Hg2 : The Hedonist

A Hedonist’s guide to…

Istanbul

ShopsFood & Drink

Antre Gourmet Istanbul
A gourmet shop in Beyoğlu, Antre Gourmet Istanbul offers its patrons – both visitors and locals alike – a real taste of Anatolia, from cheese to charcuterie.

RestaurantsAnatolian

Alancha
A celebration of Anatolian cuisine, Alancha serves up creative, innovation dishes alongside a mouthwatering cocktail list in its warm, stylish space in Beşiktaş.

RestaurantsInternationalRooftopTurkish

Cachi Lokanta Bar
A rooftop bar and restaurant with an open-air terrace, Cachi Lokanta Bar – found at the Adahan Istanbul – serves Turkish and international food and drinks throughout the day.

HotelsApartments

Hammamhane
A hotel made up of studios and suites, Hammamhane is a convenient, stylish place to stay right in the heart of Istanbul’s Beyoğlu neighbourhood.

Things to doSpas

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı

HotelsClassic

Basileus Hotel
The Basileus Hotel is a charming hotel within walking distance of some of Istanbul’s best sights, including the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace.

HotelsLuxury Chain

Marti Istanbul Hotel
The Taksim-located Marti Istanbul Hotel offers guests the chance to experience the best of modern Istanbul, including warm Turkish hospitality.

HotelsBoutique

Adahan Istanbul
Set in a listed apartment building from 1874, Adahan Istanbul is an elegantly restored hotel in the Beyoğlu area with its own rooftop bar and restaurant.

HotelsLuxury Chain

Raffles Istanbul
Raffles Istanbul is a luxurious, modern Turkish hotel, found in the downtown area, offering high-end rooms, a spa, and numerous bars and restaurants.

HotelsBoutique

House Hotel Galatasaray
Found in the artistic Çukurcuma district, the House Hotel Galatasaray is an elegant place to stay for those looking for style and substance.

HotelsBoutique

Mama Shelter Istanbul
Mama Shelter Istanbul, the younger sibling of Mama Shelter Paris, has an enviable Beyoğlu location and bold, whimsical interiors.

Things to doSpectator Sports

Galatasaray
Arguably the biggest side in Turkey, Galatasaray hold the record of Turkish League titles and Cups. Locked in an intense city rivalry, they now play home games at the Turk Telecom Arena.

RestaurantsSeafood

Cibalikapi
Intimate and low-key, this sweet seafood restaurant is a local favourite.

CafesRestaurant

Tarihi Selim Usta
Another meatball specialist (that sounds much better in Turkish), this elaborately named restaurant is one of the best places in town to experience köfte at their zenith.

ClubsNight Club

Indigo
Foodies flock in their droves to Indigo Restaurant with a reservations book that's always fit-to-bursting with high-profile names...

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:"

RestaurantsSeafood

Balikci Sabahattin
Some of the best fish in Istanbul is served in this charming simple restaurant in the Old Town. Balikci Sabahattin is particularly recommended in summer for its pretty outdoor dining.

CafesCafe

Assk Kahve
With a waterfront location and good looking clientele, there's much to love about the Assk Kahve. In daytime, pop in for a coffee and to soak up the general ambiance.

CafesCafe

Carnival
Good for breakfast and healthy lunches, refuel here before heading back onto the main thoroughfare to shop for sunglasses, denim and cheap and cheerful clothing.

CafesCoffee Shop

Kahve Dunyasi
If the Modern's cafe doesn't appeal, pop into the charming bustling Kahve Dunyasi for a chocolate fix.

HotelsApartments

The House Apart
Chic and cheap serviced apartments dotted around the city, the brain child of a slick chain of Istanbul cafes.

HotelsClassic

Bebek Hotel
Located in the smartest village along the Bosphorus Shore, the charming Bebek hotel, with its great rooms and terrific views, is a perfect place to escape the hubbub of Istanbul's centre.

SightsLandmarks & Monuments

Whirling Dervishes
Undeniably uber-touristy, we nevertheless recommend that you give in to your urges to watch the Dervishes whirl away... 

HotelsDesign

Ansen Suite Hotel
Pleasantly informal, the Ansen Suite Hotel is a welcome addition to the more traditional hotels in the Pera district of Beyoglu. The hotel is within walking distance of the buzzing streets around Istiklal Caddesi.=d"

SightsLandmarks & Monuments

Approach to the city by water
Approach Old Istanbul as visitors over the millenia would have done and feel the years roll away...

BarsDive Bar

Galata Bridge Bars
The many indistinguishable Galata Bridge bars, though tacky, present beautiful views of the Bosphorus if you're looking in the right direction (away from the bridge), especially at dusk.

RestaurantsTurkish

The Kilisli Palace
Emirgan might be quite a trek out of the central pleasures of Beyoglu and Sulanahmet, but it's home to an increasing number of travel-worthy venues, including the wonderful Kilisli Palace.

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.

HotelsBoutique

Lush
Colourful, small-ish hotel with a low-key atmosphere that is rare in this bustling party area of Istanbul. Stylish and modern yet cosy and welcoming, the Lush hotel is capturing a niche market so book in quickly. =di"

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

NuBlu East
A more sophisticated music policy - think groove reggae and disco rather than cheesy euro-pop - sets NuBlue East apart from its Kurucesme neighbours.

ClubsClub

Zarifi
More of a restaurant than a club, join large groups of Istanbullis for a raucous night of unashamed Turkish fun. As the meze get cleared away and the raki goes down the volume goes up and the dancing starts. =d"

RestaurantsTurkish

Refik
To dine at Refik is to tap into the traditional tavern scene. Join Istanbul's political intellectuals for some top quality meze and put the world to rights (if you're Turkish is up to scratch).

RestaurantsTurkish

Haci Abdullah
Universally good food and service are the secret of Haci Abdullah's longevity. Easily surpassing the myriad of competitors on Istiklal Caddesi, this large, warm restaurant is a perennial favourite.d

RestaurantsTurkish

Hamdi
Delicious kebabs have engendered a loyal following among locals and visitors alike. Just a stroll away from the Egyptian Bazaar Hamdi is perfect for a restorative lunch before taking on the Grand Bazaar.=display:none"

ShopsMalls & Department Stores

Addres
Istanbul stimulates and excites the interior design gene in all of us and will leave you keen to take a little piece home. Head to Addres to fulfill this desire.

RestaurantsTurkish

Asitane
Tradition with a twist. This stylish restaurant, tucked away in the basement of the unremarkable Kariye Hotel, serves up excellent Ottoman cuisine in an elegant setting.

HotelsBoutique

I’Zaz
Tiny and kooky boutique guesthouse with only four rooms is adored by young creatives.

BarsPub

The James Joyce
Despite a scandalous lack of Guinness, no other Irish cliche is overlooked in the James Joyce pub. Pretty, casual and popular with English speaking ex-pats.

BarsDive Bar

Urban
Not quite as 'urban' in design as the name might imply, this charming Parisian-style bar is perfect for an early evening drink.
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