 Business Suites (45m2); six Superior Suites (50m2) and six Deluxe Apartments (65m2). Studio style Business Suites include a twin bed, a sofa bed, seating and working area, dressing room and a kitchenette.

Hyatt Regency
Taşkışla Cad. 34437 Taksim
A truly fashionable five-star hotel, Hyatt Regency is located in Taksim – the entertainment and business district of Istanbul - making it the perfect choice for business trips as well as leisure. Several brand new meeting rooms, all furnished with the latest hi-tech presentation systems, are available. All rooms have air-conditioning, TV, mini bar and direct phone line. Wireless internet access is available throughout the hotel.

The Sofa Hotels & Residences
Teşvikiye Cad. No: 123 Nişantaşı
The Sofa Hotels & Residences, located in Istanbul's chic Nişantaşı district, takes pride in offering a highly personalised service for each individual guest. As well as short-term accommodation, this ultra-sleek hotel features 12 Executive Suites available for medium and long-term stays. Each room and suite includes the latest DVD players, large LCD screens and easy internet access. In addition to the 24-hour gourmet in-room dining service, guests can dine in the popular TuuS Restaurant or at the elegant Cafe Sofa. The hotel also features a TayLife Wellness Centre, with a fitness centre and full-size spa, and a brand new art gallery, Art 8, with works by contemporary Turkish and international artists.

Swissôtel The Bosphorus
Bayıldım Cad. No: 2 Maçka
Named “The Best Place to Stay in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler, Swissôtel The Bosphorus is a truly amazing hotel, with a superb view over the Bosphorus. It’s centrally located and perfect for business or leisure, offering 600 guestrooms and suites, 12 restaurants and bars, The Bosphorus Spa & Wellness Center with outdoor and indoor pools, Turkish baths, sauna, three tennis courts, a 500m jogging path at Sultans Park and a golf-simulator.

The Marmara Pera
Meşrutiyet Cad. Derviş Sokak No: 1 Tepebaşı
Located in Istanbul’s enchanting and historical Pera, The Marmara Pera is an exclusive hip hotel with design influences from the 1930s and 1970s. With 200 well-appointed rooms and three suites, The Marmara Pera offers magnificent views of Istanbul. The hotel is also equipped with a business centre and five meeting rooms.

Bentley Hotel
Halaskargazi Cad.No: 75, 34373 Harbiye
Created by the Milanese architects Piero Lissoni and Nicoletta Canesi, Bentley Hotel is the first member of Design Hotels Group in Turkey. The first "hip hotel" in Istanbul, its design is contemporary and simple with comfort in mind. Accessories used reflect a harmonious synthesis of eastern and western cultures.

RESTAURANTS

Meditrina
Salhane Sokak No: 3, Ortakoy
With a spectacular view of the Bosphorus and Ortakoy, Meditrina makes the ideal place to enjoy Italian cuisine in Istanbul. The restaurant promises a mouth-watering array of local Italian dishes from Toscana, Veneto and Piemonte by Chef Salvatore Bruni. It also has a cosy wine bar where you can enjoy an exclusive selection of vintages.

A’jia Restaurant
Ahmet Rasim Paşa Yalısı, Çubuklu Caddesi No: 27, Kanlıca
Located inside the boutique hotel of the same name, A'jia Restaurant offers delectable Italian and Mediterranean dishes. They also organize weddings, parties, meetings and all kind of receptions. A'jia Restaurant serves breakfast from 7am to 10.30am; Sunday brunch from 7am to 3.30pm.

Köşebaşı Restaurant
Çamlık Sokak 15, Levent
Köşebası is defined as "excellent", "modern", and "local favorite" by Zagat Survey's "Europe's Top Restaurant 2006" and was also selected as one of the "Top 50 Restaurants in the World" by Condé Nast Traveler. Köşebaşı has received numerous bookings from all over the world and continues to attract many celebrities including Uma Thurman, Warren Beatty, Jack Nicholson, Sting, Chelsea Clinton and Donna Karan.

Cezayir
Hayriye Caddesi No: 16, Galatasaray, Beyoglu
Located in a historical building dating back to the 19th Century, Cezayir is a hip venue  with a sense of original style and elegant decoration. While its cafe/lounge has a simple and modern ambiance, the venue turns into a totally different atmosphere thanks to its chic restaurant with crystal chandeliers in detail. There is a creative cuisine serving traditional Turkish delights and the bar is open until 2am.

