A Guide to Exploring Istanbul in Luxury: Istanbul Luxury Travel
Istanbul is a top luxury vacation destination if you’re looking to treat yourself or if it’s already your way of life.
As the western banks of the Bosphorus marking the geographic start of the European continent and the eastern banks indicating the border of Asia, Istanbul’s confluence of cultures is what makes this city sparkle.
Istanbul has traditionally served as a crossroads for ideas, people, and products between Europe and Asia. Some could see this straddling of history and tradition as a cultural blend.
The city’s oldest sections are being shaken up by a swarm of new and surprisingly modern hotels, restaurants, event venues and art spaces.
Getting to Istanbul: Turkish Airlines Luxury Travel Experience
It’s never been easier to visit Turkey. Turkish Airlines operates flights to and from Istanbul that are both flexible and luxurious. Turkish Airlines’ state-of-the-art plane and world-class service make long-haul travel to Istanbul a breeze.
Your deluxe adventure begins when you are greeted by a personal chauffeur who will pick you up in a luxury car at the start of your journey. When you try to navigate unfamiliar terminals in a crowded airport on your own, it may be quite stressful. With professional meet & greet services of IGA (Istanbul Grand Airport), you may now have an escort accompany you on your new adventure, helping you through your first encounter with Turkey. They assist you in completing all airport procedures and overcoming language hurdles promptly and effortlessly.
Luxury Istanbul Travel with Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines Business Class offers world-class service, sky-high food, opulent facilities, and superlative luxury.
The Miles&Smiles Lounge, which caters to Turkish Airlines’ frequent flyers, also provides a varied choice of entertainment. It is making the time spent traveling between destinations the most enjoyable part of the voyage. Passengers may spend their downtime in the movies, console gaming, or the expansive children’s playground, which is open 24 hours a day.
Top Luxury Hotels in Istanbul
The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul Bosphorus
This Ottoman palace from the eighteenth century encapsulates the luxurious East while providing the greatest service possible. The hotel was rebuilt by trendy designers and sits in all its neo-classical splendor beside the Bosphorus. The rooms are elegant and subtle, with a color scheme that hints at post-modern vintage and high-tech fixtures. Choose one of the Palace apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows that view the Bosphorus strait’s rushing waves.
Raffles Istanbul
Istanbul isn’t known for its skyscrapers, which only adds to the allure of this gleaming five-star hotel. From its business district located in the European side’s Beşiktaş area to the hotel’s 185 crisp, minimalist rooms, everything about Raffles Istanbul is a modern choice. This is one of Istanbul’s most luxurious hotels, with ultra-modern accommodations and six creative dining options.
The St Regis Istanbul
With the Nişantaşı neighborhood known as Istanbul’s Fifth Avenue, there was no better spot for New York’s St Regis brand to bring a touch of luxury to Turkey. The hotel was designed in the Art Deco style to complement the rich neighborhood’s 1920s vibe.
Swiss Hotel
Swissotel Bosphorus is located on the top of a grassy hill with a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. It is close to some of Istanbul’s most fascinating historical structures, including the Dolmabahçe and Yıldız. Not just the hotel’s location, but also the hotel’s physical exclusivity as well as the extensive range of amenities given at this five-star hotel, are what draw tourists in.
Mandarin Oriental
Mandarin Hotel Group owns and runs some of the world’s most luxury hotels and apartments, including Mandarin Oriental property in Istanbul. With this new hotel, the hotel group made a strong momentum in Istanbul’s luxury travel industry. It’s located in Kurucesme district, a beautiful and central location by the Bosphorus.
W Hotel Istanbul
W Hotel Istanbul is one of the top 5-star hotels in Istanbul, with its distinct historical texture and modern designs steps from the Bosporus. W Istanbul is located in the heart of Beşiktaş (Akaretler). Akaretler is full of restaurants, cafés, design and art galleries, connects its visitors to the city’s authentic and local texture as well as Nişantaşı’s high-end shopping scene.
