A modern chic hotel from a converted bank in the best location: a 10m walk over the bridge to the old city and sights, at the footsteps of the Galata district for drinks, and next to Karakoy for food.
Huge, great rooms with the nicest bathrooms and pillows I've ever had. Great location by Taksim Square. Built in 2013 but with formal antiquity. Somewhat stuffy. Get a high up room for a river view.
This is the top MUST SEE in Istanbul. A church converted to a mosque converted to a museum tells the story of the city.
The best brunch / breakfast in Istanbul. The Turkish breakfast spread is unreal. The poached egg with prosciutto sandwich is a great. Big selection of fresh mixed juices, too. Solid outdoor seating.
Pro tip: shop like a local outside the market along the western wall. Half the price, twice as good service and quality. Bonus: pick up fresh ground Turkish coffee at the famous Kurukahveci Mehmet.
The pistachio kebab is great, but go heavy on the meze platters to start. Request the top floor so you have a great river view.
The Galata Bridge has a great view of both European sides of the city. On the Sultanahmet side, get 6 Lira fresh fish sandwiches next to the water.
Squid ink couscous with grilled squid was unreal. Strong lamb chops. Some of the best and most inventive cocktails in Istanbul, too.
Some of the best inventive high-end Turkish food in the city, but at reasonable prices. The pastry with cheese appetizer was great, as was the sea bass main. Perfect romantic date spot.
This is the best chai latte in the world -- at least compared to the 50 or so I've tried. Perfect outdoor area for a lazy afternoon, too.
Istanbul's first Australian third wave coffee house. Great cappuccino and strong espresso. Plentiful outdoor seating. Expensive but some of the only cold brew coffee in the city.
One of the only real NYC level cocktail bars in Istanbul. Pricey but worth it. Try the daily special drink. Vibe is like a rustic living room.
This DJ plays jams, house mixed with American pop and hip hop. Perfect rooftop view of the city. Young but not college aged crowd.
Modern twist on Turkish tapas with a great Bosphorus view. Get every dish with eggplant or lamb in it.
You have to visit if you're coming to Turkey. It's the most amazing reconstructed historical ruins I've ever seen. Efes was the Asian capital of the Greco-Roman empire. Only ~1hr from Izmir airport.
The mixed plate of meze starters -- from roasted eggplant to mushrooms to yogurt dips and more -- is enough to feed two and incredibly cheap. Best read in Selcuk.
A beautiful resort with an infinity pool overlooking the town of Bodrum and the sea. Good value, big rooms, solid breakfast buffet, and great pool/spa setup.
Romantic Spanish restaurant perfect for a change of pace. This is the best sangria I've ever had. Go heavy on the long menu of starters; the paella is good but not great, and can serve 3 people.
Eat a Greek meze plate feast just an hour ferry ride away from Greece. Go heavy on starters. Romantic atmosphere and reasonable prices.
This is the doner kebab you've been dreaming of. Fantastic, cheap lunch in the middle of Bodrum.