Al Jamal
Sortie, Muallim Naci Cad. No:141, Kuruçeşme
A spectacular restaurant which favors east and west traditions all the time. If you want to feel real orientalism, go to Al Jamal and be ready to have an unforgettable night.

Reina
Reina Muallim Naci Cad. No:44 Ortakoy
The infamous Reina has been the central point of Istanbul nightlife since the first day it opened. Decorated in a sophistic and elegant style, Reina’s kitchen offers the best of Mediterranean and Far East. An absolute must see.

Mikla
Mesrutiyet Cad. No:1 Tepebası (The Marmara Pera Hotel)
Decorated by Mahmut Anlar, Mikla; the new restaurant of famous Turkish chef Mehmet Gürs, stands out with a menu featuring dishes of Mediterranean cuisine in addition to sushi. Fine example of fine dining in Istanbul. Amazing view of the city.

Vogue
Akaretler Spor Cad. No: 92  BJK Plaza A Blok K: 13, Beşiktaş
This is one of the best restaurants in Istanbul. Don't take our word for it - the Zagat Survey said so; as well as Time Out İstanbul. Vogue has a great location, the perfect view, and wide array of food, wine and cigars.

Tuus
Tesvikiye Cad. 123, Nisantasi
The Sofa Hotel & Residence's restaurant Tuus, an innovative eatery managed by the established Washington restaurant Leftbank. The food at Tuus is eclectic and varied, served throughout the day in a comfortable setting.

JC'S
Çırağan Cad. No: 48, Radisson SAS Oteli, Ortakoy
Ideally located near the Bosporus, JC’s is the first ever American-style jazz club in Turkey. The country's legendary jazz maestro, Kerem Görsev is one of the owners of this unique establishment. As well as performances from Görsev, JC's is frequently host to world-famous jazz groups and artists. The venue consists of a restaurant and bar, as well as a terrace in the summer. The restaurant is open everyday from 7pm. There is a happy hour at the bar between 6–7pm and a jazz-brunch on Sundays from 11am-5pm

Korfez
Korfez Cad. 78. Kanlica
A elegant seafood venue on the Asian shore with a romantic seaside setting. A private boat transfer is available across the Bosphorus by appointment. Don't miss the Kazandibi nutmeg-flavoured mousse - perhaps the only dessert anywhere made with chicken. Don’t be scared though, it’s delicious.

Sunset Grill & Bar
Adnan Saygun Cad. Yol Sokak Ulus Parkı No: 2, Ulus
Located in Ulus Park with a great view of the Bosphorous, Sunset Grill & Bar may be ten years old but it’s still trendy and keeps attracting the crowds. The menu specializes in Turkish and Californian cuisines and has recently added a super sushi bar. The wine menu is extensive and also offers Cuban and Dominican Republic cigars.

Poseidon
Küçükbebek, Cevdet Pasa No:58
Situated in Bebek Bay, Poseidon, is a fantastic seafood restaurant offering spectacular views of the Bosphorus. There is a wide range of dishes on the menu as well as an excellent wine list.  Among the many favourites, try their squid dolma and Poseidon fish meatballs. In the summer, Poseidon goes al fresco so diners can take advantage of the fine weather as well as the fine food.

Del Mare Ristorante
Kuleli Caddesi No: 53/4, Çengelköy
With magnificent views of Boshporus and delicious food on the menu, Del Mare Ristorante is a favorite among Istanbul's food-lovers. Located in Çengelköy, a charming neighbourhood right by the water, Del Mare’s menu includes superb dishes from France, Italy, Spain and Greece. Be sure to try their mussel ravioli or the paella. Beautifully decorated, Del Mare offers one one the best sunset views in the city.

NIGHTLIFE

buzcadde
Bağdat Caddesi  No: 269, Kat: 2, Göztepe
Since its launch, buzcadde has been the number one place to be and be seen in this hip city. Designed by Mahmut Anlar, like all "buz" bars, buzcadde's decoration features antique furniture and classic buz style. The menu presents a tantalising array of fusion dishes, each one as mouth-watering as the next. buzcadde is open weekdays between 5pm and 2am.

