The House Cafe in Ortakoy
1) A NEIGHBORHOOD TO DISCOVER: ORTAKOY
Its small mosque, white and polished, is caressed by the Bosphorus, sparkling silver in the reflection of the water. Here begins to mark its idiosyncrasy a neighborhood pampered by artists and acclaimed by the international bohemian . Still little frequented by mass tourism, it is the perfect place to capture the most modern essence of Istanbul without crowds. To find out start with the Medidiye Mosque Square , have a strong espresso at The House Café and get lost counting the minarets of the Mosque if the clientele can't distract you, which will be difficult. Keep browsing your street craft stalls, you will find wonderful works in silver and fantastic silk fabrics . If haggling takes its toll on you, try a kumpir, a hot potato cooked and stuffed with spices and vegetables, it will give you a boost and allow you to smile with all your teeth at the spectacle offered by its colorful houses.
The views from The House Cafe
2) THE MEMORABLE ECCENTRICITY: COME BACK WITH AN ANTIQUE
Or better: let them send it to your home, so a piece of Istanbul will live with you forever . An obligatory stop on the Silk Road, the city knows a lot about sales and resales. For this reason, its offer of antiques is exquisite. Whether they come from former Ottoman palaces, private collectors, or Europeans who have returned to their hometowns, picking up an antique in Istanbul (if your budget allows) is a safe bet. If you just want to browse among unique pieces and imagine stories from the past, that's fine too. Don't stop visiting turkish , in the fashionable neighborhood of Beyoglu, **Modern Tarih or Hakan Ezer**.
Bring some antique
3)THE PARTY: THE NIGHT HAS NO END
Start with the crowd Taksim Square and follow the trail of laughter to the lounge bars of the istitkal street , later look for the best terraces next to the Bosphorus and when you return home rethink that the Spanish are the ones who best organize the party. In Istanbul the nights are long and velvety, perfect to show off, to dance or to fix the world until dawn. If you want to show off, bet on the Reina, the Sortie or the Black . You will understand what Asian luxury is.
4) EAT WITHOUT KEBAB
The kebab, which is offered everywhere at very good prices, is the most celebrated snack in Istanbul, but the truth is that if you want something more elaborate, you will not be short of options.
-Pera Palace Jumeirah. More than one hundred and twenty years of history and a legendary presentation. Giving yourself the whim of sitting at their tables can easily transport you to the times of the great travelers at the end of the 19th century. If you want to give yourself the full tribute try its seven-course menu with wine.
- Changa. If what you want is an exotic and surprising cuisine in Changa you are in luck. Exquisite dishes, luxurious presentation and a lot of aromas that you will have a hard time deciphering. Ask without hesitation, you can get them in the spice market.
Pera Palace Jumeirah: views and haute cuisine
-Açik Mutfak. Perfect for informal occasions when you want to find a warm and cozy atmosphere without labels or surprises. Mezze -tapas- of great quality and a lot of variety served by a cheerful and hospitable team that in minutes will make you feel at home with friends.
- Kydonia. One sea, two shores, that is his philosophy. Greek and Turkish cuisine in perfect pairing. If the weather allows it, book your dinner on the pier. The views are magnificent.
- Frank. In Karakoy. Modern, young and carelessly chic. A pleasure to sit down and talk in a hurry, to enjoy the public and to know what the new wave of Istanbul is about.
Açik Mutfak: casual perfection
5) THE RECONSTITUENT COFFEE
Turkish coffee is a bomb and if you are lucky enough to have someone read your grounds and get it right, you can stay up for several nights. To counteract these adrenaline effects, it is best to bet on the old Turkish cafes, places that are the true laboratory of Istanbul trends.
- Snrtl Dukkan. Coffee and something to snack on. A space with relaxed shapes, a cozy atmosphere and a pleasant terrace. You won't want to leave. Nano Cafe. The increasingly fashionable neighborhood of Karaköy offers little gems for lovers of the slow concept.
- In the Nano Coffee you can relax without problems.
Unter Café: the best brunches
- Unter Cafe . The best brunch, at a good price and tremendously healthy. It is mandatory to be seen during the weekend if you are into the hipster vibe.
- Divan Patisserie. If despite everything you cannot resist the charm of the old French pastry shops, in Diván you will be in your element. Rococo decoration and varied public , to put the note of contrast.
- Pie: Turkish delight is irresistible, even if you don't like sweet. You will chop and repeat. To do it with style, bet on this avant-garde pastry shop, a pioneer in the most surprising mixtures and the most artistic presentation.
A plate of aubergines at Açik Mutfak
6) THE FUTURE: AVANT-GARDE ART
Young and constantly evolving, this is the Istanbul art scene. If you want to hallucinate with this hotbed of trends – even scandalize you and tell whoever wants to hear it that you can do that too – take a tour of the most thriving art galleries in the city. A whole declaration of principles and a whole show of ideas when it comes to modern art.
- MixerGallery : Its philosophy is that art reaches the whole world, so get ready for a whole array of media, temporary exhibitions and surprising installations. Stop by their cafe and if you want a different souvenir, be sure to visit their store. Also, you have the possibility to buy works of art online.
- Krampf Gallery : The prestigious New York gallery is firmly committed to the Istanbul scene. For this reason, this beautiful white building has several floors dedicated exclusively to contemporary art and projection of young talents.
-Istanbul 74. Pay attention to this mythical cultural space because it offers the best talks, the hottest proposals, the most chic photographs and, of course, the best general idea of how things are in the world of art and culture. Essential.
Krampf Gallery: nest of young talents
7) THE CONSUMER SIN
Shopping is inherent in Istanbul. Take good note of these addresses.
-Bee Goddess: To feel like a goddess. A sumptuous decoration and a service ready to make you the ball according to your preferences. Definitely, a jewelry to dream.
-Hamm Design: If you are thinking of giving your home a unique touch, do not forget to browse through its daring proposals. Your living room will give a lot to talk about.
-Studio 25: The luck of being a girl. A flirty boutique with a clear Asian inspiration. Baroque and tremendously sexy. Fey. If you like vintage, be sure to browse through its offer, clothes in very good condition prepared to make you believe that you have entered a fairy tale.
- ** Pied de Poule :** you will find jewelry from the Ottoman and Mozk period.
- Mandala Musik Evi and Lale Plak. If vinyl is what you're after and you want to find rarities at affordable prices, spend some time on them, along the way you'll get a great music session.
Hamm Design, Turkish design