Hg2 : The Hedonist

A Hedonist’s guide to…

Istanbul

HotelsLuxury Chain

Soho House Istanbul
A worthy addition to Soho House’s luxurious stable of hotels-cum-private members’ clubs, Soho House Istanbul is a lavish, amenity-studded place to stay in Beyoğlu.

ShopsJewellery

Sevan Bicakci Grand Bazaar
Offering one-of-a-kind pieces of jewellery, the pieces on display at Sevan Bicakci Grand Bazaar are like wearable sculptures. And utterly covetable ones at that.

HotelsLuxury Chain

Shangri-La Bosphorus
A luxurious hotel looking out on the waterfront in Istanbul, the Shangri-La Bosphorus offers five-star amenities, great service, and sumptuous surrounds.

Things to doSpectator Sports

Motor Racing

RestaurantsTurkish

Zuma

RestaurantsTurkish

Feriye
If this fabulous restaurant was any closer to the Bosphorus, it would be underwater. With food and service as befits its grand setting, it is perfect for a special night out.

ShopsMalls & Department Stores

Kanyon
If you've exhausted the shopping potential of Abdi Ipekci Caddesi, head to Kanyon for a designer fix. A luxe open-air shopping mall home to a range of homegrown and international brands.

RestaurantsTurkish

Topaz
A newcomer that opened in November 07, this classy establishment is already describing itself as the 'jewel of Istanbul'.

HotelsDesign

Witt Istanbul Suites
Witt Istanbul professes to provide home comfort in a boutique hotel ambiance, and indeed it does, but only if your home is an Autoban-designed interioristas paradise located in a trendy arty district. =display:"

RestaurantsTurkish

Leb-i Derya Richmond
This second Leb-i-Derya is more restaurant than bar. Whilst it shares fabulous city and Bosphorus views with its sister restaurant nearby, this restaurant in the central Richmond hotel is perfect for a romantic dinner. styl

Things to doSpas

Ritz-Carlton Hammam
One of the world's most indulgent spas, this is on the top of our list and a must-try if you're in the area.

HotelsClassic

Four Seasons at Sultanahmet
With 65 beautifully furnished, large high-spec rooms and a perfect position amidst Istanbul's cultural attractions, the stylish Four Seasons is a perennial favourite.

RestaurantsInternational

Vogue
As you would expect from the name, glamour is the order of the day here. Well-designed and slick decor complements the well-dressed crowd enjoying the international cuisine.

BarsCocktail

K.V.
In contrast with Beyoglu's uber-cool bars and traditional taverns, the elegant K.V. offers a hint of Old Stamboul with its tasteful mix of Viennese and Parisian styles which once gave Pera its dash.

ShopsFashion

Vakko
 Vakko is at the vanguard of Turkish couture, most notably in womenswear

CafesTea Room

The Lounge at the Four Seasons
Impeccable tea room at the almost faultless Four Seasons...

Things to doSports & Fitness

Marmara Istanbul

RestaurantsTurkish

Lokanta Maya
Local fare with a taste of global flavour from superstar chef Didem Senol. Not to be missed if you can help it...

ClubsNight Club

Anjelique
One of the elite super-clubs located in fashionable Kurucesme, Anjelique's fabulous Bosphorus views  are just the start of the club's charms. Dress up to blend in with the Turkish glamorati.

HotelsDesign

Bentley Hotel
The sleek lines and mod-cons of Istanbul's first design hotel make it a particular favourite of business travellers. Located to the north of Beyoglu, it's near the business district and a short taxi ride to Istanbul's cultural attractions.

HotelsBoutique

Eresin Crown
One of the best small luxury hotels in Istanbul, this boutique 'museum' hotel contains a smattering of items from Istanbul's Archeology Museum. Tucked away behind the Blue Mosque, a drink on its roof terrace is the perfect way to end the day.d=

HotelsChain

Marmara Istanbul
Guests at the hotel receive free usage of facilities with day passes and monthly membership also available. Marmara Taksim also offers the full spa experience.

CafesTea Room

Kubbeli Saloon Tea Lounge
An exception to the Fawlty Towers-esque feel that pervades the Pera Palace Hotel, the Patisserie and Terrace Bar are a charming option for a cake and slice of high Victorian grandeur.

HotelsBoutique

Sumahan on the Water
The superb renovation of a 19th-century Ottoman distillery has created one of Istanbul's most stylish hotels. With outstanding rooms, great views and one of the best restaurants in town, Sumahan on the Water is a dream come true.yEventWatch

HotelsBoutique

W Istanbul
A short stroll from some of Istanbul's best boutiques, the new W Istanbul raises the boutique-hotel bar by a considerable degree. Striking modern design combines with oriental touches to give a Sex in the Seraglio vibe. st

ShopsFashion

Istinye Park
A random roof design, swathes of designer outlets and Istanbul’s first IMAX theatre – what more could you want from a mall?

RestaurantsEclectic

Minyon W Istanbul
Beautiful people and a trendy ambience make this your absolute go-to place for a night on the town.

RestaurantsTurkish

Ulus 29
A glamorous alternative to Sunset, Ulus 29 is also located in Ulus Park. Dress to impress to join the smart crowd of Istanbulli professionals for great cocktails and well-executed Turkish dishes.=display:none;""

Things to doGolf

Kemer Golf Club
Located to the north of Istanbul, towards the Belgrad Forest, Kemer Golf and Country Club stretches over 500-acres and has pretty much every leisure activity you could possibly want.

ClubsNight Club

Sortie
When it comes to glittering, conspicuous consumption, Istanbul's super-clubs in Kurucesme rival St Tropez, albeit with a less international clientele. Look like a model or millionaire to ensure entry.

RestaurantsSeafood

Poseidon
Located in Bebek, the smart village-cum-suburb on the European shore of the Bosphorus, a trip to this excellent seafood restaurant is something of a pilgrimage.

BarsLounge

Ceyazir
Occupying what used to be an Italian school, Ceyanzir is the very epitome of laid-back Istanbul cool...

Things to doSpas

Motus Wellness Club
Your health and fitness neighbourhood spot for a morning of pampering and exercise, to fit in before the bouts of sight-seeing begin.

HotelsClassic

Four Seasons at Bosphorus
The Four Season's second property in Istanbul has panoramic views stretching out over the Bosphorus.

BarsCocktail

Leb-i-Derya
Stunning panoramic views and crisply contemporary styling make Leb-i-Derya a hit with Istanbul's fashionable crowd. The bar comes into its own as the evening wears on so it's perfect for post-dinner drinks.=display:n"

CafesBrasserie

Beymen Brasserie
THE spot for lunch on Abdi Ipecki Caddesi, the spiritual home of fashionistas and label addicts, Beyman is the perfect watering hole for Manolo-wearing shoppers.

CafesLate-night

Ca’D’Oro
'Cafe' doesn't do this chic, minimalistic eatery justice. Expect tremendous food, whether it be brunch, lunch, or dinner.

ClubsNight Club

Sapphire Bosphorus
Large? Chic? Good looking crowd? If that sounds familiar, it's because Sapphire Bosphorus is virtually interchangeable with Kurucesme's other clubs.

ShopsLifestyle

Haremlique
Head to Haremlique for quintessential Turkish homeware.

RestaurantsTurkish

Mimolett
Take taste to another level at this epicurean haven...
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