Q Jazz by Les Ottomans
Hotel Les Ottomans, Muallim Naci Cad. No:168 Kurucesme
With breathtaking panoramic views of the Bospherous, in an envoironment fit for the Ottomans, Q Jazz features live performances by world famous artists from the all around the world seven nights of the week! Q jazz is unique as its a champagne club that has adopted  the music concept of jazz. At the Q not only will you experience  the luxury of first class service in a sumptuous envoironment but will be spoilt by being entertained by the best music and musicians in the world.

Wan-na
Meşrutiyet Caddesi, No: 151 Tepebaşi
Wan-na is a popular bar, restaurant, dancing den and place to see and to be seen in. The elite crowd is fun and enjoy the wonderful cocktails.

Club Crystal & Crystal Lounge
Muallim Naci Cad. No: 65
Crystal – which hosts Turkey's top DJs as well as many world-renowned names - is Istanbul's premier nightlife destination. The venue consists of two sections: Club Crystal and Crystal Lounge - the latter offering a cosier atmosphere with deep house sounds.

Blacck
Muallim Naci Cad. No: 119 Ortaköy
Located in İstanbul’s hot nightlife spot Kuruçeşme, Blackk is a chic and amazing restaurant and nightclub with a cozy atmosphere. Serving up an excellent weekly “club menu”, which is prepared by Gül Etker and Supper Club corporate chef Van der Eerde’s consultancy, the club sections also feature excellent entertainment with trendy house music. Blacck has valet parking and is closed on Sundays and Mondays only.

360Istanbul
İstiklal Cad. Mısır Apartmanı Kat: 7 /8 , Beyoğlu
Opened recently on the top floor of the historical Mısır Building, 360İstanbul is one of the city's hippest venues. 360’s elegant menu is an infusion of local and international flavours, includes tuna fish teriyaki with sesame and tabouleh. They also offer an excellent selection of trendy cocktails and an extensive wine menu. Sundowner hour lunches (served 5-7pm) are very popular.

Ulus 29
Ahmet Adnan Saygun Cad., Ulus Parkı 34340 /  Ulus
The classic Ulus 29 is an elegant restaurant and bar with a magnificient view of the Bosphorus. Decorated by the famous designer Zeynep Fadıllığıoğlu, Ulus 29 is also one of the hippest clubs in the city and is the place to be if you're in town.

SHOPPING

Canyon
An incredible shopping mall in the centre of the city housing the best brands of the world such as Harvey Nichols, Prada, Gucci, and Agent Provocateur - as well as world famous Turkish brands including Vakko, Mavi and Beymen.

The Grand Bazaar
A warren of hundreds of shops selling carpets, jewellery, touristy junk and textiles. Also in the Grand Bazaar, Abdulla Natural Products (next door to Fes Café) sells traditional soaps, silk shawls, wool textiles, cotton towels.

Beyoğlu
The Soho of Istanbul: characterised by its steep narrow streets and its bric-a-brac retro shops. Popcorn on Faik Pasa Yokusu is one of the best so get ready to rummage.

Nisantası
For designer threads and boutique shopping you should head to Teşvikiye Caddesi and Abdi Ipekçi Caddesi about a mile north of Taksim Square.

Akmerkez and Metro City are other big shopping malls located in Levent.

Arzu Kaprol
Abdi Ipekci Cad. 34, Nisantasi
Arzu Kaprol's eponymous fashion boutique is on Istanbul's answer to Sloane Street. Fans include model Gisele Bundchen and socialite Isabella Hervey.

Beymen
Akmerkez Mall, Nispetiye Cad. Etiler
Missing Harvey Nicks? No fear: Beymen offers seven floors of great designer fashion, a La Prairie beauty centre, a Bulgari concession and a brasserie.

Cemil İpekci 
46/1 Orhan Ersek Sokak , Nisantasi
The only outlet for ready-to-wear clothes by Ipekçi, one of Turkey's top designers. Open Mon-Sat, 10am-7pm.

Designer Dreams
Abdi Ipekci Cad. 19/2, Nisantasi
If Beymen doesn't do it for you, how about local talent? In Nisantasi, the city's fashion capital, this store is dedicated to young Turkish designers.

Fransız Sokagı
French Street (ex Algeria Street)
Full of design restaurants and boutiques.

