Need to know: Istanbul
Fly to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines (www.turkishairlines. com) or Qatar Airways (www.qatarairways.com. Stopover in Doha) from Mumbai and New Delhi. Indian passport-holders can get visas on arrival for 1,100 if they have a valid US, UK or Schengen visa. Alternatively, apply for a tourist visa at the Turkish Embassy (http:// newdelhi.emb.mfa.gov.tr) in New Delhi. Witt Istanbul Hotel It has 18 stylish rooms with great city views. (www.wittistanbul.com) Doubles from €249 ( 17,970) Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah This grand property is in the ‘Little Europe’ district of Pera. (www.jumeirah. com) Doubles from €260 ( 18,760) The House Hotel Choose from the Ortakoy or Galatasaray branches of this boutique hotel group. (www.thehouse hotel.com) Doubles from €189 ( 13,640) GOOD Grand Hotel de VALUE Londres Its rooms face either the Stambaul or the Golden Horn. (www.londrahotel. net) Doubles from €50 ( 3,600) Hagia Sophia Museum Built as an Orthodox basilica, it is now a museum. (www. ayasofyamuzesi.gov.tr) Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque Named after the tiles lining its interior, this mosque is one of the city’s most iconic sights. (www.goturkey.com) Sakirin Mosque This modern mosque 170
Getting there
Datl? Maya Sample Anatolian recipes like spinach and Antakya cheese borek and sesame simit here. (http://datlimaya.com) Gram Order the daily specials at this popular restaurant. The baked goods are a highlight. (www.gramistanbul.com) The House Café Ortaköy Find both Turkish and international delicacies at this fine-dining restaurant. (www. thehousecafe.com) Journey This lounge serves food made from locally-grown ingredients. (www. journeycihangir.com) Karakoy Lokantasi This casual diner is a great spot for long lunches. (+90 212 292 4455) Güllüoglu Baklava It serves some of Istanbul’s best baklavas. (www. gulluoglu.com) Grand Bazaar This vast covered market has more than 3,000 shops. Narrow your focus to Takkeciler Sok, a small street of textile and rug outlets. (Sultanahmet) Tulu This serene boutique sells textiles, ceramics and accessories from Turkey, Central Asia and India. (7A, Ucler Sok) Spice Market Bargain for the freshest, most aromatic spices here. (Sultanahmet) Autoban Shop for furniture and home accessories at this design firm. (http:// autoban212.com)
map: martin haake
also houses an exhibition area. (www.sakirincamii. net) Topkap? Palace Once the home of the Ottoman Sultans, this 15th-century palace is unmissable. (www. topkapisarayi.gov.tr) Galata Tower Climb this 220ft tower for stellar Bosphorus views. (www.galatatower.net) SALT Galata A contemporary art and research space with a bar offering great views. (www.saltonline.org) Museum of Innocence Author Orhan Pamuk’s
quirky addition to the cultural scene is based on his novel of the same name. (www. masumiyetmuzesi.org) Hasköy Wool Yarn Factory A former factory, it is now a happening performance space. (K?rm?z? Minare Sokak 7-11, Sütlüce, Beyoglu) Cagaloglu Hamami This Turkish bath was built in 1741 and is a great tourist attraction. (www. cagalogluhamami.com.tr) ArTEr See contemporary works by Turkish artists here. (www.arter.org.tr)
rODEO Gallery One of the most popular cultural meeting places in the Cihangir district. (www.rodeo-gallery.com) M?s?r Apartman? An art nouveau apartment complex housing galleries and ateliers. (Istiklal) Galeri Ilayda See works by upcoming Turkish artists here. (www. galleryilayda.com) 360istanbul Take in circular views of Beyoglu from this restaurant’s terrace. Don’t miss the duck carpaccio. (www.360istanbul.com)
April to October offers the most sunshine, though July and August can be too crowded.
When to go
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