Globalista

Spread over seven hills and surrounded by three bodies of water, Istanbul has one foot in Asia, the other in Europe; one eye on the past, the other on the future. Whether you’re an old fan or a first-time visitor, now is the time to go. Simultaneously wonderfully old-world and glamorously contemporary, the city’s disparate personalities are immediately obvious. The romance and tradition are still here: Ottoman minarets tower into the dusky blue skyline and the queues outside the Topkapi Palace grow ever longer. But there is also a modern and thriving city to explore beyond the historic sights, whirling dervishes and oriental melodies and with our guide, you’ll experience both.

We’ve found the best society jeweller in town, the most heavenly fish restaurants on the Bosphorus and the agent who can organise a private tour of an Ottomon palace and your own yacht charter to take you there. Down by the water’s edge, old and young alike watch the ever-changing spectacle of the Bosphorus suspension bridge and its dancing disco lights. Helicopters deliver guests to elegant hotels and the smart set gather in open-air clubs to dance under a blanket of stars. Read on as we reveal Istanbul’s great secret; how it cleverly manages to balance its traditional values whilst ushering in an age of flamboyant fun.

You can preview the Best Hotels featured in our Globalista Report below. Or buy the full Globalista Report for this destination, available at the bottom of the page.

The well-established Four Seasons Sultanahmet is a consistent award-winner for its old-town location (within walking distance of the sights) and impeccable service – the Getty family stay here when they’re in town. The group has recently opened a sister property Four Seasons on the Bosphorus and while it’s neither as charming nor as intimate as its older sister, with interiors that are classically bland (although not in the least bit offensive), it does have the huge bonus of an outdoor heated swimming-pool (there’s no pool at all at the Sultanahmet property) and a terrace restaurant, Aqua, where you can eat overlooking the water. If you’re planning to be in town for more than two nights – and you should come for four at least – base yourself at the old Four Seasons for a couple of days sightseeing and then transfer by boat to the new one. There you can enjoy some downtime by the pool (where staff clean your sunglasses, proffer ice creams, even massage your legs), book a treatment in the superb spa, and walk to the lively Ortaköy area with its pretty mosque, alfresco cafés and excellent restaurants. Don’t be tempted to stay next door at the Çiragan Palace, which looks well past its sell-by date, or, indeed, at the brand-new W, which is more for nightclub aficionados with attitude.

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I've lived in Istanbul for over six years and I would still use this Globalista report to orientate me.
Georgie Bernadette, Istanbul resident

I think your guides are spot on. I used your Globalista Report for Istanbul last weekend and we loved the places we went to. Magda Palczynska, Globalista member

Globalista’s Pick of the Press

06 June 2009 - The Financial Times - Dining with a view in Istanbul
01 June 2009 - Spear's Wealth Management - Constantinopulent
23 May 2009 - The Guardian - The Last Hookah
11 May 2009 - The Times - The smart guide to Istanbul's Grand Bazaar
10 May 2009 - T Magazine, New York Times - Style Map: Turkish Delights


See the full archive of travel press articles for Istanbul.

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