Istanbul's Foreign Literary History: 5 Must-See Spots For Literature Lovers
Exterior view of Pera Palace building which located in beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey.
Most travelers think of Paris or London when conjuring up visions of the golden age of the literary scene in Europe—but Istanbul has equally deep roots when it comes to being a safe-haven for writers and creatives from around the world.
Major writers, including the likes of Ernest Hemingway and James Baldwin, have famously called Istanbul home, and the city is plenty with former literary hang-outs that every literary lover or aspiring writer should add to their itinerary. Here are five must-see spots for literature fiends in Istanbul:
Pera Palace is most well-known for literature lovers as the hotel where Agatha Christie allegedly wrote Murder on the Orient Express. The hotel has still preserved room 411 as a memorial to the author. Authors Ernest Hemingway and Graham Greene also include the Pera Palace in The Snows of Kilimanjaro and Travels with My Aunt, respectively.
French writer Pierre Loti first came to Istanbul in 1876 and called the city home—at least for part of the time—for over four decades. The writer frequently visited a cafe on what is now called Pierre Loti Hill, where he completed his novel Aziyadé. Now the hill is home to a cafe that overlooks the Golden Horn as well a a museum dedicated to the writer.
James Baldwin lived in Istanbul for a decade, between 1961 and 1971, when he was suffering from writer's block and looking for seclusion. Baldwin, like many authors, took to the Pera Palace Hotel, but he also famously arrived in Istanbul and went straight to Taksim Square, where he was staying with Turkish actor Engin Cezzar.
Ernest Hemingway worked as a correspondent for the Toronto Star in Istanbul in 1922. He took the train from Paris to Istanbul and allegedly stayed at the still-standing (and budget-friendly) Grand Hotel De Londres after someone recommended the property to him on the train from Paris.
Ernest's Bar is a contemporary address just around the corner from Pera Palace Hotel—but it aims to evoke a sense of the golden age of travel and literature from the 1920s. Named after Ernest Hemingway, it boasts a bit of a speakeasy vibe with live jazz and Thai bites from sister restaurant Çok Çok Pera.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-travlers-rushing-off-plane-TURKEYFINE0525-ff50deeb8e4348c6b08389e129e08d2b.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
7 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Country Will Now Fine Airline Passengers for Standing Up Too Early After Landing
The next time you fly into Turkey, you might want to take a beat before standing up to get your luggage, because if you try to snag that bag too quickly, you could have to pay a hefty fine. In May, the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced new rules that will fine any passengers who unbuckle their seat belts, stand up, enter the aisle, or open the overhead bin before the plane has come to a complete stop after taxiing to the jet bridge or parking space for deplaning, the Associated Press reported. According to the agency's announcement, 'Passengers who do not comply with the rules will be reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation through a disruptive passenger report, and an administrative fine will be imposed." The announcement does not say exactly how much the fine will be. However, the AP noted that some local media are reporting it could be up to $70. To ensure every traveler is well aware of the rules, the AP noted that commercial airliners operating in Turkey must now revise their in-flight announcements to include a mention of the rule and warn passengers that they must remain seated or face both the fine and having their name reported to the Turkish Directorate of Civil Aviation. EuroNews reported that Turkish Airlines has already updated its landing announcement, which now states that 'passengers who do not comply with the rules will be reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation through a Disruptive Passenger Report, and an administrative fine will be imposed in accordance with the applicable legal regulations.' A passengers luggage in the overhead bin on airplane. Jackyenjoyphotography/Getty Images And in a move most travelers will applaud, the AP noted that the announcement must also include a reminder that passengers should let the row ahead of them exit first before they attempt to rush by, causing a bottleneck. 'Despite announcements informing passengers of the rules, many are standing up before the aircraft reaches its parking positions and before the seat belt sign is turned off,' the directorate shared in a statement with the AP. 'This behavior compromises the safety of passengers and baggage, [and] disregards the satisfaction and exit priority of other travelers.' There's also plenty of precedent for this new rule. As the New York Times pointed out, in the U.S., passengers can also be fined for failing to follow crew instructions or "engaging in disruptive or violent behavior." In fact, those fines can reach up to $37,000 per violation, and passengers who are particularly poorly behaved could even face jail time or an investigation by the FBI. Sara Nelson, the president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, shared a statement of support with the AP, noting that passengers should remain seated and should always adhere to the guidelines set out by crew members. Nelson added, 'Listen to your flight attendants and follow crewmember instructions to get to your destination safely and to avoid unnecessary delay."
