Istanbul is full of surprises, so please take enough time to explore this fascinating city!

All our Reception staff speak English and are happy to help you book tours of Istanbul, provide maps and directions to the many sights, and offer advice and tips on dining options and the best shopping.

Whether your time in this fascinating metropolis is long or short, there is plenty to see in the Old City and the following places are within a few minutes’ walk of the hotel. You may wish to self-guide, join a Small Group Tour or utilize the services of one of our reputable and knowledgeable Private Guides.

Beyond Sultanahmet:
Take the tram or walk across the Galata Bridge to Beyoglu and admire 360-degree views of old and new Istanbul from the top of the Galata Tower – the Bosphorus Bridge, the ancient peninsula, the Suleymaniye Mosque and the recently completed Metro Bridge. Wander the cobblestone streets at the base of the tower and peruse some of the more unusual shops and galleries.

Walk along Istiklal Street to Taksim Square, stopping along the way to listen to the many buskers and enjoy a bit of retail therapy in the many shopping outlets. If you feel hungry or thirsty, the dining options are endless.
Take a ferry to Kadikoy on the Asian side, where life is more relaxed. Sip a coffee in one of the excellent cafes, or for something more substantial, sample a selection of meze at the famous Çiya Sofrası. You can also take a ferry to the Prince Islands in the Sea of Marmara, take a horse-drawn carriage ride in Buyukada and then feast on seafood at one of the cafes on the beach.

Take a bus or taxi to Pierre Loti and enjoy a cup of tea at the café while taking in the magnificent view of the Golden Horn.

You can’t visit Istanbul without taking a cruise on the Bosphorus, where palaces, opulent summer houses and Rumeli Hisarı adorn the shores. Whether you decide on a morning/afternoon cruise or a shorter 2-hour cruise, you won’t be disappointed.
For something completely different, catch the new Marmaray train and travel from Serkeci on the European side to Uskudar on the Asian side via a tunnel under the Bosphorus. Take the ferry back to the European side for a breath of fresh air!

Museums
There are many museums but the most popular are Istanbul Modern in Tophane, Turkish and Islamic Art in the Hippodrome, the Archaeological Museum next to Topkapi Palace, the Pera Museum in Beyoglu and the Kariye Museum.

No visit to Turkey would be complete without a visit to the Hammam or Turkish Baths. Feel completely refreshed and clean after bathing under ancient domed roofs with steam, vigorous scrubs and olive oil soap.