Fall in love in Istanbul
istanbul is one of the cities more romantic of the world. Their mysticism and the wonderful stories about the civilizations that once inhabited it make it a destination for fall in love and fall in love
The sunsets over the sea of marmara, the walks through its streets full of history and the exotic scents that flood the city promise a trip memorable.
A HOTEL
The capital of Turkey has a great hotel offer that adapts to all tastes and pockets, but if there is a hotel that will steal your heart with its panoramic views and its majesty, it is the Shangri-La Bosphorus .
Located on the shore of the Bosphorus, and next to the palace of Dolmabahce , this old mansion offers one of best views of the city and a buffet that will make you feel like authentic sultans.
Even the sky of Istanbul invites love
If you have a budget tighter , but you don't want to give up luxury views, choose the hotel Ibrahim Pasha . Located in the historic center, from its terrace you can see the sunset with the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia background.
There is nothing more romantic than admiring the Istanbul skyline outlined against the sky dyed red, while the muezzins call to prayer from the minarets of the city.
A ROMANTIC DINNER
If the hotel offer is impressive, the dining options they are not far behind. How would you like a dinner in the top of a tower located in a small islet in the middle of the Bosphorus?
Although the exact date of its construction is not known, it is believed that the Maiden's Tower originally dates from the year AD 340 C , and has been rebuilt several times during its history. In addition, there are several legends around her that make her even more special.
The Shangri-La Bosphorus will steal your heart
One of them tells the impossible love story of Hero and Leander. According to legend, Hero, a priestess of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, was confined in the tower to safeguard her sanctity. Somehow, Leandro saw her passing with her boat and he fell in love with her . Leandro swam to the tower, thus earning the love of Hero, who every night lit a torch to guide his beloved.
However, on a stormy night, the wind extinguished the torch and Leander he drowned trying to find the way. His body arrived on the island the next day and Hero, with the broken heart , jumped from the top of the tower, thus ensuring the immortality of his love.
is the tower restaurant open all day, but at night it has a special charm. Yes you book in advance (highly recommended), the boat Service, from the port of Kabatas, it is included. order one table near the window: It's worth it even if you have to pay a little extra.
On the other hand, if what you are looking for is to enjoy the authentic Ottoman Food, the restaurant asitane Prepare some of the recipes they cooked in the palace for the sultans themselves. Its location may not be as impressive as some other restaurants, but the exoticism of your menu it more than makes up for it.
There is no more romantic dinner than the one served in the Maiden's Tower
THE BOSPHORUS, ALWAYS PRESENT
Two tongues of land about to meet, but never touch. Europe and Asia, East and West. The sun that falls at sunset, drawing the silhouette of the mosques and palaces on the reddish sky.
Istanbul is the Bosphorus. Its inhabitants regularly cross from one continent to another thanks to its ferry line. It is a good choice for watch the sun set from the sea, but you can still add an even more romantic point.
There are several tourist cruises that cross the Bosphorus from one side to the other until they reach the Black Sea, with stops at some of the Coast zones with more charm of the Asian continent. There is also the possibility of making a dinner cruise in the evening, with performances by Belly Dancing included. It's not maybe the most exquisite menu that you can find in Istanbul, but the experience of seeing both sides of the city illuminated from the calm of the sea worth.
If you are looking for something else exclusive, there are several operators that offer the possibility of renting a private boat from €300 for two hours , with waiter and captain included in the price. If you want to have lunch or dinner on board, you can take your own picnic or ask the company to hire a catering service.
Istanbul, always open to the sea
A SIGHT
The one with the ** Aga Kapisi cafe ,** behind the Süleymaniye Mosque. A little known place where they mainly go college students go up to the fourth floor terrace and regain strength with a turkish tea . If you are in the area of the Galata Tower, take the opportunity to have a coffee in the Konak Galata .
In the zone of Sultanahmet , in the heart of the historic center, the terrace of the restaurant Hotel Adamar also offers some impressive sights of some of the most representative monuments of the city. It's a good place to go for a meal while you visit Topkapi Palace or Hagia Sophia.
You can also enter the golden horn and take the cable car that takes you to Pierre Lotti to enjoy the spectacular panoramic views. Weekends are usually very crowded ; during the week you will enjoy more tranquility. The hill is named after Pierre Loti, a novelist and French naval officer who published his first novel about his forbidden relationship with one of the harem girls, who (surprise!) he died of grief when the officer left Istanbul.
The view from Pierre Loti is spectacular
A WALK
Get lost in the streets of Sultanahmet, around the grand bazaar , or of spice bazaar, where the locals do their shopping. soak up the smells of the city and of the songs of the simit sellers (a kind of sesame bread doughnut) and chestnuts.
walk through Ortakoy . Being further away from other tourist areas, it often stays off the list of things to do, but stroll through the alleys around the mosque of the same name, next to the Bosphorus, should be a essential. Not so much eating one of its famous comply, some roasted potatoes stuffed with the most varied ingredients.
Cross the Golden Horn by crossing the Galata Bridge walking. The smell may not be very romantic, but walking from the Galata Tower towards the historic area of the city, together to the hundreds of fishermen who throw their reeds over the bridge, has his one.
The walk through Ortaköy, essential
A NEIGHBORHOOD
All neighborhoods have their charm, but perhaps Cihangir is one of the most special, at least, if you want to feel like one more Istanbul.
Very close to the square Taksim, Cihangir has a very particular atmosphere. In its small cafes you will listen to many of the foreign who live in the city, but don't be fooled, they are not tourists.
You will see narrow streets, yoga places, stores of antiques, art and small bookstores that add a touch bohemian and very romantic.
In the heart of the Golden Horn, the neighborhood of Balat has recently become the favorite of instagramers and bloggers for its colored houses and its attractive decadence. All very millennial
Once inhabited by the Greeks and Jews who lived in Istanbul, Balat is known for its ancient dwellings and its hidden churches . Furthermore, in recent years, efforts to revitalize the neighborhood They have led to the opening of several businesses.
Get ready to upload some slopes and lose yourself in its streets full of charm.
Balat, a very colorful neighborhood
A MONUMENT
Although it is true that both the Topkapi Palace like the one from Dolmabahce give off a very attractive luxury and exoticism, the Basilica Cistern It is one of the favorite monuments for many of those who come to Istanbul in search of romanticism.
Maybe it's your dim lighting , perhaps the mysticism hidden behind its discovery or its columns -including those topped with the medusa head - what add a point mystery to visit.
The charm of the Basilica Cistern
A HAVEN OF PEACE
Here there is no doubt: if what you want is escape from the noise of the city and traffic for a day, visit the prince islands .
These are four islets located in the Sea of Marmara, off the Asian coast of Istanbul, where traffic is completely prohibited. You will only come across bicycles and horse carriages , and in summer it is possible go to the beach.
The most popular is the largest, Buyukada, where you can admire some of the old wooden buildings , including a monastery dating back to the 6th century, and taste the local specialties in the fish restaurants. Why not, Istanbul is not just kebab.
On the other hand, if you want to enjoy nature, go to the island of Heybeliada, where you can make some routes of hiking and see some monuments.
If you have rented a private boat to do a small cruise on the Bosphorus, you can ask them to take you to the islands. If not, there are various ferries and excursions of a day that you can join.
Profile of Buyukada, one of the Prince Islands