F TRAVEL TIP: After admiring the minimalist rectangular museum building of İstanbul Modern, head to Galataport, almost a mile long waterfront complex where plenty of food and shopping awaits. Just a stone’s throw away, the Karaköy neighborhood also boasts small independent art galleries and cafes, including the city’s best baklava shops, where you can replenish the energy needed for the rest of your day.
NEIGHBORHOODS WITH A CHARACTER
Each and every neighborhood in İstanbul has its own specific charm, with Moda spilling over with trendy bars, cafes and restaurants; Balat and Fener full of historical charm. Glitzy shopping venues in Şişli and Nişantaşı offer everything from global brands to local products. Many of the age-old former fishing villages lining the shores of the Bosphorus have since become trendy neighborhoods where İstanbul society goes to see and be seen. Ortaköy, Arnavutköy, Kuruçeşme and Bebek, famed for their sumptuous array of Ottoman-era seafront mansions, are now home to elegant cocktail bars and gastropubs. While in the day, these picturesque locales offer an array of chill-out opportunities and a host of dining spots, at night, they transform into pumping party districts.
F TRAVEL TIP: İstanbul’s delights are far from being limited to the banks of the Bosphorus. An enjoyable ferry ride takes visitors to the Princes’ Islands – long admired by residents as a wistful escape from city life. This cluster of nine small islands offers pleasant walks along the cobblestone streets lined with historical mansions and mimosa trees, free from the hustle and bustle of the city, as well as waterfront seafood restaurants and cafes to enjoy a laid-back feast.