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Travel + Leisure
08-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
The 5 Best Hotels in Istanbul of 2025
Travel + Leisure readers once again showed their loyalty to trusted hotel brands—from Raffles to The Ritz-Carlton. In this year's World's Best Awards survey, the top five city hotels in Istanbul were all from luxury chains, a trend we saw in the category last year, too. That might have been motivation to book, but post-stay, T+L readers remembered the water views, excellent service, and luxurious facilities. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below: Rooms/facilities Location Service Food Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses. Panoramic views from the Bosphorus Lounge, Raffles Istanbul. Sensational views of the Bosphorus are a commonality between this year's winning hotels in Istanbul. One T+L reader described the views from the Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul (No. 2) as 'breathtaking,' while another wrote the water views from The Peninsula Istanbul (No. 5) were 'perfect.' Beyond scenery, guests commented on service and comfort—one highlighting The Peninsula Istanbul's spa and hammam, indoor pool, and even their 'heated Toto toilet seats.' Raffles Istanbul A large sculpture in the Lavinia Lounge, Raffles Istanbul. 'The best city hotel in the world,' wrote one T+L reader about this year's winner, Raffles Istanbul. On the European side of the Bosphorus, the hotel has panoramic views of Istanbul, the water, and both the Black Sea and Marmara Sea—and this expansive outlook was one hotel aspect noted by T+L readers. It's located in the Zorlu Center, home to luxury stores, restaurants, and the Zorlu Performing Arts Center. The property also has one of the largest spas in the city—with three hammams—and two restaurants, lounges, and bars, including the Japanese-fusion restaurant İsokyo. 1. Raffles Istanbul Reader Score: 99.91 2. Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul Reader Score: 99.04 3. The St. Regis Istanbul Reader Score: 98.25 4. The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul Reader Score: 95.37 5. The Peninsula Istanbul Reader Score: 94.35
The Sun
04-07-2025
- The Sun
Historic city straddles both Asia and Europe and you can get there for £25
INTOXICATING Istanbul draws visitors back again and again to explore its magical historical sites, buzzing bazaars and fabulous food. While Turkey's biggest city — with a population of more than 15million — has always been a value city-break destination, recent inflation in Turkey has made many things significantly pricier. 5 5 But this captivating city by the Bosphorus river, straddling Europe and Asia, can still be a bargain if you plan carefully. Howell Davies gives you the lowdown on how best to explore . . . WHY SHOULD I GO? Just four hours from the UK and a great long-weekend option, you're truly transported into another world, rich with culture and plenty to see and do. There's a wealth of shopping opportunities to pick up bargains, as well as winding streets to explore, delicious cuisine and sunny, warm weather from May to October. THESE STREETS MADE FOR WALKING? Yes, but pack sturdy shoes and be prepared for the city's cobblestone streets and hills. There's options if you want to take the weight off your feet, though — trams and metros cost from 30p a ride if you get a reloadable Istanbulkart travel pass. ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST? The Blue Mosque, the creation of which began in 1609, is one of the most magnificent buildings of the Ottoman Empire. It is free to enter but the queue can be long so arrive early — and check prayer times, when it is closed to non-worshippers. Nearby is another Ottoman gem — the Topkapi Palace with manicured gardens, views over the city and holy relics. Entry isn't cheap at £38 but you can stroll the neighbouring Gulhane Park, once the outer garden of the palace, for free. The imposing Hagia Sophia, which has served as a cathedral then a mosque, is also not cheap to enter but you can admire its exterior, domes and minarets from Sultanahmet Square for nothing. WHERE SHOULD I SHOP? The Grand Bazaar is one of the world's oldest covered markets. There are more than 4,000 shops and stalls, selling everything from tea and Turkish delight, to knock-off football shirts and decorative tiles. It gets busy so arrive when it first opens, at 8.30am, or an hour or so before it closes at 7pm. Prepare to haggle — aim to counter the asking price with an offer 40 to 50 per cent lower and settle at 50 to 70 per cent. Be ready to walk away. In the neighbouring Spice Bazaar, foodies can pick up authentic Turkish spice blends, from sumac and pul biber, to smoky red-pepper flakes. For something more modern, Istiklal Street is the place to go to pick up some bargains. It runs for just under a mile, from Taksim Square to Galata Tower, and is lined with high street-favourite stores, and outlets selling some somewhat dodgy 'designer' gear at bargain prices. 5 5 WHERE SHOULD I DRINK? I thought I'd cracked the code by going to the Barnathan brasserie's rooftop by Galata Tower to get its views at a fraction of the price, but I ended up with one of the most bitter and expensive margaritas I've ever had. Instead, double up your drinking and sightseeing by booking on to a sunset cruise down the Bosphorus. has dinner cruises including food, drink and entertainment from just £25pp. WHERE SHOULD I EAT? There are good restaurants near the city centre's Sirkeci train. station — and if you've got a sweet tooth, there are joints dedicated to just desserts on almost every street. To escape the bustle, head to the hip and trendy area of Fisekhane for bougie restaurants with outdoor dining and attentive staff. I had a lovely chicken shish in the beautiful courtyard of the Levantine restaurant. For a Turkish breakfast, check out Zennup 1844 where an array of traditional dishes will cost from £15. WHERE SHOULD I STAY? Heading slightly out of the city centre, to the Zeytinburnu district, near trendy Fisekhane, will help to lower costs. The recently built 3* Ibis has modern, comfy rooms and a buzzing bar and restaurant, it is just a ten-minute walk to a train station that takes you directly into the city centre. Ask for a room on a higher floor, facing the waterside, as the road beside the hotel can get busy.
