Hg2 : The Hedonist

A Hedonist’s guide to…

Istanbul

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.

BarsLounge

Dulcinea
Sleek, cool decor attracts sleek cool customers to this popular bar just off the Taksim end of Istiklal Caddesi. To keep with the stylish set, head over to nearby fusion-restaurant Changa for dinner.

HotelsBoutique

A’jia Hotel
Located in the Asian Shore village of Kanlica, the sleek contemporary A'jia hotel is an excellent option for style-conscious travellers.

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?

BarsTerrace Bar

Nuteras
Around sunset on a summer's day, there are few places better than the sleekly modern Nuteras. Located on the 7th floor of a Pera building it is perfectly aligned with the setting sun.

ClubsNight Club

Nu Club
With a great fusion restaurant on the ground floor, panoramic rooftop bar and basement club, NuPera can keep you occupied for the whole evening.

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.

RestaurantsGeorgian

Galata House
A former prison Galata House may not have the happiest history, but homely furniture and some comfort food from the Crimea have long dispelled any negative vibes.

ClubsNight Club

2C Club Inn
Located near the unlovely Taksim square, 2C offers a taste of the down and dirty side of Istanbul nightlife. With banging techno and house tunes, a night here is unashamedly good fun.

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.

ClubsClub

Ghetto
With a mélange of upbeat world music, Ghetto sparks a full blown party ambience for a well-heeled crowd.

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;""

RestaurantsMediterranean

Mikla
With indoor and outdoor restaurants, a terrace bar and rooftop pool with resident DJ, European restaurant Mikla has much to recommend it. Dress to impress for a relaxed evening out.

HotelsClassic

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

RestaurantsAnatolian

Develi
This excellent Anatolian restaurant overlooking the Sea of Marmara is perfect for frustrated mariners, as the large terrace allows a birds eye view of the Bosphorus' maritime traffic.y

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.

ClubsNight Club

Riddim
If the hip hop vibe sets your pulse racing, then run - don't walk, all the way to Riddim.

BarsLounge

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

CafesRestaurant

Mangerie
Home to some of the world's best marzipan, there are many reasons to visit the smart Bosphorus village Bebek. High up that list is this lovely cafe-restaurant.

ClubsLive Music

Dogztar
It's laid back with a down and friendly rock vibe reminiscent of our school years. If experimental music is your thing, then this is quite a discovery.

ShopsFashion

Galata
Within Beyoglu, Galata houses boutiques with some of the most up-and-coming international designers.

RestaurantsTurkish

Borsa
A perenntial favourite despite its unprepossessing location, join the smart Nisantasi crowd at this chic 500-seat restaurant for some of the best Turkish cuisine in town.

HotelsDesign

The Sofa Hotel
One of the new breed of design hotels in Istanbul, the Sofa expertly combines personal service, excellent facilities and a wonderful central location, which sets it apart from the competition.

CafesHealthfood

Cuppa
Healthy juice shop and cafe to leave you glowing...

SightsMuseum

Islamic Arts Museum
Turkish carpets, illuminated Korans, calligraphy wood carvings, porcelain and much much more is on show in this house-Museum. Located in the HippodRome just opposite the Blue Mosque.

BarsPub

Taps
Located just a few streets away from the fabulous shopping on Abdi Ipecki Caddesi, men might like to retreat to Taps to sample their seven beers leaving wives and girlfriends to the chic boutiques.

HotelsDesign

Kybele Hotel
A decidedly maximalist design ethos, zany colour scheme and plethora of Turkish lamps set the tone of this charmingly off-beat hotel in Sultanahmet.

HotelsClassic

Richmond Hotel
The only decent hotel on the entire length of Istiklal Caddesi, this contemporary hotel is ideally located for visitors planning to take in Istanbul's cultural and pastoral pleasures.

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.

RestaurantsSushi

Tokyo
Located just off Beyoglu's buzzing thoroughfare Istiklal Caddesi, the smart contemporary Tokyo is perfect for a quick sushi lunch. Pop in here before taking on the antiques shops of nearby Faik.

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"

CafesLate-night

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

RestaurantsTurkish

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

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.

RestaurantsTurkish

Pandeli
An Istanbul classic, Pandeli's charm lies in its location - there can be few better places to feel the the essence of Old Istanbul.

SightsMuseum

Pera Museum
Classic and contemporary art gallery that puts on some amazing exhibitions...

BarsClub

Isis
Isis is located in Kadiköy on the Asian shore and is perfect for a break from super-smart cocktail bars...

RestaurantsGrill

Sunset Grill & Bar
Well worth the taxi ride to Ulus Park, Sunset's enduring popularity with the smart crowd is due to its fabulous terrace with Bosphorus views, excellent varied menu and well-stocked wine cellar.

ShopsLifestyle

Haremlique
Head to Haremlique for quintessential Turkish homeware.
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