What are the best things to see and do in Istanbul?
- Mickey Ashmore
- Correspondent
- Istanbul, Turkey, Europe
From historical sites and boat tours to dining on world-class cuisine, here are Forbes Travel Guide editors’ five favorite things to do in Istanbul, a city straddling the borders of Europe and Asia that has a population of nearly 20 million people:
1. Visit Old City. You’ll find some of Istanbul’s most-visited attractions in Old City, including the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace (don’t miss the Harem and view from the rear courtyards at the latter). You could easily devote at least half a day to visiting these sites — and more if you’re a serious history buff. Don’t forget to finish your day with a visit to a Turkish bath to refresh, relax and rejuvenate yourself before a night out on the town — Cağaloğlu and Çemberlitaş Hamamı are two good options.
2. A night out in Beyoğlu. Istanbul’s nightlife does not disappoint, particularly in the Beyoğlu district, where you’ll find the city’s best concentration of bars, restaurants and clubs. For a great pre-dinner aperitif, check out Mikla, which has an outdoor terrace with some of the best views in Istanbul. You can also check out the bar scene at Münferit or the rooftop dance floor at NuTeras. During the winter, stroll the Asmalı Mescit area, where you can sample a range of bars and clubs.
3. Eat the local fish. It would be a shame to leave Istanbul without enjoying some of its fresh fish. Go to one of the restaurants along the Bosphorus strait and start with cold meze (shared appetizers), then move to ara sıcak (hot appetizers) like fish köfte or grilled calamari while saving room for a nice piece of levrek (sea bass) or kalkan (turbot).
4. Boat rides on the Bosphorus Strait. You should definitely plan on spending some time on the Bosphorus, especially if you come during the summer. Options on the strait range from a private tour with wine and cheese — you can arrange this through your hotel — to simply catching a ferry from Eminönü, in Europe, to Kadıköy, in Asia. The many tourist-friendly Boğaz Turs that depart from multiple ferry docks throughout the city are another option.
5. Brunch and a Walk from Rumeli to Arnavutköy. Brunch is serious business in Istanbul. Locals like to have it late in the day, and one of their favorite places to enjoy it is in Rumelihisarı, a quiet neighborhood along the upper Bosphorus set beneath the historic Rumeli fortress. After brunch, burn off a few calories by joining the locals on a seaside walk from Rumeli along the Bosphorus, back toward Bebek and onto Arnavutköy.
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On March 12Caroline Patek answered the question:
What are the best places to eat in Istanbul?
One of my favorite things about Istanbul's dining scene is the unbelievable views from some of its top restaurants. Between the Bosphorus and the scattering of rich historical sites throughout the city, there's no shortage of picture-perfect vistas.
360 Istanbul is set atop a building in Beyoglu, and true to its name, it provides 360 views of the city. Large windows offer those sitting inside grand vistas, but you'll want to be seated on the balcony. The menu is filled with traditional Turkish fare and the cocktails are a must — the mojito I ordered is forever ingrained in my memory.
Mikla restaurant is another one of my favorite Istanbul spots. Perched at the top of the Marmara Pera hotel (where I stayed during my trip), chef Mehmet Gürs combines Turkish and Scandinavian cuisine for dishes such as North Aegean octopus with cauliflower and arugula cream. Yet again, the views of some of Istanbul's most famous sites aren't to be missed — including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque — and the restaurant's rooftop terrace bar is great for a pre- or post-dinner drink (or two). -
On March 12Caroline Patek answered the question:
What are the best places to eat in Istanbul?
One of my favorite things about Istanbul's dining scene is the unbelievable views from some of its top restaurants. Between the Bosphorus and the scattering of rich historical sites throughout the city, there's no shortage of picture-perfect vistas.
360 Istanbul is set atop a building in Beyoglu, and true to its name, it provides 360 views of the city. Large windows offer those sitting inside grand vistas, but you'll want to be seated on the balcony. The menu is filled with traditional Turkish fare and the cocktails are a must — the mojito I ordered is forever ingrained in my memory.
