ISTANBUL GUIDE
A city where history and modernity collide in layers of texture, craft, and culture. This curated edit goes beyond the surface, spotlighting the most inspiring dining rooms, architectural landmarks, hidden ateliers, and hotels where design is not just décor but a way of life.
This curated guide is your compass to Istanbul through a design-led lens - from seamless, chauffeured transfers to the city’s most inspired dining rooms, and art-filled stays. Whether you’re tracing the lines of Ottoman architecture, tasting your way through modern Turkish gastronomy, or discovering a hotel where design tells a story, every recommendation has been hand-picked for its sense of style and soul. With insider insights and Splendid’s eye for detail, explore the city like a creative - and let Istanbul reveal its layers of history, craftsmanship, and beauty in motion.
Where to Stay.
best luxury hotel: Six Senses
In a city of architectural palimpsests, Six Senses Kocataş Mansions offers a rare moment of calm sophistication along the Bosphorus. This is no typical Istanbul hotel; it is a carefully restored pair of 19th-century Ottoman mansions infused with contemporary sensibilities.
The property comprises the Kocataş Mansion, once owned by Ottoman Minister of Justice Necmettin Molla Kocataş, and the Sait Paşa Mansion, built by a grand vizier in the late 19th century. After a devastating fire in 1997, Kocataş Mansion lay in disrepair until Six Senses undertook an ambitious restoration, preserving original architectural elements - arched windows, ornamental moldings, layout footprints -while layering in modern amenities. The goal: to let the past live beside the present, not be overshadowed by it.
One standout feature is the presence of multiple pools, both indoor and outdoor - a rarity in Istanbul’s hotel scene, particularly in heritage settings.In such a densely built city, to offer guests options for sunlit dips, shadowed contemplation or heated indoor swimming is a bold design move. The pools become not just amenities but sculptural water elements that respond to light, shadow, and view, giving guests a sensory layer beyond wood, stone, or textile.
Inside, the aesthetic weaves Ottoman references with contemporary calm. Woodwork, hand-painted ceilings, grand archways, and traditional tile patterns nod to the original structures. Yet these historic touches are tempered with modern restraint: clean lines, natural textures, minimal ornament, and soft lighting that lets the space breathe. It’s a balance: ornament without ostentation, heritage without heaviness.
Staying here feels like living in a grand private house rather than a hotel. In lounges you might find Ottoman antiques, vintage photographs, or locally inspired art. The public spaces take their cues from the mansion’s past, while anticipatory service and modern comforts ensure you never feel dated. Crucially, the hotel achieves something delicate: it allows guests to feel tied to Istanbul's history without being overwhelmed by it. The pools, courtyards, terraces, room proportions - all are designed to slow you down, to let you listen to water, light, and the soft hiss of leaves or distant Bosphorus waves.
Discover more or book your stay on The Six Sense website.
Best Boutique hotel: Mr. Cas
In the vibrant heart of the city, the historic Güney Palace Apartments invite guests to step into a world of elegance and memory - where exquisitely designed rooms and suites echo the spirit of a city once celebrated as the Pearl of the World.
Opened in December 1900, the Güney Palas quickly became a beacon for the city’s most creative and fashionable circles. Through its ornate wrought-iron doors passed artists, designers, milliners, poets, filmmakers, and actors, drawn to its opulent interiors and the allure of its storied gatherings. Lavish soirées lit up its halls, where film industry moguls mingled with stars, and whispers from these evenings would ripple through the city for months to follow.
Today, the palace retains the soul of its past. Original features have been lovingly preserved, painted ceilings in classical motifs, Art Nouveau flourishes across walls and windows, and interiors that gleam with mirrors, stained glass, and hand-carved wood. Mr. Cas, the hotel’s crown jewel, offers a journey through time: halls adorned with hand-painted glass doors, 125-year-old plasterwork, and a marble staircase that rises like a sculpture through the building’s heart.
Discover more or book your stay on The Mr. Cas website.
Where to dine: Our must-try dining options
SUNSET GRILL & BAR
Sunset Grill & Bar has been Istanbul’s stage for style since 1994, a place where locals bring international guests to show off the city at its best. Perched in Ulus Park, it opens onto a terrace with panoramic Bosphorus views, a glass-walled dining hall, and summer decks that hum with atmosphere.
The menu bridges cultures-Asian-inspired plates, house-aged steaks, and the city’s first sushi bar, now signatures collected in a beautifully designed cookbook. Owner Barış Tansever, a Chaine des Rotisseurs member with a passion for art and design, infuses the space with striking detail: a cocoon-like illuminated bar, sculptural lighting, and garden lamps reminiscent of Zaha Hadid’s work for Rome’s MAXXI museum.
