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Romantic Couples Guide in Istanbul

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Istanbul is a breathtaking city if you are are planning your trip with your "significant other". Is is also adventurous if you are a solo traveler, but for that please check my other guide=) This guide is mainly focused on couples.

Good for
  • Couples
  • Shopping Fanatic
  • Art and Architecture Lover
  • Nightlife Seeker
  • Foodie
  • Luxury Traveler

16 Places

5 City Tips

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Map

16 Places

Ajia Hotel

Hotels

ZUMA restaurant

Restaurants

La Petite Maison

Restaurants

Ulus 29

Restaurants

Sunset Grill & Bar

Restaurants

Assk Kahve

Restaurants

Istanbul Modern Museum

Art Museums

Sakip Sabanci Museum

Specialty Museums

Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi)

Flea & Street Markets

Topkapi Palace

History Museums

Reina

Restaurants

Bebek

Neighborhoods, Parks

Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya)

Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites, Historic Sites, History Museums

Galata Tower

Historic Sites, Observation Decks & Towers

Galatasaray Tram

Tramways

Pierre Loti Tepesi

Historic Walking Areas

coguzhan's City Tips

  • If you can, rent a car/van with a chauffeur that speaks English.
  • Do not take your passport with you. Istanbul is a fairly safe city, but there are also pickpockets. Your ID would be more than enough for just about anything.
  • Be prepared to bargain with the salesmen at the touristic places, they tend to increase the prices according your outfit =)
  • Local transportation is a nightmare, except the subway system. The best was is to take a taxi, which could be very "adventurous" if you are fighting for it during rush hour.
  • Abot 10% gratitude is expected. If you are happy with the service, feel free to give a bit more.
  • Save
    Ajia Hotel
    Hotels
    See more photos
    coguzhan Says:

    I believe that this is one of the most romantic hotels is Istanbul, which is located in the Asian side. Don't be alarmed, they have a small boat that can take you to the other side (European).

    Good for
    • Luxury Traveler
    • Peace and Quiet Seeker
    • Couples
    Tips
    • Try to get a Boshporus Suite or a double-storey suite; that would worth your stay.
    • Because summer is the wedding season and because this hotel is one of the most trendy places to get married to, to rooms may be booked for the weekends.
    Plan to stay:/
    More than 3 hours
    From the community
    Ranked #473 of 1,145 Hotels in Istanbul
    Certificate of Excellence 2014
    • A romantic getaway on Bosphorus 06/08/2017
    • Dissapointing 3 star hotel at most 06/05/2017
    • Ajia Hotel
    Address:
    Cubuklu Cad. Ahmet Rasim Pasa Yalisi No:27 Kanlica, Beykoz
    Istanbul 34812
    Turkey
  • Save
    ZUMA restaurant
    Restaurants (Japanese, Sushi, Asian)
    See more photos
    coguzhan Says:

    An elegant choice for dining out. It is a romantic set-up but you can also enjoy it with your friends, business partners or even have a "casual" dinner at the bar just in frot of the sushi stand.

    Good for
    • Foodie
    • Must See
    • Luxury Traveler
    • Trendsetter
    • Friends
    • Couples
    • Family
    Tips
    • smart casual at worst.
    • defiitely need a reservation
    • It is a bit pricey, but is definitely worth it.
    Plan to stay:/
    2-3 hours
    From the community
    Ranked #0 of 0 restaurants in
    • Does not live up to the Zuma name.... 03/27/2016
    • Very good Food amazing presentation 02/05/2016
    • ZUMA restaurant
    Address:
    Salhane Sok. No: 7 Ortakoy
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    Phone:
    +90 212 236 2296
    Price range:
    $75 - $150
    Hours:
    Sun - Sat
    12:00 pm - 10:30 pm
    Other:
  • Save
    La Petite Maison
    Restaurants (French, European, Mediterranean)
    See more photos
    coguzhan Says:

    The new gem in town! Beautiful atmosphere.. Need to enjoy the beautiful terrace with delicious gourmet plates after a shopping spree in Nisantasi

    Good for
    • Foodie
    • Friends
    • Couples
    • Luxury Traveler
    • Family
    • Trendsetter
    Tips
    • A bit pricey
    • Can go there for lunch or dinner, depending on your mood
    Plan to stay:/
    1-2 hours
    From the community
    Ranked #363 of 7,298 restaurants in Istanbul
    Certificate of Excellence 2014
    • Eveything was so tasteless and bad 06/20/2017
    • Delicious food with great music (Friday & Saturday) 03/26/2017
    • La Petite Maison
    Address:
    Macka Palas, Macka Cad. No: 33B, Sisli
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    Phone:
    +90 212 232 0232
    Hours:
    Sun - Sat
    12:00 pm - 11:00 pm
    Other:
  • Save
    Ulus 29
    Restaurants (Mediterranean, European, Turkish, Fusion)
    See more photos
    coguzhan Says:

