A Hedonist's guide to… is an exciting new series of guides that explore the finest restaurants, the most stylish hotels and the chicest bars in each of our six cities. Designed to be the quintessential 'little black book' A Hedonist's guide to… has all the best addresses in town. This is the ultimate weekend break guide helping you optimise your weekend away; all the restaurants, hotels, bars, cafés and clubs are photographed so you know what to expect before you go.
A Hedonist's Guide to Istanbul
In what is a hallmark of the greatest cities, Istanbul offers a vibrant present set within a captivating past. Nick Hackworth, Contemporary Art Critic at the Evening Standard, brings you the best of both in Hg2 Istanbul.
Kebabs, package holidays and football – please tell me it has more to offer!
For much of human history it has been the greatest city on earth. Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul – the names by which the city has been known during its 28 centuries of existence are alone enough to conjure such a wealth of legends and stories as to stupefy the most curious. Wander amongst the mosques, bazaars, museums and palaces of Sultanahmet, the ancient heart of the city, eat in the wealth of slick, contemporary bars and restaurants opening in Beyoglu and party in high octane clubs set by the side of the Bosphorus.
How long do I stay?
If you are going to stay on the European shore we recommend a long weekend, any longer and the hubbub of the city might get overwhelming. However, if you choose an hotel a little out of the city - either on the Asian Shore or in Bebek, a little village just up the Bosphorus, a week could be happily filled with a blend of exploration, partying and relaxation.
When should I go?
Spring and Autumn are the Goldilocks seasons to visit Istanbul - neither too hot nor too cold. During these months the temperature tends to be warm, but not too humid and the tourists hordes not too intrusive. The summer can get hot, humid and very crowded and winters cold, wet and gloomy - not ideal city break conditions.
Where should I stay?
What do I need to take?
* A great camera - Istanbul is supremely photogenic
* An Orhan Pamuk book - Istanbul's greatest writer, and Nobel prize winner, should be read in situ
* All your haggling skills to get some bargains in the Grand Bazaar
* Hg2 Istanbul, of course!
Now all you need to do is book that flight and enjoy!
Kebabs, package holidays and football – please tell me it has more to offer!
For much of human history it has been the greatest city on earth. Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul – the names by which the city has been known during its 28 centuries of existence are alone enough to conjure such a wealth of legends and stories as to stupefy the most curious. Wander amongst the mosques, bazaars, museums and palaces of Sultanahmet, the ancient heart of the city, eat in the wealth of slick, contemporary bars and restaurants opening in Beyoglu and party in high octane clubs set by the side of the Bosphorus.
How long do I stay?
If you are going to stay on the European shore we recommend a long weekend, any longer and the hubbub of the city might get overwhelming. However, if you choose an hotel a little out of the city - either on the Asian Shore or in Bebek, a little village just up the Bosphorus, a week could be happily filled with a blend of exploration, partying and relaxation.
When should I go?
Spring and Autumn are the Goldilocks seasons to visit Istanbul - neither too hot nor too cold. During these months the temperature tends to be warm, but not too humid and the tourists hordes not too intrusive. The summer can get hot, humid and very crowded and winters cold, wet and gloomy - not ideal city break conditions.
Where should I stay?
A major decision to make is choosing in which area to stay. Istanbul is a large city and can be time-consuming to traverse, so if your visit is short you should pick an appropriately located hotel. If sightseeing is your bag, stay in the mothership – Sultanahmet. The Four Seasons is a wonderful choice, as is the small and stylish Ibrahim Pasa Hotel. Beyoglu is home to Istanbul's contemporary restaurant and bar scene, there aren't an abundance of lovely hotels here but the Bentley Hotel offers sleek design and friendly service and the Marmara Pera combines style and facilities. If however splendid isolation is more your thing, you may wish to head to the Asian shore, home to Istanbul's most stylish boutique hotels - the A’jia and Sumahan on the Water. Booking couldn't be easier, just click here.
What do I need to take?
* A great camera - Istanbul is supremely photogenic
* An Orhan Pamuk book - Istanbul's greatest writer, and Nobel prize winner, should be read in situ
* All your haggling skills to get some bargains in the Grand Bazaar
* Hg2 Istanbul, of course!
Now all you need to do is book that flight and enjoy!
