Best hotels in Istanbul
JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus
Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Kemankeş Cd. No:49, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
The JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus sits on the banks of the Bosphorus Straight. Located in the Karaköy neighbourhood, the hotel is close to local cafes and bohemian boutiques as well as Istanbul’s Museum of Modern Art. Deluxe suites with sea views are the perfect place to unwind in style.
Hotel Yasmak Sultan
Hoca Paşa, Ebussuud Cd. No:12, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul
Many of Istanbul’s major attractions are within walking distance of this newly renovated, 4-star hotel. When you’ve seen the Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar and Blue Mosque, unwind in the indoor pool, hamam or spa. The accommodations here are flexible and stylish, suiting all types of travellers - solo, couples, families, and friends.
White House Hotel
Alemdar, Çatalçeşme Sk. No:21, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul
Experience a little Ottoman opulence in the gilt-edged rooms at the 4-star, White House Hotel. Enjoy breakfast in the rooftop garden to begin you perfect day in Istanbul.
Best restaurants in Istanbul
Turk Fatih Tutak
Cumhuriyet, Cumhuriyet Hacıahmet Silahşör Cad, Yeniyol Sk. No:2, 34440 Şişli/İstanbul
Chef Fatih Tutak’s love of food shines through at his Michelin-starred restaurant in Istanbul. The only venue in the city to secure the coveted two-star award, Turk Fatih Tutak is the place to taste the very best Turkish ingredients.
Pandeli
Rüstempaşa Mah. Balık Pazarı kapısı Sokağı Mısırçarşı İçi 1, D:2, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul
Visiting the Grand Bazaar? Drop into Pandeli for lunch. Loved by locals, this traditional restaurant serves Turkish favourites such as hünkâr beğendi (Sultan’s Delight).This lamb stew will keep you coming back to Pandeli.
Mürver
Kemankes Kara Mustafa Pasa Mah, Kemankeş Cd. No:57-59, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Gaze over the Bosphorus from one of Istanbul’s best rooftop restaurant at Mürver, while chefs create magic over an open flame. Almost every dish here is roasted, baked, braised or grilled over fire. The signature dish, ash-grilled octopus, is a regular on the seasonal menu – and for good reason.
Best things to do in Istanbul
Hagia Sophia
Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul
For 1,500 years, the iconic Hagia Sophia has dominated Istanbul’s skyline. Originally a church, the Hagia Sophia became a mosque, thena museum and is now a mosque again. Visit to admire the mosque’s opulence and get a real feel for the city’s history and sacred heritage.
Topkapi Palace
Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul
A former royal seat for the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire, Topkapi Palace is now a stunning library and museum. Its blue pointed turrets look like they’ve been plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale and the interior is as opulent as you’d imagine. Hire a car in Istanbul and peek behind the doors of Topkapı's Treasury to see priceless, jewel-encrusted artefacts.
Grand Bazaar
Beyazıt, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul
The world’s largest enclosed bazaar is the ideal place to shop for souvenirs. With over 4,000 shops - plus amenities, the bazaar feels more like a city within a city. With over 61 streets and thousands of stalls, but don’t forget to look up! The bazaar’s architecture is as captivating as the goods on sale.
Book your Istanbul car hire with Hertz and discover this fascinating city at your leisure.