As a home to city’s greatest hotels (Four Seasons, Conrad, Shangri-La, W Hotel, Kempinski and more), Beşiktaş is one of the most famous districts in Istanbul.
The Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamis Marina Hotel
It is the place to stay if you want five-star luxury on a budget. Or if you want to get away from the bustle of Sultanahmet and Beyoglu. This Wyndham resort, located across the street from the Kalamış Marina in a laid-back Anatolian neighborhood in a way to the Princes’ Islands. And hotel offers seven dining options that serve specialties from both sides of the Bosphorus.
Fine Dining in Istanbul & Luxury Lifestyle Guide in Istanbul
Mikla
Located on the top of Istanbul’s renowned Marmara Pera hotel, Mikla offers breathtaking views of the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Mikla is urban, sleek, and trendy, with classic chrome furnishings and a bar fashioned with wooden railroad ties. The one-of-a-kind menu highlights Chef’s Turkish-Scandinavian ancestry in this award-winning restaurant in Istanbul.
Villa Bosphorus
Would you want to glance across at the magnificent Bosphorus Bridge that connects the two continents as you eat delectable meals? Villa Bosphorus is renowned for its one-of-a-kind seafood delicacies that elevate exquisite dining to new heights. They offer an amazing wine list that includes something for every meal.
Turk Fatih Tutak
With an ever-changing seasonal cuisine, this modern eatery is a local favorite. It is an outstanding service, the unique approach to regional food, or Tutak’s commitment to supporting regional wine producers.
Rana Meyhane (Tavern)
Formerly known as Topaz, Rana Meyhane delivers the finest Mediterranean and Ottoman cuisine. Looking over the Bosphorus, the restaurant’s excellent food is matched with a tranquil ambiance and modern design. Only its menus–there are two–and its contemporary and traditional cuisine are superior.
Lacivert
It’s essential to find a restaurant with an outstanding view for a fancy supper. With a sophisticated interior design and soft lighting, the Navy Blue (Lacivert) Restaurant is an excellent choice for a romantic supper. It’s close to the sea, so you can take in the beauty of the Bosphorus while listening to the waves. This restaurant is one of Istanbul’s most opulent and popular seafood establishments.
Sarnıç Fine Dining
Sarnıç Fine Dining Restaurant, located inside a 1500-year-old cistern, is a must-visit destination for visitors. With its colossal columns and entrancing domed roof, this ancient edifice of a restaurant creates an exceptional atmosphere. In terms of taste, the restaurant’s Ottoman-inspired menu is a culinary delight.
Top Night Clubs in Istanbul
Cahide Müzikhol – Dinner Theater
Cahide’s contemporary cabaret-style proudly carries on the music hall atmosphere. With its fantastically overdone design, outstanding food, and amusingly titled beverages, the venue is an exuberant site of attraction.
360Istanbul
360 Istanbul is a well-known rooftop restaurant, bar, and nightclub located in a 19th-century apartment building overlooking the former embassy row in Beyoglu’s Istiklal district. It provides 360-degree panoramic views of Istanbul.
Ruby in Ortakoy
Ruby is a vibrant club in Ortakoy with a magnificent ambiance, a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus, and one-of-a-kind tastes. The evenings at Ruby are great since you can have a nice partying experience from a waterside garden overlooking the Bosphorus.
Klein in Harbiye
Klein Club is a popular nightclub in Harbiye, just a short walk from Taksim. Klein provides an exceptional partying experience for its guests. It features worldwide and national DJs, electronic and techno music performances, and an authentic ambiance.
Nardis Jazz Club in Galata
Located near the Galata Tower in Galata, Nardis Jazz Club is a true jazz club that features live jazz Monday through Friday.
Luxury shopping in Istanbul
Top Shopping Streets of Istanbul
Istiklal Caddesi
Running from Taksim Square to Tünel Square, the always-crowded Istiklal Caddesi is one of the city’s principal retail avenues. Every brand conceivable, from independents to household names, has a presence here. Additionally, Istiklal has several intriguing sidestreets and little passages (arcades). So, keep a lookout for anything that captures your attention.
