Istanbul is Turkey's largest city and cultural capital, straddling two continents across the Bosphorus Strait. Once the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, it's a city of stunning mosques, grand bazaars, and vibrant neighborhoods blending East and West.
Luxury hotels
Five-star and palace properties.
Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
The only hotel in the world occupying an actual Ottoman palace on the Bosphorus. Built for Sultan Abdulaziz and completed in 1874, the Ciragan Palace Kempinski offers 313 rooms and suites. The iconic outdoor pool appears to float on the Bosphorus itself.
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
Occupying a converted 19th-century Ottoman prison directly opposite Hagia Sophia, this 65-room property is among the world's most uniquely located luxury hotels. The rooftop restaurant offers one of Istanbul's most extraordinary views.
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
A beautifully restored 19th-century Ottoman palace on the Bosphorus with expansive grounds, two Bosphorus-side pools, and extensive spa facilities. Larger and more resort-like than its Sultanahmet sibling.
Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus Istanbul
A 19th-century Bosphorus palace opened as hotel in 2019. The 122 rooms offer Bosphorus or garden views, with two outdoor pools, acclaimed spa, and fine dining at Kuzu restaurant.
Raffles Istanbul
Located in the prestigious Zorlu Center, Raffles Istanbul offers 181 rooms and suites with the finest contemporary luxury in the city. The Long Bar is one of Istanbul's most stylish cocktail destinations.
Fine dining
Michelin-starred and chef-driven restaurants.
Turk Fatih Tutak
Istanbul's first Michelin-starred restaurant. Chef Fatih Tutak offers a chef's table tasting menu of innovative Turkish cuisine using exclusively Anatolian ingredients presented with international fine dining precision. Book 3-4 weeks ahead.
Mikla
Chef Mehmet Gurs's rooftop restaurant atop the Marmara Pera hotel with spectacular city and Bosphorus views. Innovative Turkish menu using indigenous Anatolian ingredients consistently ranked among Turkey's very best restaurants.
Tugra Restaurant at Ciragan Palace
The Tugra at Ciragan Palace Kempinski serves elaborate Ottoman palace recipes in a gilded chandelier-lit dining room overlooking the Bosphorus. The menu recreates archival Ottoman imperial banquet dishes.
Neolokal
Chef Maksut Askar's acclaimed restaurant at SALT Galata uses exclusively Turkish and Anatolian ingredients to create inventive modern dishes. The wine list focuses on Turkish vineyards. Reservations essential.
Ulus 29
Legendary Istanbul dining destination on a hillside above the Bosphorus with spectacular evening views. An Istanbul institution for celebrating special occasions, serving refined Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine for decades.