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This sophisticated little boutique hotel fills two early 20th-century townhouses, a minute’s walk from many of the city’s top sights.
Rooms are prettily designed with underfloor heating, rain showers and queen-size beds. The public areas are charming – there’s a cosy, book-lined lobby with leather sofas by the fire, and a rooftop terrace bar with enchanting views over the Blue Mosque and Sea of Marmara.
Friendly staff know the city intimately and love to share their knowledge; a great continental and Turkish buffet breakfast is included in the rate.
Plump for a more spacious deluxe room, with a balcony and plenty of storage – it doesn’t cost that much more; and take advantage of the hotel’s very reasonable airport transfer service, especially if you’re arriving late at night.
The hotel is on a quiet side street in the historic Sultanahmet quarter, the tourist heart of Istanbul, busier with people than with the traffic that plagues the rest of the city. It’s a great choice for first-time visitors.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[0.3 miles]
The greatest of Istanbul’s Ottoman mosques, beautifully decorated with thousands of handmade ceramic tiles, the Blue Mosque combines Byzantine elements with traditional Islamic architecture.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Istanbul , Marmara Region, Turkey[0.4 miles]
Magical 6th-century underground cistern, once used to supply water to Istanbul’s Ottoman emperors.
Best for ages: 8+ | £3
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[0.6 miles]
A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, this world-renowned 6th-century marvel encapsulates the essence of the lost Ottoman Empire. Initially a cathedral, it’s now a museum as well as a functioning mosque – and a must-see in Istanbul.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[0.7 miles]
The oldest, biggest market in the world that glitters like an Aladdin’s cave. Over 5,000 shops on 66 covered streets.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Istanbul , Marmara Region, Turkey[0.1 miles]
One of the world’s finest collections of Islamic-influenced glassware, rugs, ceramics, metal work and ethnographic items.
Best for ages: 18+ | £4
Istanbul , Marmara Region , Turkey[0.4 miles]
Lovely, lively 5th and 6th-century AD mosaics depicting nature, animals and people from the palace of the first Byzantine Emperors.
Best for ages: 18+ | £2
Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey[0.6 miles]
Super authentic spot near the Grand Bazaar where you can smoke nargile (a water pipe or hookah) and drink tea in the courtyard of a mosque from 1709.
Best for ages: 18+ | £5
Istanbul , Marmara Region, Turkey[2.7 miles]
A modern art museum housing the finest collection of modern and contemporary art in the country. The Modern’s temporary exhibits by Turkish and international artists – often organized in collaboration with MoMA (New York) and the Centre Pompidou (Paris) – are particularly exceptional.
Best for ages: 18+ | £4
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Marmara Region, Turkey
Exotic, inexhaustible and dynamic – East meets West head-on in this mesmerising city metropolis, famed for its extraordinarily rich history, superb food and shopping, and mind-blowingly magnificent, over-sized mosques.
