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Condé Nast Traveler
04-08-2025
- Condé Nast Traveler
12 Best Cafés and Coffee Shops in Istanbul
The best cafes in Istanbul have roots in a long cultural tradition. While many visitors rush between the city's mosques, palaces, and markets, one of the city's most enduring cultural experiences is far simpler: savoring a cup of coffee. Introduced in the 16th century, Turkish coffee quickly became part of daily life. Coffeehouses, or kıraathanes, emerged as social and intellectual meeting places, from the time of the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent to the streets of modern-day Istanbul. Coffeehouses became gathering spots for reading, debate, and dissent—a proliferation of free thought that led Sultan Murad IV to ban coffee in 1633, fearing it encouraged moral decay and political unrest. Unlike filtered or espresso-based coffee, Turkish coffee is unfiltered, brewed slowly over heat in a small pot called a cezve with the grounds left in the cup to settle. Whether you're after history, conversation, a pick-me-up, or simply a rich, unfiltered brew in Istanbul, these are our picks of the best cafés in Istanbul. A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller Middle East. The house blend at Le Oba is nutty and wonderfully rich, and the sweet treats are for sale are the perfect accompaniment. Amelia Dhuga 1. Le Oba The trendy Beyoğlu neighborhood has gained significant attention in recent years for its chic concept restaurants and backstreets lined with buzzy bars. Along Oba Sk Street, you'll also find a collection of cool cafes. Seating spills out onto the pavement, with tables interspersed among spindly trees and the occasional parked motorbike. BookBar stands out for its quiet atmosphere and curated selection of artsy reads, while spots like MUUS tend to draw livelier crowds. My personal favorite, however, is Le Oba. Its signature sage green metal chairs occupy one of the largest plots on the street, with regulars often lounging outside for hours. The house blend is nutty and wonderfully rich, and an array of sweet treats are available for those looking to eat. Be sure to try the homemade Snickers bar; the chocolate-encased, peanut-filled cake is sprinkled with a heavenly helping of salt.
Telegraph
23-06-2025
- Telegraph
The 21 best restaurants in Istanbul
It's hardly surprising that Istanbul boasts one of the world's richest cuisines – it's superbly located at the confluence of the Mediterranean and Black Sea worlds, with easy access to the fertile farmlands of Thrace and Anatolia and the agricultural riches of Turkey 's hinterland. Whether it is freshly caught bluefish, tender lamb kebab, melt-in-your-mouth stuffed aubergine, the vast array of meze (starters) or rich, butter-soaked, pistachio-stuffed baklava, there's something for every taste. Dine in the atmospheric old city, or for a more local feel head across the Golden Horn to the entertainment quarter centred on Beyoğlu, Galata and Karaköy. You can even take a ferry to Asia for a bite to eat in historic Üsküdar or hip Kadıköy. All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best restaurants in Istanbul. Find out more below, or for more Istanbul inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels, bars and things to do. Find restaurants by type: Best all-rounders Balıkçı Sabahattın This place is so highly-regarded that affluent Istanbulites from across the metropolis sweep stylishly into the lovely period wooden building it occupies in droves. In summer the vine-shaded cobbled street is the place to sit; in winter head into the airy wood-panelled dining room. Start with a couple of meze; mussels in fragrant saffron rice and tangy aubergine salad recommended, before enjoying a moist grilled fish main (bluefish is most prized). Locals will watch with detached amusement if you drink anything other than the aniseed spirit rakı with your spread, but there's a great wine list too.
