WHERE TO STAY:

• Four Seasons Hotel is standing on the shores of the scenic Bosphorus. This lovingly restored 19th-century Ottoman Palace brings together Istanbul’s ancient architecture, warm Turkish hospitality and contemporary accommodations.
• Pera Palace Hotel is a historic hotel and museum located in the Beyoğlu district. I love the atmosphere of this special place; it was built to host the passengers of the Orient Express and on entering, it is like experiencing a wonderful journey through time.
• Set in Palazzo Corpi, the former home of a Genoese merchant, no hotel quite captures the energy of Istanbul quite like The Soho House in Beyoğlu.
• The House Hotel Bosphorus is a luxury boutique hotel overlooking the Bosphorus strait. Housed in a historical 19th century mansion; it was completely renovated but the original features were carefully maintained while introducing contemporary elegance.

WHERE TO EAT:

• Pandeli Restaurant, an Istanbul icon. Here, you can taste the city’s history and the traditional cuisine, it’s a necessary stop when in Istanbul.
• Hünkar Restaurant is another historic restaurant in Istanbul, it’s considered one of the best gourmet cuisine restaurants of Turkey.
• Sunset Grill & Bar is famous not only for its amazing location (boasting stunning views of Asian Istanbul, the Bosphorus, sunsets in the heart of city and on the hills of affluent Ulus) and its delicious food, but also, the restaurant grows its own herbs in the garden and produces wine in its vineyard in Bozcaada.
• Mikla Restaurant, with its sleek, contemporary decor and a stunning 360-degree view of Istanbul, is the dramatic setting for prestigious American-trained Turkish-Finnish chef Mehmet Gürs's modern Anatolian cuisine.
• Arnavutköy Balıkçısı try it for its delicious and perfectly cooked grilled sea bass, grilled calamari and zeama.
• Mürver Restaurant offers a creative, comfortable, modern, and authentic dining experience.

WHERE TO DRINK:

• Backyard Bebeköy. Head to Backbar to get a drink over the lush garden bar while resident DJs transform the space into a lively venue.
• Lucca Bebek is known for its creative and trendy cocktails and buzzing night scene.
• Le Fumoir, Georges Hotel Galata, enjoy a refined drink in the Champagne bar which is home to an amazing sea view.

WHAT TO VISIT AND WHAT TO DO:

• Pilevneli Gallery, located in the historical district of Dolapdere, aims to bring stimulating worldviews to Istanbul by hosting international artists and presenting several contemporary Turkish artists.
• Istanbul Modern was the first Turkish museum of modern and contemporary art, committed to sharing Turkey’s artistic creativity and cultural identity with the local and international art worlds.
• Anna Laudel Contemporary, a refined art gallery set in a historic building, exhibiting local and international modern art.
• Enjoy the spectacular views from the Pierre Loti Hill
• Immerse yourself in the characteristic atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, an enchanting experience.
• Get lost in the alleys of Galata, one of the coolest neighborhoods in Istanbul, prominently marked by the presence of the historic Galata Tower.

WHERE TO SHOP:

• Discover the wonderful creations of my dear friend and my favorite jewellery designer Begum Khan in her enchanting boutique.
• Be charmed by the timeless elegance of the Misela bags designed by my friend Serra Türker
• Nişantaşı, a popular shopping and residential district, is one of Istanbul's most exclusive neighborhoods and one of the best shopping areas in the city.
• And of course, go to the beautiful department store Beymen to discover the new Aquazzura collections! It has been home to Aquazzura from the very beginning.