Nişantaşı
The district of Nişantaşı is a key part of Istanbul with an urban ambiance. There are two main sections: stylish and a little more boho. The elegant section features the world’s most prestigious luxury brands, including Louboutin, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Dior, Gucci, Rolex, Prada, Tom Ford, and Chanel. They are primarily concentrated along Abdi İpekçi Street (this is one of the streets with the highest retail rents in Istanbul).
Bagdat Street
Located on the city’s Asian side, this 14-kilometer-long road runs along to the Marmara Sea. Bagdat Street is the primary retail street on this side, with outlets ranging from Burberry to Marks & Spencer. On weekends, the alley is bustling with inhabitants strolling or stopping for a drink at one of the several cafés.
Grand Bazaar
The modern-day jewels in Istanbul’s jewelry market may have gone a long way since the first booths in the Grand Bazaar, but they are no less beautiful. Those wishing to buy the world’s best diamonds are spoiled for options in a city where classical talismans coexist with modern simple designs.
Top Luxury Shopping Malls in Istanbul
Istanbul attracts a large number of tourists from all over the globe due to its low rates in comparison to European cities. It has a unique location with the Bosphorus Strait, which divides the city into European and Asian Sides. Along with the variety of items, one of the attractions of this city is the existence of several large shopping complexes, and Istanbul may be regarded as a shopping paradise.
- Emaar Square Mall in Uskudar
- Istinye Park in Maslak
- Kanyon and Akmerkez in the Levent
- Zorlu Center in Zincirlikuyu
- City’s Nişantaşı
- Vadi İstanbul in Ayazağa
- Galataport Istanbul in Karakoy
What are the luxury activities in Istanbul: Top Events for Istanbul Luxury Travel
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxury Yacht
A yacht cruise on the Bosphorus is one of the most popular, distinctive, and beautiful ways to spend your time in Istanbul. It’s also one of the greatest ways to see and hear the city’s most magnificent sights and noises from the water.
Private Yacht Cruise to the Princes’ Islands
A private luxury yacht cruise to the Princes’ Islands provides an exceptional sightseeing experience.
Helicopter Tour in Istanbul
If a private yacht tour is not enough or you have a limited time, you can enjoy the city with a bird’s eye view. Also, there are options for 1-day Cappadocia tour from Istanbul.
Private Church and Cistern Tours on Demand
Enjoy a private guided tour of monasteries and cathedrals from the Byzantine era, when Istanbul was known as Constantinople. Discover the fascinating history of Christian sanctuaries that peaked during the Byzantine Empire’s rule.
Gala Dinner at Bazaar
If you think about it, Grand Bazaar may be a unique spot to organize a private event or gala at night. For groups and company visits, it can be considered for a treasure hunt or orienteering activity too.
Turkish Hamam-Baths – Spas for a Lifestyle of Luxury
Tourists and nostalgic residents alike go to Istanbul’s hamams, such as Hürrem Sultan Hamam and Cagaloglu Hamam, for a steaming scrub surrounded by marble walls and tall domes. You’ll find what you’re searching for to relax, whether it’s a cheap wash or a luxurious treatment by a masseur.
Cagalolu Hamam continues to welcome visitors thanks to its 300-year history, which led to it being designated as a UNESCO cultural heritage site. It’s also among the “1000 places to see before you die” by New York Times.
Last Thoughts: Where to start luxury travel Istanbul for your next holiday?
Consider working with a local travel agency in Istanbul to get things done for a genuine luxury holiday in Istanbul, whether you’re planning a trip now or have already booked your tickets.
In this congested city full of hidden treasures, get in touch with Oskar Tours to plan your luxury vacation in Istanbul. From meet greet services, to selecting the best high-end culinary experiences, we are ready to be your partner during your luxury trip.