Travel Weekly
8 hours ago
- Travel Weekly
Central Holidays unveils Turkiye itineraries
Central Holidays introduced a Turkiye travel program to its portfolio after seeing demand for experiences in the destination, which offers stunning architecture and rich history. The New Jersey-based tour operator will begin operating the itineraries this year. The announcement comes after the brand orchestrated a group travel program across the country for more than 3,000 travelers. "Turkiye is truly a destination that offers something for everyone," said Adam Greis, the general manager of Central Holidays. "Our new line of travel programs opens the door for travelers to explore everything from the bustling streets of Istanbul to the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia all with the peace of mind afforded by traveling with a reliable travel company more than 50 years strong." The tour operator created a team of Turkiye destination specialists to plan and execute the trips, for both independent travelers and group travel. Maria Jose Merino, vice president of operations and product development, said the company works with travel advisors "hand-in-hand" to craft itineraries, touting the brand's partnership with advisors. "Central Holidays knows that planning travel to foreign destinations like Turkiye is a very intricate endeavor, and there are so many elements that need to come together perfectly," she said. The brand unveiled its Turkiye itineraries, including Classic Turkiye, which takes travelers on an 11-day journey through the country to see some of its most important landmarks, including the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and the underground city of Saratli. Prices start at $2,535. Highlights include visiting Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, known for being the world's largest and oldest covered market; hiking in Cappadocia; and visiting the ancient city of Troy. The Discover Turkiye itinerary features Istanbul, Ankara and Cappadocia, a region known for its iconic "fairy chimneys." The nine-day trip starts at $2,285. This itinerary features similar excursions to the Classic Turkiye itinerary, including visits to Topkapi Palace and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara. On the shorter side, Central Holidays has launched a four-day Stopover in Istanbul itinerary for $855, which includes the city's iconic sites. Highlights include touring the Hippodrom, the Basilica of Saint Sophi and the Grand Bazaar.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
The Top 10 Boating Destinations In Europe—According To A 2025 Report
The colorful town of Varenna in Lake Como, which ranks as the No. 1 boating destination in Europe, according to Spending a day on a boat exploring scenic, sun-drenched coastlines or jetting off to hidden coves is the ultimate itinerary addition for European vacations. But where are the best spots to zip around on a motorboat or charter a yacht? To narrow it down, a boat rental site, turned to its internal data from thousands of boat rentals and charters across Europe to determine the continent's top boating destinations. Ahead, the top 10 boating destinations in Europe, according to 2025 report. Lake Como, Italy Headlining the list is Lake Como, where classic wooden yachts glide past pretty-as-a-postcard villages like Bellagio and Varenna and show off dramatic Alpine views. Ride in nostalgic style aboard a meticulously restored Venetian limousine boat, though motorboats are the most popular style on this freshwater lake. Panorama view of Istanbul at sunset. Where Europe meets Asia, Istanbul delivers a one-of-a-kind cruise past palaces, mosques, and glamorous waterfront mansions that line the Bosphorus Strait. With everything from laid-back boat tours to luxe yacht escapes, Istanbul's centuries-old naval history adds to the maritime interest. Aerial view of the cliffs and the beach of Cala Vadella, Ibiza, Spain. Ibiza isn't just for dance floors. This Baleriac island is a boating paradise with turquoise coves, yacht parties, snorkeling excursions, and day trips to Formentera, an island in the Mediterranean. Rentals start around $130 an hour, and yachts are the most popular style of boat. Sorrento is a great jumping off point for exploring the Amalfi Coast. Sorrento's proximity to the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Naples make it a popular spot to rent a powerboat to zip around in on a summer day. Dramatic cliffs, hidden grottos, and stops in port towns are itinerary highlights. Aerial view of Bodrum in Mugla Province, Turkey. Muğla's coastline, which is home to hotspots like Bodrum, Marmaris, and Fethiye, is the crown jewel of Turkey's sailing scene. With its Blue Voyage roots, turquoise bays, and dreamy gulet charters, it's a must-cruise stretch of the Eastern Med. Boat in style aboard this megayacht that can accommodate 45 people and has a hot tub on deck. Palma de Mallorca, Spain skyline at the port with yachts in the early morning. Mega yachts mingle with catamarans on the Mediterranean waters off of Palma de Mallorca. A year-round sailing season, plus international boat shows and regattas, qualify it as one of Europe's top boating destinations. Barcelona Harbor at dusk Travelers can check out landmarks like Sagrada Familia from the water and jet off to beloved beaches like Costa Brava. World-class marinas like Port Vell and Port Olimpic add to Barcelona's credentials. But one of the most unique experiences you can have is by embarking on a sailing tour that includes tasting submarine wines that have been aged under water. Fishing boats docked at Ornos beach in Greece. With consistent wind and calm seas, the Aegean is a great spot to sail. Depart from Ornos, which is located on the southwest coast of Mykonos, and head out to chic beach clubs and neighboring islands. Boaters can explore the Cyclades in wooden boats, catamarans or yachts. Aerial view of Zlatni Rat Beach in Brac Island, Dalmatian Region Split is a perfect jumping off spot to Croatia's island-hopping scene, with access to gems like Hvar, Brač, and Vis. 'Croatia's extensive Adriatic coastline offers over 1,000 islands, and Split is at the heart of this nautical network,' according to the report. Cannes, France With superyachts lining the harbor and luxe charters heading to scenic spots like the Lérins Islands and Saint-Tropez, Cannes cracked into the top 10 this year. Peak season hits during major events, like the Cannes Film Festival in May, but its mild weather and swanky vibes keep the boat scene buzzing year-round.