Yargıcı
Vali Konaði Cadi, Nisantası
An upmarket high-street store. Open Mon-Sat, 9.30am-7.30pm.

Zeki Triko
23/1 Vali Konagi Cad, Nisantasi
Swimwear mecca for trendy Turkish youths. Open Mon-Sat, 9am-7pm

WHAT TO SEE

Palaces

Topkapı
Topkapi was the first Ottoman palace to be built (1466-1478) in the newly conquered capital of the Empire. Located on the spot where the foundations of the city were first laid in ancient times by Megarian Chief Byzas in 7th Century BC, the palace boasts one of the most beautiful views of Istanbul, incorporating the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, the two shores and the sea of Marmara. Open daily between 9.30am-5pm (except Tuesdays).

Dolmabahce
Dolmabahçe was built in 1853 in the rapidly growing northern section of the city, at the Marmara outlet of the Bosphorus, to replace the Topkapi Palace which was pulled down for the purpose. It housed Sultans and their families before the Republic, and it was then used by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk during his visits to Istanbul. Atatürk died here on the 10th of November, 1938. The palace now serves as a museum and a guest-house used for receptions for foreign statesmen. Open daily between 9am-4pm (except Mondays and Thursdays).

Yıldız
Yildiz, one of the last residences of the Ottoman sultans, was completed by Abdulhamit II at the end of the 19th Century. The Sale (Chalet), the largest and most exquisite of the buildings, reveals the luxury in which the sultans lived and entertained. Set in a very large park of flowers, tulips, plants and trees gathered from every part of the world, the palace grounds offer one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Bosphorus. Open daily between 8.30am-5pm (except Mondays and Thursdays)

Beylerbeyi
Beylerbeyi was initially the residence of the Governor General in charge of Anatolia, but was rebuilt in the style of Dolmabahce and Çiragan palaces as a royal palace in the mid-19th Century on the Asian side of the Bosphorus and served as the summer residence of the sultans. It was formed by two sections; Selamlik and Harem. Open daily between 9am-5pm (except Mondays and Thursdays).

Ciragan
The name Ciragan comes from the word "cerag" which means torch in Persian. The area in which the Palace is located was called Ceragan because of the famous Ottoman parties which were held in tulip gardens with torches. This is the last palace built by the Ottoman Empire for the royal family. Unfortunately the main building was destroyed by fire on January 6th 1910. Only the exterior walls remained from the structure. The main building has been renovated and with the addition of a modern hotel building the site has been converted to a hotel. The other surviving buildings in the complex are being used as schools. Open everyday, it's a hotel now (Ciragan Palace Kempinski).

Ihlamur Kasri
Lovely imperial rest house built in the midst of Linden trees, where you can have a cup of coffee or, as the Turkish word ihlamur implies, a cup of Linden tea.  Open daily between 9am-5pm (except Mondays and Thursdays).

Sultanahmet Meydani (Hippodrome)
Scene of chariot races and the centre of Byzantine civic life. There is an Egyptian Obelisk, a stone obelisk and the Serpentine Column which were originally brought by the emperors and used for the decoration of the Hippodrome. Today it's a nice area for picnics and meetings.

Kapalicarsi (Grand Bazaar)
Built in the 15th Century as a complex of 3,000 shops selling raw materials to be used in clothes manufacturing, the Covered Bazaar fulfills a viable commercial function to this day. The Bazaar's fine shops and exotic atmosphere, mingling the ancient and new, make it a "must-see" in Istanbul. It's divided into many sections such as leather, rugs, souvenirs, copper, antiques, textile etc. There are 18 gates and 60 streets inside. Open everyday (except Sundays and National Holidays).

Misir Carsisi (The Egyptian Spice Bazaar)
Built in the 17th Century next to the Golden Horn, the Spice Bazaar is the second largest covered bazaar in Istanbul. Originally housing shops selling medicine and spices, the Spice Bazaar continues to fulfill its original function. This distinguished example of Ottoman architecture continues to sparkle with life even today. Open every day (except Sundays and National Holidays).

The Hagia Sophia
It was the great cathedral of Byzantium for over a thousand years and was the greatest mosque in the Ottoman Empire for five centuries. Now a museum, it’s still one of the most fabulous buildings in the world. Keep an eye out for the shallow pits in the stone floor either side of the massive central doorway, created by the shuffling feet of the guards stationed there over the ages.

