Istanbul, straddling two worlds

In all four seasons, the Pearl of the Bosphorus gives a warm welcome to its visitors. A city of historic importance and a bustling modern metropolis, this exhilarating town seems to constantly reinvent itself.

“If I only had one chance left to look at the world, my choice would be Istanbul,” said Alphonse de Lamartine, a great fan of Turkey’s largest city. Initially called Byzantium, then Constantinople until 1930, Istanbul is listed as part of UNESCO’s World Heritage. Its historic centre hosts a plethora of buildings bearing witness to its sumptuous past. Set on the Bosphorus strait separating Asia from Europe, straddling two continents, the capital of the Ottoman sultans is truly dazzling for its amazing concentration of cultural treasures : the Blue Mosque, Tower of Galata, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia Musuem, Chora Church… So many gems, making Istanbul an essential port-of-call for fans of history. Even so, the metropolis also lives intensely in the present. A fashion week, design biennale, the opening of luxury and trendy hotels (Shangri La, Mama Shelter…) and up-to-the minute concept stores all testify to the city’s vitality.

Les bonnes Tables :

Feriye

The latest addition to Istanbul’s palatial hotels, the Shangri-La opened its doors in May, 2013, on the banks of the Bosphorus. This sumptuous hotel with a spa of extraordinary dimensions and a gastronomic Cantonese restaurant offers some of the city’s largest guest-rooms (standard bedroom 50 m2). www.shangri-la.com/istanbul/shangrila

At the heart of the historic neighbourhood of Akaretier, the W Istanbul has achieved a perfect blend between different cultures. The contemporary decor is inspired by the Ottoman Empire style, while its amenities are at the forefront of hi-tech. At nightfall, rendez-vous in the lounge to share moments of conviviality while enjoying cocktails and electro-lounge music proposed by the resident DJ. www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels

The entrance is indeed rather sober. Yet the interior reveals a small palace with ten suites richly decorated in Ottoman and Arab style. A wealth of carpets, the scent of incense, velvet sofas... The atmosphere is worthy of the Arabian Nights. The bonus : a spacious terrace set above the Bosphorus. www.lesottomans.com

An enchanting setting in a renowned 19th-C. building, refined decor and historic recipes from Turkish cuisine prepared with unequalled maestria - all explaining the success of this local institution. www.feriye.com

Nicole

In addition to a commanding view of the city and the Bosphorus,

this restaurant on the terrace

of the Tomtom Suites Hotel offers excellent local cuisine interpreted with lightness and modernity

by a duo of chefs sharing

a passion for the Mediterranean. www.nicole.com.tr

Lokanta Maya

In a stark decor with a Scandinavian accent, guests discover a contemporary version of traditional cuisine : beureks, vegetables fried in batter, lentil soup... www.lokantamaya.com