The result is more than dining-it’s a design-minded gathering spot, equal parts cosmopolitan club and cultural landmark.
VOGUE RESTAURANT
Nestled at the top of an understated office building, this restaurant exudes a chic atmosphere, adorned with striking visuals from the famous Vogue magazine archives that enhance its lively decor. However, it’s the stunning vistas of Dolmabahçe Palace and the Bosphorus that truly steal the show. The menu is impressively varied, offering everything from classic Turkish cuisine and pasta to delicious sushi and sashimi.
LUCCA
Lucca, located in the trendy and upscale Bebek area of Istanbul, is regarded as one of the city's coolest spots. We take pride in our lively atmosphere that buzzes from morning till night. With resident DJs maintaining the upbeat vibe all week long, you’ll also find international musicians frequently gracing our decks with their amazing tunes.
ULUS 29
Upon stepping into this elegant restaurant, you immediately sense the extraordinary atmosphere. The stunning view of the lively Bosphorus, the captivating minarets, and the iconic Istanbul skyline is truly one-of-a-kind! At 29, you can expect an exquisite dining experience, where the rich flavors and warmth of traditional Turkish dishes are artfully reimagined with a contemporary flair, all set in a beautiful environment!
HOUSE CAFE
Our top pick to savor a traditional Turkish breakfast with a contemporary twist is The House Café Ortaköy, which opened its doors in 2005 in a beautiful Bosphorus setting. The spacious venue features an inviting indoor café upon entry, two large terraces overlooking the breathtaking seaside, and a stylish indoor dining area. During the summer weekends, guests can enjoy live DJ performances.
What to do: places you don’t want to miss
TOPKAPI PALACE
Once the magnificent home of the sultans, Topkapi Palace boasts significant collections of Ottoman art, including the exquisite royal kaftans. Be sure to explore the harem and the Baghdad Kiosk to admire the stunning tiles and breathtaking views. A pathway descending from the first courtyard of Topkapi Palace leads you to a shared entrance for the Archaeological Museum and the Çinili Kiosk.
HAGIA AYA SOFYA
The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, a magnificent architectural marvel that was once a Byzantine church, has been transformed into a vibrant mosque that showcases the rich history of Istanbul. Noteworthy for housing the amazing tombs of renowned Ottoman sultans, adorned lavishly with intricately crafted Iznik tiles, this sacred site offers visitors a unique glimpse into the city's past. With the convenience of a single ticket, patrons have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the grandeur of both the Byzantine church's heritage and the mosque's spiritual ambiance, creating an enriching and unforgettable journey through time and culture.
MISIR CARSI
The Misir Carsi market is a lively hub of colorful activity, where visitors are tantalized by the rich tapestry of offerings, including exotic spices sourced from distant lands, aromatic herbs that awaken the senses, delicately scented soaps that promise relaxation, fragrances that transport the mind to far-off places, plump and succulent dried fruits that beckon with their natural sweetness, mouth-watering sweets that cater to every taste bud, an assortment of cheeses that satisfy even the most discerning palate. Adjacent to this vibrant marketplace lies a charming flower bazaar, where a kaleidoscope of blooms creates a picturesque scene that complements the sensory delights of the bustling Misir Carsi.
GRAND BAZAAR
Renowned as one of the most famous bazaars worldwide, this extraordinary market offers an extensive array of exquisite items, ranging from luxurious carpets and captivating textiles to a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces, shimmering gold ornaments, precious antiques, dazzling jewelry, finely crafted leather goods, and so much more. Established during the 15th century, this mesmerizing bazaar is a labyrinth of enchanting old streets and alleys that hold countless treasures waiting to be discovered. Visitors are advised to wander through its charming alleys with caution to avoid losing their way amidst the alluring offerings of this historical market.
GETTING AROUND
BLACKLANE
Navigating transportation in Istanbul can be particularly bewildering, especially when you are a first-time visitor to the city. Finding Uber rides or taxis can be a challenge due to their unreliability and scarcity. Hence, we strongly advise using Blacklane to alleviate this issue. Blacklane offers dependable, hassle-free, and luxurious services that can be conveniently booked through their user-friendly phone application, making your travel experience in Istanbul smoother and more enjoyable. With Blacklane, you can sit back, relax, and let their professional drivers take care of all your transportation needs, ensuring a stress-free journey.
Istanbul, is a vibrant metropolis steeped in history, stands out as one of the world's most remarkable cities. We hope you enjoyed our guide to Istanbul and that our tips, help you maximize your time in Istanbul and create lasting memories in this vibrant city!
- Team Splendid x