Forbes
23-06-2025
- Forbes
Four Iconic Istanbul Landmarks Will Be Open For Night Visits This Summer
Sunset Time in Galata Tower Beyoglu Istanbul Turkey getty Istanbul sees more than 18.6 million international visitors per year—many of which seeking out the biggest tourist attractions in the city, including the Galata Tower and the Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum. However, with rising summertime temperatures, waiting in line to get into the hot spots in the city is not exactly attractive, which is why the culture and tourism board has made the decision to allow nighttime visits to certain spots. 'This summer, our museums and heritage sites will stay open at night in 27 locations across Türkiye,' said Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, minister of culture and tourism. 'The program aims to welcome both domestic and international visitors who want to explore cultural heritage away from the daytime heat. Here are the Istanbul hot spots open for nighttime visits, as well as a list of the other attractions across the country that will remain open late this summer: The Galata Tower in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul draws over a million visitors per year and there's almost always a line snaking its way around the tower. Thankfully this year the tower will remain open to visitors until 11 p.m., allowing guests to catch a glimpse of the Istanbul skyline at nightfall. The group of three Istanbul Archaeology Museums will each remain open until 10 p.m. throughout the summer months. The museums collectively have over a million artifacts from nearly all periods of world history. You won't be able to visit the Hagia Sophia after dark—but you can visit the neighboring Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum. The recently opened museum companion to the famous Hagia Sophia will remain open until 10 p.m. all summer long. Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts in Sultanahmet Square was the first of its kind to display both Turkish and Islamic works of art together and is well worth a visit, especially if you're fascinated by calligraphy, tilework, and carpets. The museum will stay open until 10 p.m. throughout the summer months. The rest of the country will also see nighttime museum and cultural sites opened late, including the following cities and attractions: Ankara The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations will remain open until 9 p.m. The Ethnography Museum will also remain open until 9 p.m. Izmir In Izmir, the famous Ephesus will remain open until 11 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The Museum Izmir Culture and Arts Factory will be open until 9 p.m. Antalya In Antalya, the Antalya Museum will remain open until 10 p.m. The Alanya Museum will also remain open until 10 p.m. Aspendos, Patara, Side, and the Nekropol Museum will also accept guests until 10 p.m. Adiyaman Nemrut will be open from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. Mugla The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology will receive guests until 10 p.m. Aydin Didim will stay open until 9 p.m. Denizli Samsun The Samsun Museum will accept guests until 10 p.m. Gaziantep In Gaziantep, the Zeugma Mosaic Museum will be open until 9 p.m. Sanliurfa In Sanliurfa, the Sanliurfa Museum is open until 9 p.m. The Haleplibahce Mosaic Museum will also be open until 9 p.m. Nevsehir In Nevsehir, Zelve-Pasa Baglari will be open until 9 p.m. The Derinkuyu Underground City, Kaymakli Underground City, and the Ozkonak Underground City will be open for guests until 9 p.m. Erzurum The Erzurum Museum will also be open until 9 p.m.
Hospitality Net
04-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
167-Key Moxy Istanbul Beyoğlu Opens
Moxy Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, brings its signature bold and playful energy to Türkiye with the opening of Moxy Istanbul Beyoğlu. Nestled in the heart of Istanbul's iconic Beyoğlu district, the hotel marks an exciting debut for the brand, showcasing its unique style in the bustling city. Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President, Brand Management, Premium, Select & Midscale Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International said: "For over a decade, Moxy has offered a stylish hospitality experience for the next generation of travellers with its industrial design, buzzing social spaces and bold programming. Istanbul is full of energy, culture and diversity, making it the perfect destination for the brand. Designed by Designist Architecture, Moxy Istanbul Beyoğlu blends neoclassical elements with fresh, youthful energy. Bold colours, playful details and locally inspired artwork, specifically from Turkish cinema, bring the hotel's vibrant character to life. A dynamic mix of materials from rich wood to sleek leather adds warmth and texture, ensuring guests feel energized, inspired and right at home. The hotel is housed within the historic Afrika Han building, seamlessly blending the city's storied past with contemporary design, offering travellers an exciting new way to experience Istanbul. With 167 guest rooms and suites, Moxy Istanbul Beyoğlu provides stylish accommodations with views of the vibrant city or serene atrium. Each room is thoughtfully designed to cater to young-at-heart travellers, blending modern comfort with playful touches. Each guest room features smart amenities such as USB ports, smart TVs and free Wi-Fi, ensuring that guests are always connected and ready to explore. True to Moxy's thoughtful and fun spirit, the hotel is designed to bring people together. Guests can grab a drink at Bar Moxy, featuring handcrafted cocktails, local beers, and small bites in a buzzing, music-infused setting. The 24/7 Grab & Go Delights station offers snacks and drinks for travellers on the move, while Moxy's B reakfast Bar reinvents the traditional morning spread with a fun and casual twist, perfect for fuelling guests' urban adventures. Active travellers can re-energise at the hotel's 24/7 fitness centre decked out with a full range of equipment. Additionally, Moxy Istanbul Beyoğlu offers meeting rooms for business needs, equipped with modern technology to facilitate productive sessions. Moxy Istanbul Beyoğlu is ideally located just steps away from Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue, placing guests at the centre of Istanbul's cultural, historical and modern attractions such as Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Moxy's design philosophy reflects the eclectic spirit of Beyoğlu, blending modern trends with local culture to create a lively atmosphere that appeals to both locals and visitors alike. Hotel website
