Destination · Istanbul
Istanbul
Between Europe and Asia, Istanbul reveals its domes at sunset, its Ottoman palaces along the Bosphorus and Michelin-starred tables that reinvent Anatolian cuisine.
Photograph : Joseph Kranak · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
Istanbul
Istanbul
Between Europe and Asia, Istanbul reveals its domes at sunset, its Ottoman palaces along the Bosphorus and Michelin-starred tables that reinvent Anatolian cuisine.
Where to stay
Palace
Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
Beşiktaş, Çırağan Caddesi
The only Ottoman imperial palace-hotel on the Bosphorus, with an infinity pool that seems to float on the water.
Visit the site →5-star hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
Sultanahmet
A former neoclassical prison designed by Mimar Kemaleddin from 1918, steps from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
Visit the site →5-star hotel
The Peninsula Istanbul
Karaköy, Galataport (Kemankeş Caddesi)
Four buildings on the Karaköy waterfront, within Galataport, where guests arrive by road or by the Bosphorus.
Visit the site →5-star hotel
Raffles Istanbul
Zorlu Center, Beşiktaş
In Zorlu Center, rooms facing the Bosphorus, the Princes' Islands and the Old Town, plus a spa with Turkish baths.
Visit the site →5-star hotel
Pera Palace Hotel
Tepebaşı, Meşrutiyet Caddesi
Welcoming guests since 1892, with the Agatha Christie room, the Atatürk museum room and the Orient Bar.
Visit the site →Boutique hotel
The Bank Hotel Istanbul
Karaköy, Bankalar Caddesi
A MICHELIN Key for this 63-room former bank in the old financial district, with a rooftop bar.
Visit the site →Business hotel
Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul
Maçka, Beşiktaş
567 rooms set in 65 acres of historic Dolmabahçe gardens, facing the Bosphorus, with 29 event rooms.
Visit the site →The best addresses
Fine dining
TURK Fatih Tutak
Bomonti, Şişli
Two MICHELIN stars in 2026 plus a Green Star: Turkish terroir elevated by chef Fatih Tutak.
Visit the site →Fine dining
Neolokal
Karaköy, Bankalar Caddesi
One MICHELIN star and a Green Star: modern Turkish cuisine, with sommelier Ersin Topkara awarded in 2026.
Visit the site →Restaurant
Pandeli
Eminönü, bazar aux épices (Mısır Çarşısı)
Since 1901 upstairs in the Spice Bazaar: blue-tiled rooms and traditional Turkish cooking, a Bib Gourmand.
Visit the site →Restaurant
Karaköy Lokantası
Karaköy, Kemankeş Caddesi
MICHELIN Bib Gourmand: mezze and sharing plates with Greek touches, from taramasalata to sea bass with remoulade.
Visit the site →Restaurant & rooftop
Mikla
Tepebaşı, The Marmara Pera
One MICHELIN star atop The Marmara Pera: New Anatolian cuisine and a roof terrace bar open until 2 am.
Visit the site →Rooftop
360 Istanbul
Beyoğlu, avenue İstiklal (Mısır Apartmanı)
On the top floor of the historic Mısır building: 360-degree views, dinner, then a club night with DJs.
Visit the site →Things to do
- Visit Hagia Sophia, then the Blue Mosque, facing each other across Sultanahmet Square.
- Explore Topkapı Palace and its Treasury, then step down into the Basilica Cistern.
- Take a private sunset cruise on the Bosphorus, from Dolmabahçe Palace to Rumeli Fortress.
- Get lost in the Grand Bazaar, then in the Spice Bazaar at Eminönü.
- Enjoy a ritual at Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı, a 16th-century hammam by Sinan in Tophane.
Your trip
You choose, we book.
- The hotel, on the best terms available
- Airport welcome and transfers
- A car with a driver
- Tables, beach clubs, nights out
- Day trips and visits
- Honeymoon, birthday, surprise
You pay the hotel and the providers; our concierge fee is stated in writing before anything is booked.
From Cotonou
Turkish Airlines links Cotonou to Istanbul four times a week with a stop in Abidjan, about 10 h in all. The return from Istanbul to Cotonou is nonstop, about 7 h.
Good to know
Beninese passport: a visa is required, as the e-Visa is not open to Beninese citizens; pre-apply on the official visa.gov.tr portal, then file at the Turkish Embassy in Cotonou. Currency: Turkish lira (TRY); keep your yellow fever certificate, required on return to Benin.
Plan my trip+229 01 67 60 80 60Other ideas
Addresses checked in October 2026 on their official sites. Léna Escapes is neither affiliated with these places nor their agent: we name them to help you choose, and we book for you.