The city is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the Topkapi Palace, once the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans, offering a glimpse into royal life with its ornate courtyards, treasury, and sacred relics. Just a short walk away is the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), famed for its six minarets and stunning blue İznik tiles adorning its vast interior. Opposite it stands the majestic Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)—a former Byzantine cathedral turned mosque, later museum, and now a mosque again—known for its massive dome and intricate mosaics. 

Nearby, beneath the city streets, lies the Basilica Cistern, an atmospheric underground chamber supported by hundreds of marble columns, some carved with Medusa heads. These sights are all within walking distance, forming the heart of Istanbul’s rich Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.

There are so many options, from the basic kebab shops for köfte (meatballs), or cafes that serve meze—small plates like hummus, ezme, or stuffed vine leaves. Near the Grand Bazaar try the Istanbul Kebab Cafe & Restaurant where you’ll get quite the show with some of the meals, flaming dishes and all! The Adana kebabs and chicken are worth a try. Pide (Turkish flatbread) is a popular side, great with hummus or grilled aubergines. Desserts like baklava or künefe round off the meal, often with Turkish coffee or tea. 

In Karaköy, the area around ‘Umbrella’ street is packed with cafes and bars offering multiple options, and if you fancy cheap and cheerful pasta with a view head to ‘Hi Italia’ rooftop restaurant with sweeping city views, friendly staff and pretty decent bolognaise. Word of warning, don’t take any notice of menus online, as they are often not ‘up to date’ with pricing.

Set in the vibrant Karaköy district, this boutique hotel occupies a meticulously restored neoclassical building that originally functioned as an Ottoman-era bank. The structure retains many of its original 19th-century architectural details, including ornate stone façades, arched windows, and decorative cornices—hallmarks of the late Ottoman neoclassical style. Restoration efforts focused on preserving the building’s historic shell while introducing discreet modern upgrades.

Inside, the hotel blends historic grandeur with modern design. Key original features such as marble staircases, wrought-iron balustrades, and bank vault doors have been preserved and integrated into a refined interior design scheme. These classical elements are complemented by contemporary furniture, custom lighting, and curated artwork.

In terms of location, the hotel offers excellent pedestrian access to key attractions such as the Galata Tower, Istanbul Modern, Galataport promenade, and the Karaköy ferry terminals—providing easy connections to both the Asian and European sides of the city. Tram and metro links are within a short walk, offering fast access to the Old Town, Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar, and Topkapi Palace. www.thebankhotelistanbul.com or www.thehotelguru.com

Head up to Serica, a rooftop restaurant and bar offering panoramic city and water views. The menu includes a variety of modern Turkish and Mediterranean dishes, with a breakfast service that includes a traditional Turkish spread—cheeses, olives, simit, pastries, seasonal fruits, eggs made to order, and freshly brewed Turkish tea or coffee. Breakfast is typically served in the downstairs lounge. Don’t miss the Menemen, a popular traditional Turkish dish that includes eggs, tomato, green peppers, and spices such as ground black and red pepper cooked in olive oil. If you’re feeling less adventurous there are also a delicious array of pastries like croissants and muffins, all manner of eggs and heaps of fresh fruit.