Things To Do
Grand Bazaar
Visit one of the first shopping malls of the world with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops. Elif's happy day there is to visit her favorite jewellery store and also search for vintage and antique pieces.
Historic Peninsula
A minimum of three is a must see in the area if you are visiting Istanbul for the first time: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Place, the Hippodrome and the Basilica Cistern.
Emirgan Sütiş
Elif's favorite breakfast venue. It is always packed so prefer to arrive early (it is open 24 hours) and order couples' favorites: Simit, Cay, Ezine Cheese and Kiymali Borek...
Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
Türkiye’s first museum of modern and contemporary art located inside the Galataport complex in the Beyoğlu district. Galataport is the new shopping and gastronomy neighborhood of Istanbul. It is a perfect way to "hit two birds with one stone" as we say in Türkiye :)
Nişantaşı
"Shop till you drop." Another Elif's favorite :) There is City's Nişantaşı Mall too but explore designer boutiques on the streets. Vakko is a must visit Turkish luxury fashion store. Their silk scarves are for a lifetime. Check out their special colognes which is the most traditional way of welcoming guests into Turkish houses. We offer cologne when our guests arrive and it is often accompanied by chocolate and candy.
Hurrem Sultan Hammam
Must go! Ultimate bath and massage therapy built by Mimar Sinan, one of the most celebrated of all Ottoman architects. The hammam built for Hurrem Sultan, one of the most powerful and influential women in Ottoman history, wife of Suleyman the Magnificent. She is also known as the first woman in Ottoman history to concern herself with state affairs.