    A long lasting tradition for people who are seeking for good food and great service. You can also check out the Club 29, which can be passed through the restaurant. The club was very popular until a few years ago. It has lost its charm and glam but should be tried out. The restaurant is still keeping its glamour =)

    Good for
    • Foodie
    • Must See
    • Luxury Traveler
    • Friends
    • Couples
    • Family
    • Nightlife Seeker
    Tips
    • This is a classy place, so dress appropriately
    • Reservation is a must
    • I don't know if you can get but ask for a table overlooking the Bosphorous.
    Plan to stay:/
    More than 3 hours
    From the community
    Ranked #114 of 7,298 restaurants in Istanbul
    Certificate of Excellence 2014
    • So many better places 05/13/2017
    • amazing view bar restaurant 05/01/2017
    • Ulus 29
    Address:
    Ulus Mahallesi, Ahmet Adnan Saygun Caddesi No: 71/1
    Besiktas, Ulus Parkı Ici
    Istanbul Ulus
    Turkey
    Phone:
    +90 212 358 2929
    Price range:
    $0 - $100
    Hours:
    Mon - Fri
    12:00 pm - 2:00 am
    Sat - Sun
    6:00 pm - 2:00 am
    Other:
  • Save
    Sunset Grill & Bar
    Restaurants (Japanese, Mediterranean, Seafood, Asian)
    See more photos
    coguzhan Says:

    It was one of my favorites all around the world, with fewer tables and much better service, but it still is one of the best in Istanbul. The food is amazing and if you are lucky enough to get a table overlooking the Bosphorus, your visit would be worth to remember.

    Good for
    • Foodie
    • Friends
    • Couples
    • Luxury Traveler
    • Family
    Tips
    • Try to get there before the sunset and watch it at the bar with a glass of Bellini..
    Plan to stay:/
    2-3 hours
    From the community
    Ranked #118 of 7,298 restaurants in Istanbul
    Certificate of Excellence 2014
    • Understood why Sunset is Sunset 06/28/2017
    • Lovely sunset dinner 06/27/2017
    • Sunset Grill & Bar
    Address:
    Kurucesme Mahallesi Yol Sokak No:2
    Ulus
    Istanbul 34340
    Turkey
    Phone:
    +90 212 287 0357
    Price range:
    $0 - $83
    Hours:
    Sun - Sat
    6:00 pm - 12:00 pm
    Mon - Sat
    12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
    Other:
  • Save
    Assk Kahve
    Restaurants (Cafe, European, Turkish, International)
    See more photos
    coguzhan Says:

    It became a very touristic attraction and there is always an enormous queue to get a table, but it is just next to the Bosphorous and the food is casual but delicious.

    Good for
    • Friends
    • Couples
    • Family
    • Nature Lover
    Tips
    • It is a trendy but not a chic place. Can go there with loafers and shorts as well, but still stylish =)
    Plan to stay:/
    1-2 hours
    From the community
    Ranked #446 of 7,298 restaurants in Istanbul
    • For dessert 07/06/2017
    • Awesome view, woeful cocktails 07/01/2017
    • Assk Kahve
    Address:
    Muallim Naci Cad. No: 64/B
    Kurucesme, Besiktas
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    Phone:
    +90 212 265 4734
    Hours:
    Mon
    12:00 pm - 12:00 am
    Tue - Sun
    9:00 am - 12:00 am
    Other:
  • Save
    Istanbul Modern Museum
    Art Museums
    See more photos
    coguzhan Says:

    This is "the" museum for modern arts in Istanbul. If you love modern art, you should defiitely see it.

    Good for
    • Art and Architecture Lover
    Tips
    • check out the program before you go
    • have a cup of coffee or a glass of vine at its elegant cafe/restaurant
    Plan to stay:/
    1-2 hours
    From the community
    Ranked #19 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
    Certificate of Excellence 2014
    • Must Visit. 07/11/2017
    • Extremely enjoyable - a whole day's worth of art! 07/10/2017
    • Istanbul Modern Museum
    Address:
    Meclis-i Mebusan Caddesi
    Liman Isletmeleri Sahasi Antrepo No: 4
    Istanbul 34433
    Turkey
    Phone:
    +90 212 334 7300
    Hours:
    Tue - Wed
    10:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Thu
    10:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Fri - Sun
    10:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Other:
  • Save
    Sakip Sabanci Museum
    Specialty Museums
    See more photos
    coguzhan Says:

    There are many exhibitions and musical events at the venue. Check out the program before you go.

