Inside Istanbul
Laura Garner’s go-to guide to Türkiye’s enchanting city
Istanbul has been home to civilisation since the dawn of history, with its characteristics of being the intersection centre of continents, seas, land and airways. So when an invitation to visit this cultural epicentre arrived from Turkish Airlines we just knew it was one we couldn’t turn down.
Stretching two continents, this magnificent city is packed to the rafters with sights, sounds, smells and tastes - a true stimulation for the senses. Istanbul, with a population of over 15 million people, is as diverse as it is intriguing, steeped in history and full of excitement and wonder - the perfect destination for a city break.
How to travel
Turkish Airlines is the only way to travel to Istanbul. It not only flies to more countries than any other carrier but operates four daily services from Manchester to Istanbul. We arrived in elegant style aboard the A321neo in Business Class and were served a delicious restaurant-standard three-course meal with champagne and enjoyed in-flight entertainment, reclining extra-wide seats, attentive service and the peace of a separate cabin. Business Class gives you access to 32kg of luggage and two carry-on bags, as well as lounges at both Manchester and the incredible dedicated lounge in Istanbul. This was a mini-holiday in itself, with various freshly prepared food stations, a flight simulator and fridges packed with fresh juices, beers, wines and champagne. Going home is usually the worst part of a trip, but we were lucky to return in the echelons of luxury on the Turkish Airlines’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner which featured high-tech, lie-flat seats. The perfect way to round off the trip.
Where to stay
Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus was the luxurious location to accommodate us for our visit - melding traditional Turkish style with modern design, the Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus hotel rises above Istanbul with panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus Strait. At the very centre of the city, yet far away from the hustle and bustle, Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus’ rooms and suites allow for the highest standard of relaxation, complete with personalised comfort and services. Their circular bar in the Monet Lounge is the perfect place for a pre-dinner aperitif and the Summit Bar & Terrace located on the 14th floor proved the perfect place for a nightcap and the best way to admire the spectacular view of the Istanbul skyline after dark.
What to do
We toured the city with a private guide from Turkish Airlines’ tour operator, Touristanbul who offer a complimentary tour service to Turkish Airlines passengers with international transfer flights over six hours. Our guide showed us the Old City featuring landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the magnificent Topkai Palace. Istanbul is surrounded by water so it was only fitting for us to hop onboard a private yacht for a tour along the Bosphorus sipping the famous Turkish coffee and admiring the waterfront mansions and mosques. For those in need of Instagramable moments, the views from the Galata Tower are not to be missed and it’s worth visiting the relatively newly established Istanbul Modern Museum, featuring avante-garde Turkish artists and a mirror pool on the rooftop which gives panoramic scope to the diversity of the landscape, architecture and size of Istanbul - and some.
Where to eat
As a city which sits in both Europe and Asia, plus being the birthplace of the Spice Road and indeed the spice trade, it’s one of the best places in the world to be a foodie! With around 15 restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide traditional Turkish fare sits high on the agenda of most eateries, however, you could eat any cuisine you like in this cosmopolitan hub. We were lucky to get a table at the legendary Pandeli Restaurant - a favourite of the likes of Queen Elizabeth II and Audrey Hepburn, the blue-tiled interior, relaxed service and outstanding traditionally prepared food felt like a step into a secret parlour only few are lucky enough to be invited to. Epic scenes ensued for our dinner at Feriye Restaurant which sits beside the epic Bosphorus Bridge and the enchanting Ortaköy Mosque - when lit up is truly all the dessert you need. Down at the Galataport you will find a plethora of chic new coffee shops (try Juststandart), cafes, bars and restaurants. Look out for Karakoy Lokantasi for lunchtime dining and don’t miss Karakoy Gulloglu for arguably the best baklava on the planet. We spotted Gina for quayside drinks, Skull & Bones for cocktails and Ops Cafe and Nox Karakoy for people-watching and relaxed brunch vibes.
Where to shop
If Paris is the city of love, then Istanbul is the city of shopping! A must-visit is of course the iconic Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar and in fact, any Bazaar you may come across. These cavernous wonders are places where you can get lost in the atmosphere and passageways which seem to never end - but the perfect places to pick up famous Turkish tiles and plate ware, Turkish delights and of course the infamous Turkish ‘goods’. Galataport is a much more refined affair featuring stylish boutiques, European designers and independents and a great stop for those who love luxury labels.
Istanbul is as captivating as any European city and as fascinating as any in Asia. While it’s perfect for a three-day getaway, you could easily spend weeks exploring and still not experience it all. What you will encounter in abundance, however, are friendly, welcoming locals, a rich cultural tapestry, unforgettable cuisine, and a unique Turkish charm that begins the moment you board a Turkish Airlines flight. A must visit for anyone in search of something new.
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