Mikla restaurant is another one of my favorite Istanbul spots. Perched at the top of the Marmara Pera hotel (where I stayed during my trip), chef Mehmet Gürs combines Turkish and Scandinavian cuisine for dishes such as North Aegean octopus with cauliflower and arugula cream. Yet again, the views of some of Istanbul's most famous sites aren't to be missed — including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque — and the restaurant's rooftop terrace bar is great for a pre- or post-dinner drink (or two). -
On September 5Forbes Travel Guide Inspector answered the question:
What are the best places to eat in Istanbul?
From traditional bakeries to modern restaurants, here are our Forbes Travel Guide editors’ picks for the best places to eat in Istanbul:
1. Kandilli Suna’nın Yeri. No trip to Istanbul is complete without enjoying a proper rakı balık meal — rakı is the local aniseed-flavored alcohol, and balık means fish — and there’s no better place to do it at then Kandilli Suna’nın Yeri, located just across the Bosphorus from Bebek. Don’t miss their famous fava bean spread, fried calamari and grilled sea bass. You can cross the Bosphorus either by public ferry or sea taxi.
2. Karaköy Lokantası. Turquoise-blue tiles covering the walls and rod-iron fixtures add to the classic appeal of the family-run restaurant in Istanbul’s Karaköy district. Start with a few cold and hot appetizers to share, then order a homemade yogurt. For a main course, don’t miss the hünkar beğendi (Sultan’s Delight), tender cooked meat atop a creamy eggplant puree.
3. Mikla. Turkish celebrity chef Mehmet Gurs runs this top-notch restaurant offering both local- and Scandinavian-influenced cuisine. You’ll love the food, but might fawn over the spectacular views of the Bosphorus from the restaurant’s elegant outdoor terrace just as much.
4. Münferit. Münferit serves modern takes on classic Turkish dishes in a sleek setting. The menu is filled with mouthwatering fare like baked porcini with melted cheese and truffle; there’s a great wine list, too. You’ll also find one of the city’s hottest late-night bar scenes here on the weekends.
5. Datlı Maya. You’ll be greeted with a blast of warmth from a large oven and the smells of freshly baked bread when you walk into Datlı Maya, a repurposed commercial simit bakery specializing in traditional Turkish food like pide and lahmacun with a bohemian twist. Be sure to add a salad to your meal — it’s one of our favorite dishes on the small menu. -
On September 5Mickey Ashmore answered the question:
Where can you get the best view in Istanbul?
Comprised of seven hills and two bodies of water, Istanbul is a city where you’ll have no trouble finding spots with remarkable panoramic views. Here are our Forbes Travel Guide editors’ four favorite ones:
1. Mangerie in Bebek. This gourmet café offers upscale fare on a terrace overlooking the Bosphorus. Enjoy the views while you dine on either classic Turkish breakfast dishes or international classics like eggs Benedict.
2. Mikla. Mikla is arguably one of the best restaurants in Istanbul — and some would say it has one of the best views, too. From this elegant space you can see nearly every piece of the city, including the large number of ships waiting in the Marmara Sea.
3. Galata Tower. Few would argue that there are significantly better views than those you’ll enjoy from the wraparound balcony of Galata Tower. Yes, it’s touristy, but even locals admit to being mesmerized by the tower’s dominating presence in the middle of such an urban environment.
4. Boat tour. A private or group tour on the Bosphorus, heading towards the Black Sea, will yield fantastic views of Istanbul. From the historic Bosphorus palaces to the modern skyscrapers in Istanbul’s central business district, you’ll be amazed by all the history you can see in just one ride. -
On September 5Mickey Ashmore answered the question:
What is the best thing to bring home from Istanbul?
Istanbul is full of great things to bring home, including antiques — some of questionable authenticity — locally produced crafts and modern pieces inspired by Ottoman times. Stroll through the local markets or go to design stores like Paşabahçe to find classic souvenirs specific to the city such as tea glasses and ceramic evil eyes; the latter promises to bring you protection and prosperity.
Of course, there’s always food, too. Our Forbes Travel Guide editors think dried figs and fruits from any number of vendors are a good buy — and that Malatya Pazarı is an especially good brand to look for. Almond paste sweets from Meshur Bebek Badem Ezmesi in Bebek are also recommended, and standard Turkish delights always make great gifts for friends as well. For a more modern gift, head to Atölye 11 in Karaköy, where you can find fantastic Ottoman-inspired jewelry, pillows and clothing.