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
04-07-2025
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
The Ultimate Romantic Retreat: The Çırağan Palace Kempinski
Get the royal treatment at the Çırağan Palace Kempinski, the ideal honeymoon destination to escape to this summer There are a few non-negotiables when it comes to a honeymoon. Brilliant weather. Bountiful, delicious cuisine. A spa that'll ease the knots incurred while painstakingly planning nuptials. Beds with a high thread count in sprawling suites. Beautiful views. A desire for comfort and opulence that far exceeds that which you have in your (new!) home. The Çırağan Palace Kempinski, a 17th century Imperial stalwart turned luxury hotel, perched on the Bosphorus, fulfils the majesty, with picturesque, historic Istanbul providing the perfect host city. Immediate clues as to the luxury of the property abound – you'll spot chic fellow guests taking a traditional three-tiered afternoon tea at the Gazebo, posing by the glistening infinity pool that seemingly spills into the waterway, and enjoying signature cocktails at C Bar. Head to the latter, a local hotspot, for stunning sunsets at golden hour, before the DJ turns a leisurely aperitivo at the al fresco venue on the Bosporus into a party. You know a restaurant raises the bar when residents as well as tourists cite it as a favourite. Chef Emre Inanir ensures diners at award-winning Tuğra recognise traditional flavours prevalent in Turkish recipes, but gives them his own innovative, haute cuisine accent. His elevated take on herb-stuffed borek and seabass in zucchini flowers have taken on mythical status. Opt for the multi-course degustation menu to savour all the highlights this kitchen conjures up. The fact that it's all served in a grand setting – think marble, crystal chandeliers, soaring ceilings and rich fabrics – makes it even more special. Another option to satiate your gourmet desires? Just steps away from the Strait sits the more casual Bosphorus Grill that'll serve up yet more swoon-worthy content for your Insta-feed… Its menu will tick off any cravings but the doner kebab is a must-try, with your choice of meat served with a plethora of sides, salads dips and bread to create your own feast. Türkiye is known for its feasts, but it is also known for its hammams – the ultimate in pampering. The Çırağan's Sanitas Spa exceeds expectations. From a cabana massage that takes place outdoors by the water, to the lavish Shehrazad hamman that ends with a luxurious soak in a scented bath with twinkling candles, this tranquil space is justifiably famous. For couples wanting to invest more time in their wellbeing after celebratory indulgence, there are tailored wellness packages too. It's just a four-hour flight away (from the UAE) – ideal for long weekends if you don't have time for a month-long sojourn – which is why there's no excuse not to up the ante when it comes to a quick escape, and check into the Çırağan this summer.
Daily Mail
04-07-2025
- Daily Mail
I installed a Ring doorbell to keep my house safe... and then caught two middle-aged men in this humiliating exchange
During a girls' trip to Istanbul last month, my mum and I were at a swish restaurant. I had spent hours poring over reviews and travel forums to find us the perfect spot overlooking the Bosphorus Strait: a view that has, since the seventh century BC, captivated admirers from Socrates of Constantinople to Mark Twain and Greta Garbo.
Associated Press
01-07-2025
- Associated Press
PHOTO ESSAY: Istanbul's ferries, a lifeline connecting continents and stories
Associated Press (AP) — Every day, ferries of all shapes and sizes glide across the waters of Istanbul, their wakes intertwining to form intricate lattices of churning foam. The passenger boats are more than just a means of transportation — they're entrenched in the historic city's identity, as memorable as its skyline and as constant as the cries of seagulls. They carry not just people, but also their stories. Forty million commuters, tourists, vendors and other travelers ride the Istanbul Metropolitan City Lines every year, according to official figures. Trips can range from as little as 10 minutes to several hours, depending on the destination. For some passengers, the vessels are a scenic commute to work, at times turning into temporary offices where phones ring, laptops hum and voices compete to be heard over the sound of roaring engines. For others, the boats provide a floating refuge, a brief escape from the grind of daily life in a swarming city of 16 million people. 'I feel that when you travel by ferry… you replenish energy that has been diminished,' said Ali Akgun, who has lived in Istanbul for nearly 50 years. 'I love the sea.' The ferries travel on dozens of routes across the Sea of Marmara, a wholly Turkish body of water, as well as the Bosporus, the strait that both divides and bridges Europe and Asia. Visiting Istanbul for the first time, Leila Bihi, from Morocco, experienced her first ferry ride between continents. 'It's already quite special to go from one bank of the (Bosporus) to the other,' she said. 'Looking at monuments that are modern and ancient during the call to prayer. … It's a bit reminiscent of the whole city, its history, its mystical side.' For centuries the Ottoman Empire, modern Turkey's predecessor, used maritime routes for not only travel, but also military expeditions. Its capital, Constantinople, was a major center of trade due to its strategic location flanked by critical waterways. This enduring bond with the sea continues in Istanbul, where water has always been more than a scenic backdrop — it's embedded in the fabric of the centuries-old city, shaping its character and the lives of its residents. 'I think it's the most beautiful stage in the world,' said Ramin Kargozari, a musician who makes a living playing his guitar while riding ferries. 'Making music on the water, on a ferry, is great.'