Castles and Towers

Anadoluhisari (Anatolian Fortress)
A 14th Century relic of the Ottoman's first attempt to conquer Istanbul, Anatolia Fortress is located on the Asian shore at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus. Sultan Yildirim Bayezit built this fortress in 1393 on the ruins of a Byzantine temple dedicated to Zeus. It's much smaller in size when you compare with Rumelihisari on the European side of Istanbul.

Rumelihisari (Rumeli Fortress)
Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror built Rumeli Fortress in four months only and directly opposite to Anadoluhisari in 1452 in preparation for the final attack on Constantinople (Istanbul), which led to the downfall of the Byzantine Empire. Today, the fortress hosts many concerts and dramatic performances in its amphitheatre usually during the summer months. The fort is open to the public as a museum as well (except on Mondays).

Galata Kulesi (Galata Tower)
A 55 metre tower providing a panoramic view of the old town, Galata Kulesi was built by the Genoese as part of the wall surrounding their district of Galata directly opposite Byzantium (Constantinopolis). The tower now houses a restaurant and a night club.

Kiz Kulesi (Leander's Tower - Maiden Tower)
A 12th Century stone tower erected on a rock at the entrance of the Bosphorus. This tower, which has served as a prison and a lighthouse, became the source of many legends in ancient days. It's now open to the public as a cafeteria and elegant restaurant which hosts concerts and meetings as well. Transportation to the Tower is made by private shuttle boats from both shores of the Bosphorus.

Neighbourhoods

Beyoglu
This is where everyone will find themselves after work. Full of beautiful shops, design cafes, restaurants, and wide screen cinemas, Beyoglu is one of the most incredible atmospeheres of Istanbul. You can window-shop while streetcars pass behind you.

Ortakoy
On the banks of Bosphorus, Ortakoy is full of antique and handcraft shops. There are lots of boutiques selling silver accessories. You should definetely eat kumpir and gözleme.

Nişantası
This the design street of Istanbul where you can find brands like Armani, Gucci, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent and Dice Kayek. There’re hip design cafes and restaurants. You should definetely go there if you like fashion and design.

Islands

The Prince’s Islands in the Sea of Marmara to the south of Istanbul have historically been a place of exile and of refuge; they make a wonderful retreat from the city, particularly in summer.

Burgazada Island, with its horse-drawn carriages and its Greek Orthodox Church of St John the Baptist is particularly charming. Ferries depart regularly from Eminönü’s Adalar pier, taking 90 minutes.

OTHER THINGS

Pamperıng

City spa - HOTEL LES OTTOMANS CAUDALIE VINOTHERAPIE SPA
Muallim Naci Caddesi No: 168, Muhsinzade Yalısı, Kuruçeşme (+90 212 359 15 00)
Using only the finest products created by Caudalie and offering the best in service, Hotel Les Ottomans Caudalie Vinotherapy Spa signature therapies are world-renowned. A visit to this spa will not only leave you looking great but will also restore your inner well-being. Some of the treatments on offer include manicures, facials, body treatments, Tai and Reiki massages and herbal treatments. Located within Hotel Les Ottomans, Caudalie Vinotherapy Spa is the ultimate choice for nurturing the mind, body and soul.

Hairdresser

TONI&GUY
Tepecik Yolu Edincik Sok. No:1 Etiler +90 212 352 65 86-87-88)
Cutting and colouring hair for over 40 years, Toni&Guy is finally in Istanbul. One of the most powerful hairdressing brands in the world, you can now look your best in Istanbul too.

DON’T COME HOME WITHOUT

• Turquoise magic eye coasters to ward off any impending doom.
• Fresh Mulberries when in season.
• Pure Turkish honey from the Egyptian Bazaar.
• A Burhan Ocal or Tarkan CD to dance around your lounge to back at home.
• Delicate rose petal jam from Uc Yildiz in the fish market in Istiklal Street.
• A Carpet. it may be a cliché but a must, the best quality and designs in the world.
• Leather. it’s always fashionable and frightfully cheap.
• Next season's wardrobe. An eclectic choice of fashions, Turkey is one of the world's biggest textile producers and Hussein Chalayan and Rifat Ozbek, two of the top current international designers are Turkish.  We’ll say no more.