One of Istanbul’s most photographed monuments which incredibly dates back over 2,000 years, you simply cannot miss the iconic Kiz Kulesi or Maiden’s Tower, out on its own little island at the mouth of the Bosphorus.

In its capacity as customs control, defence tower, lighthouse and now restaurant, you can’t help but wonder what this intriguing structure has bore witness to over the centuries. This is truly a unique dining experience in what is itself a one-of-a-kind city.

The food is good, but who cares? It’s the view of the sun setting over old Istanbul from the tower’s summit that people really come here for.

Transfers from Salacak (Asian Side) and Ortakoy (European Side) daily – check the website for times. Booking recommended.
www.kizkulesi.com.tr
Tel: 0216 342 47 47

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Istanbul’s latest design hotel situated on the city’s Asian side. A recently restored Ottoman distillery with thoughtfully designed rooms that unusually manage to strike a perfect balance between comfort and modernity. Large windows enable guest to take full advantage of the spectacular Bosphorus views. For added convenience, the hotel provides free scheduled boat shuttle service to the city centre.

Cengelkoy
www.sumahan.com; tel: 216 422 8000
www.saviletours.com; tel: 020 7242 8488

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Where Istanbul’s beautiful people come to be seen. Pricey and pretentious but a sumptuous bankside setting beneath the Bosphorus bridge.

www.reina.com.tr

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Tiny, traditional and the sort of place you find by accident, Aytekin Cay and Nargile Café is centrally located on a quiet street just off Taksim Square.

Perfect for a breather from the city’s frenetic pace, “Cay” or tea and “Nargile” (shisha/water pipe) are exactly what you should come here for as they do little else – but they do it well.

Seating is predominantly outside on the pavement and consists of stools and knee-high tables, but any discomfort is soon forgotten over a competitive game of backgammon.

Şehit Muhtar Cad. No: 71, Taksim;
tel: 212 361 8402

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