Experience the Heart of Istanbul

Hammam (Turkish Bath): This is a must-do experience while in Istanbul. I recommend Cagaloglu Hamami as it is the last one to have been built during the Ottoman Empire. This 300-year-old hammam with stunning architecture and incredible spa services will leave you in awe. There is also a beautiful Michelin recommended restaurant on site.

Hagia Sophia: This mosque is a major cultural and historical site in the Sultanahment neighborhood. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, considered to be an architectural marvel and is often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Built in AD 537, there is a rich history of how this church has changed hands throughout different Empires.

Cruise on the Bosphorous: Catch a boat ride that takes you across the Bosphorus Strait. This is the body of water that separates Europe and Asia. There are options for a dinner cruise or a sunset sightseeing tour on a luxury yacht, or you can ride the boat taxi across the water to explore the city on the Asian side!

Visit the Grand Bazaar and the spice market: It wouldn’t be a trip to Istanbul without experiencing the iconic shopping hub of the city. Whether you are looking for the perfect rug, a set of Turkish towels for your bathroom back home or some saffron to bring a taste of the city home, don’t miss the chaos of these markets.

Wander through Taksim Square: Enjoy the hustle and bustle in this shopping and dining central area of the city. This area is much more modern but you can still enjoy some of the old sites along the way such as the Pera Palace Hotel, which is renowned for having the first elevator in Turkey as well as being the hotel where Agatha Christie wrote the book Murder on the Orient Express, in room 411.

Eat a traditional Turkish breakfast: You must experience the culture of their breakfast first-hand. Take your time, don’t rush the experience and plan on sharing as there are so many dishes to get through.

Dine on a rooftop: I recommend Roof Mezze 360 as their location in Sultanahmet will give you amazing views of the city. The food is outstanding and the service is excellent. Be sure to order mezze with all of your meals — it is part of the experience — and stick around to savor the tea before you leave.

Traditional dinner: I recommend a spot called Deraliye that creates delicious Ottoman dishes in a vibey setting. It is located in the heart of Sultanahmet, making it a convenient stop after you have been out sightseeing or shopping at the Grand Bazaar.

Cocktails: You can never go wrong with stopping into the bar at a Four Seasons, and the Four Seasons Sultanahmet is no different. If you go when the weather is nice, you can sip your drinks on the rooftop. They have a great wine selection as well as beautiful craft cocktails.

Turkish delight: Make a stop for a sweet treat at Haci Bekir for Turkish delight. It is a cultural staple that you have to partake in!