LUXE City Guides: Istanbul's Best Waterside Hangs
Posted on 26 February 2018
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Istanbul's best waterside hangs
Do Istanbul like a boss by the Bos at these sea-purb summer sup, sip and shimmy spots.
Tuğra
Best for: Sultan-worthy fine dining
When nothing but OTT Ottoman opulence will do, park your bot on the balcony at swankster Tuğra, set right inside the Çırağan Palace. Expect decadent (if a little dated) decor and 600-year-old recipes kept fresh with local, seasonal produce and spot-on wine pairings.
If you fancy getting wet waterside, you can splash out at the Çırağan Palace Kempinski’s snazzy, grass and sun lounger-surrounded pool.
Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Çırağan Cad. 32, Beşiktaş, Istanbul. +90 212 236 7333, kempinski.com
Borsa
Best for: Asian-side elegance
Smart beau monde magnet Borsa has been dishing up delectably refined meze and elevated Anatolian classics since 1927. Just make sure you book waaay ahead to nab a prime patio perch on breezy summer days or starry evenings, and beware the cheeky upselling waiters.
Borsa, Vaniköy Cad., Sıraevler Sok. 12, Üsküdar, İstanbul. +90 216 460 0304, borsarestaurants.com
Aşşk Kahve
Best for: A bobby brek or brunch
The name is derived from the Turkish word for love – fitting given and you’ll certainly fall head over Loubies for this peachy beachy babe. Flowering vines and parasols shade cushy, colourful seats that gaze straight onto the sea, and the food is just as charming with eggy brekkies, sarnies, salads and a cracking Sunday brunch, plus cocktails that’ll have you all aflutter.
Aşşk Kahve Kuruçeşme, Muallim Naci Cad. 64B, Kuruçeşme, Beşiktaş, İstanbul. +90 212 265 4734, asskkahve.com
Baylan Bebek
Best for: Sweet treats
A three-storey sugar show with an on-Bossy posi. This branch of Istanbul’s oldest patisserie is more mod than its Kadıköy counterpart and further from the city centre, but sweet tooths who make the schlep to Baylan Bebek will be rewarded with a tasteful interior, sea-rene balcony, and divine selection of French and Turkish delights. Don’t miss the sinfully ‘70s signature Kup Griye – layers of ice-cream, caramel sauce, crushed nuts and toffee. And yes, there’s a shortlist of savories too, for those unhelpably healthy Helens.
Baylan Bebek, Cevdet Paşa Cad. 52-54, Bebek, Istanbul. +90 212 358 0760. baylangida.com
Bebek Bar
Best for: Dinky drinking
Sure the woody, ahoy sailor interior ain’t much to look at, but who cares when there’s a terracotta terrace that’s practically tumbling into the glittering river? Come at sunset and mix it up with the Bebek beauties over well-crafted cocktails, or drink it all in earlier in the day over a mimosa-fuelled lunch.
Bebek Bar, Bebek Hotel, Cevdet Paşa Cad. 34, Bebek, Istanbul. +90 212 358 2000, bebekhotel.com.tr
Sakıp Sabancı Museum
Best for: An urban escape
Bust the big city bustle at this culture vulture nest, hidden in a gorgeous C.19th Ottoman mansion surrounded by manicured grounds that lead right down to the water. Inside you’ll find a permanent collection of Turkish paintings, calligraphy and Islamic artifacts; plus temporary showings by the likes of Monet, Picasso and Anish Kapoor. Fab!
Sakıp Sabancı Museum, Sakıp Sabancı Cad. 42, Emirgan, Istanbul. +90 212 277 22 00, sakipsabancimuzesi.org
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Original article from LUXE City Guides.
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