Favourite addresses

Restaurant


PANDELI
The most famous restaurants in Istanbul has welcomed many famous personalities. Located on the 1st floor of the Egyptian Bazaar, it has served all the typical Turkish specialties since 1901.
1, Eminönü
www.pandeli.com.tr



LEB-I-DERYA
With a contemporary design and sleek decor, this trendy bar-restaurant has a terrace open all year round which provides spectacular views of the Sultanahmet, Golden Horn and Bosphorus Strait. In the evening, the candles exude a total relaxation and sweet atmosphere just right to savour the local cuisine.
115-7, Kumbaraci Yokusu
www.lebiderya.com



MARMARA CAFE
This 24/7 restaurant, near to the busy commercial area of Taksim, serves traditional food at low prices: kebap dishes, soups, cooked dishes...
6, Büyük Parmakapi Sokak



CEZAYIR LOKANTA
All the café-bar-restaurant areas are open every day and are of the most elegant and contemporary design. A large dining room is located in the basement and serves modern and creative Turkish cuisine. The roof garden is very nice, the evening atmosphere is chic and the bar is very lively.
12, Hayriye Caddesi
www.cezayir-istanbul.com



ARA CAFE
Opened by the photographer Ara Guller, this trendy decor restaurant-cafe offers Turkish-inspired modern cuisine. Very random second-hand-style objects associated with photos signed by the landlord make up a modern, retro decor and terrace at the entrance is very popular with the locals.
8, Tosbağa Sokak



SOFYALI
The atmosphere is lively at this terrace restaurant during fine weather. You can taste the hot and cold mezze presented on large platters accompanied by fine wines.
9, Sofyalı Sokak



YAKUP 2
Open for lunch and dinner, this very friendly restaurant offers various mezze which are brought to the table in a chariot. Each guest makes his choice and may accompany it with a glass of wine or Raki (brandy flavoured with aniseed).
35, 37, Asmali Mescit Sokak
Galatasaray

www.yakuprestaurant.com


Café, Pub, Bar, Tea Room


CAFE PIERRE LOTI
Tea, coffee, cold drinks and hookah offer a relaxing break in the cafe frequented at the time by the French writer in love with the place that dominates the area around the Golden Horn. The panorama of the city is grandiose during sunset.
Eyüp Merkez Mh.
Balmumcu Sokak



MIHRIMAH SULTAN
Noted location for those who love to smoke hookah over a tea or Turkish coffee, this property has a pleasant rear terrace and the long room displays paintings that change regularly according to the thematic exhibitions.
Istiklal Caddesi
77, Kumbaracibasi Yokusu

www.mihrimahsultan.com



MARKIZ PASTANESI
This patisserie is among the oldest of the city and serves excellent sweets alongside hot chocolates, coffees and teas.
172A, Istiklal Caddesi



GALATA KONAT CAFE
For over 30 years, this bakery has offered pies, cakes, cookies and pancakes to enjoy, accompanied by tea or flavoured coffee in the room's chic Bistro décor or on the large roof terrace with panoramic views of the Golden Horn.
2, Haci Ali Sokak, Bereket
Zade Mah, Tour de Galata

www.galatakonakcafe.com


At Night


BAYKUS
With its jazzy atmosphere on weekdays and an 80s and 90s feel on the weekend, this address near to Taksim Square is perfect for music lovers all through the night.
22, Bekar Sokak



NU PERA
The bar and dance floor of this trendy nightclub overlook the Golden Horn. The music is primarily house and techno and the open terrace is particularly popular on mild evenings.
147, 149, Mesrutiyet Caddesi
www.nupera.com.tr



RIDDIM
Three levels of the same building house the various areas of this well-known nightclub of an Afro-Caribbean flavour. Latin music, R&B and hip-hop liven up the nights of Riddim with famous DJ's regularly in attendance.
Siraselviler Caddesi
Cihangir

www.riddim.com.tr



PRIVE
This trendy, friendly little restaurant plays Turkish music and international hits in a welcoming and playful atmosphere.
28 A, Tarlabaşı Bulvarı



WA-NA
House music and chill-out decor fill this address open in the off season from December to May, when evenings extend into the early hours in front of a big screen with a very good cocktail menu.
69, Mesrutiyet Caddesi
www.istanbuldoors.com


Shopping


THE GRAND BAZAR (or EGYPTIAN BAZAR)
Originally intended to trade in goods from Egypt, the spice market established in 1663 is now the largest market in Istanbul. Across nearly 30 hectares and over sixty themed streets, it brings together 3,500 craft shops open every day except Sunday. It is accessed through 18 gates with the main gate located in the courtyard of the Nuruosmaniye mosque.



FATIH MARKET
With over 4,000 stalls and street vendors, this is one of the largest markets in the city that offers all kinds of goods including gourmet snacks, clothing and decorative items.



CEVAHIR SHOPPING CENTRE
With six levels, this is the second largest shopping centre in the world. It combines 280 stores, an amusement park (open after shops close), concert halls, cinemas and fifty restaurants.
22, Büyükdere Caddesi
www.istanbulcevahir.com



KANYON
This shopping centre displays an amazing modern architecture which looks just like a canyon! It houses 160 designer shops including large Turkish brands and surrounds a place with open terraces, balconies and gardens.
185, Büyükdere Caddesi
www.kanyon.com.tr



Confectionery: UC YILDIZ
Located in the Galatasaray Fish Market, this shop is open every day and offers a choice of local sweets presented in jars and large pots: Turkish delight, baklava, fruit sweets, jams, sweets, marzipan...
7, Duduodalari Sokak
Balik Pazari

www.ucyildizsekerleme.com



Calligraphy: CEMBERLITAS GALLERY
Here we find ancient framed calligraphy but we can also haves notes or texts written on demand.
2, 4 Vezirhan Caddesi



Crafts: ARNAS
This craft shop has a wide selection of local products: jewellery, brass, ceramic, pearl boxes, icons, glassware, oil lamps... The French owner is very friendly and shares knowledge with great passion.
6-7, Hazzapulo Pasajı (Danışment Geçidi)



Deco and antiques: ALATURKA KILIM SHOP
Situated in the antiques district, this beautifully furnished little spot is laid out like a place to live, surrounding a garden, wine cellar and kitchen, furniture, antiques, decorative items and a wide choice of carpets.
4, Faik Pasa Yokusu
Cukurcuma



Glassware: PASABAHCE GLASSWARE
Crystal tableware engraved with old patterns, candlesticks, ashtrays and vases are offered by this well-known shop with several stores throughout Istanbul.
150, Istiklal Caddesi
www.pasabahce.com.tr


Other destinations
Vue mer : crédit photo Aseed