Hg2 : The Hedonist

A Hedonist’s guide to…

Istanbul

RestaurantsItalian

Cecconi’s Istanbul
A Northern Italian restaurant housed within the luxurious Soho House Istanbul, Cecconi's Istanbul is a stylish spot for a meal and a little people watching.

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.

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.

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.

Things to doSpas

Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam
A luxurious traditional hamam from the 16th century, the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam has had a million-dollar restoration and is more beautiful than ever.

HotelsDesign

The House Hotel Karaköy
Found in one of the city’s more artistic neighbourhoods, The House Hotel Karaköy is a design-conscious hotel with luxurious amenities and its own in-house art curator.

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.

HotelsDesign

Armaggan Bosporus Suites
Armaggan Bosporus Suites, found on the glittering shores of Istanbul’s waterway, offers guests the chance to stay in a luxurious suite, or waterfront mansion.

ShopsConcept StoresJewellery

Armaggan
A high-end store in Nuruosmaniye, Armaggan offers a range of unique pieces, from jewellery to homewares, with an emphasis on local traditions and contemporary designs.

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

HotelsBoutique

Darussaade Hotel
A charming boutique hotel with historical bona fides, the Darussaade Hotel is found in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district, near the Hagia Sofia.

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.

HotelsDesign

Gezi Hotel Bosphorus
With a relaxing ambience that belies its central location, the Gezi Hotel Bosphorus is a stylish hotel with eco credentials and its own spa.

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.

ShopsFood & Drink

Melez Tea Lab
Melez Tea Lab feels like a temple to tea, which, indeed, it is, offering all manner of artisanal teas for purchase, as well as fun, interactive workshops.

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.

HotelsBoutique

Georges Hotel Galata
Boutique hotel Georges Hotel Galata puts a premium on impeccable service, offering luxurious accommodation mere steps from Istanbul’s Galata Tower.

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.

HotelsApartments

4 Floors
Boutique hotel 4 Floors Istanbul is small but perfectly formed, offering fully-serviced apartments in the centre of the bustling Beyoğlu neighbourhood.

HotelsBoutique

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

SightsLandmarks & Monuments

Milion
Not exactly a destination but a point of interest as you walk past on your way to the Hagia Sophia, this broken column is a swift reminder of Constantinople's importance in the Roman Empire.

Things to doSpectator Sports

Motor Racing

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.

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...

RestaurantsTurkish

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

RestaurantsSeafood

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

HotelsApartments

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

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.

BarsWine Bar

Sensus Turkish Wine Library
Cheese and wine shop-cum-bar concentrating on some serious local vintages...
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