    Good for
    • Art and Architecture Lover
    Plan to stay:/
    1-2 hours
    From the community
    Ranked #23 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
    Certificate of Excellence 2014
    • Beautiful Equestrian Villa 02/26/2017
    • Excellent Museum 12/09/2016
    • Sakip Sabanci Museum
    Address:
    Sakip Sabanci Caddesi, No. 42
    Emirgan
    Istanbul 34467
    Turkey
    Phone:
    +90 212 277 2200
    Hours:
    Tue
    10:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Wed
    10:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Thu - Sun
    10:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Other:
  • Save
    Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi)
    Flea & Street Markets
    See more photos
    coguzhan Says:

    This historical bazaar is the top touristic venue in Turkey. You can find from precious gems, design jewellery, authentic carpets to fake Channel bags=) Be carefull while you walk around, there might be pickpockets and be sure to bargain like crazy when you want to buy something.

    Good for
    • Must See
    • Luxury Traveler
    • Thrifty Traveler
    • Trendsetter
    • Solo
    • Friends
    • History Buff
    • Couples
    • Shopping Fanatic
    • Family
    • Art and Architecture Lover
    Tips
    • be carefull with your belongings
    • bargain like crazy
    Plan to stay:/
    More than 3 hours
    From the community
    Ranked #32 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
    Certificate of Excellence 2014
    • to turistic 07/13/2017
    • Amazing 07/13/2017
    • Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi)
    Address:
    Beyazit Gate
    Istanbul 34126
    Turkey
    Phone:
    21-+90-534-631-01
    Other:
  • Save
    Topkapi Palace
    History Museums
    See more photos
    coguzhan Says:

    A must see museum very close to Grand Bazaar. You can squize both in a day (even can go to the Hagia Sophia Museum).

    Good for
    • Must See
    • Solo
    • Friends
    • History Buff
    • Couples
    • Senior
    • Family
    • Art and Architecture Lover
    Plan to stay:/
    1-2 hours
    From the community
    Ranked #7 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
    Certificate of Excellence 2014
    • Do not miss the Harem section! 07/13/2017
    • Magnifies the ottoman sultanate 07/13/2017
    • Topkapi Palace
    Address:
    Cankurtaran Mahallesi, Topkapi Palace Museum, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
    Gulhane Park, near Sultanahmet Square
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    Phone:
    +90 212 522 4422
    Other:
  • Save
    Reina
    Restaurants (Seafood, Mediterranean, European, Turkish)
    See more photos
    coguzhan Says:

    A beautiful nightclub (mainly) but this venue has many restaurants as well. Reina Restaurant or Park Samdan. This is a very classy place, so dress accordingly and expect to pay top price.

    Good for
    • Foodie
    • Luxury Traveler
    • Trendsetter
    • Like a Local
    • Friends
    • Couples
    • Family
    • Nightlife Seeker
    Tips
    • Have to have a reservation for the restaurant. It could be helpfull for the bar as well
    • the bodyguards at the door could be a little intimidating, but if you know your way around, it shouldn't be a problem
    Plan to stay:/
    More than 3 hours
    From the community
    Ranked #337 of 7,298 restaurants in Istanbul
    • Rather expensive, yet ok 06/03/2017
    • Gangs 12/29/2016
    • Reina
    Address:
    Ortakoy Mahallesi, Muallim Naci Cd No:44
    Istanbul 34347
    Turkey
    Phone:
    +90 212 259 5919
    Hours:
    Sun - Sat
    7:00 pm - 1:00 am
    Other:
  • Save
    Bebek
    Neighborhoods, Parks
    See more photos
    coguzhan Says:

    A beautiful and a very trendy neighborhood at the european side of the Bosphorous. You can chose amongst many different cafes or restaurants along the main road. Or just grab a coffee and walk around like a local.

    Good for
    • Must See
    • Like a Local
    • Thrill Seeker
    • Nature Lover
    • Foodie
    • Peace and Quiet Seeker
    • Luxury Traveler
    • Thrifty Traveler
    • Trendsetter
    • Solo
    • Friends
    • Couples
    • Senior
    • Family
    Tips
    • There is generally a lot of traffic during the weekends. I hope having a motorcycle is an option for you =)
    Plan to stay:/
    More than 3 hours
    From the community
    Ranked #90 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
    Certificate of Excellence 2014
    • Nice and upper-class waterfront neighborhood of Bosphorus 06/20/2017
    • just Walk and breath 06/11/2017
    • Bebek
    Address:
    Misir konsoloslugu Yani
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    Phone:
    +90 507 444 2268
    Hours:
    Mon - Fri
    9:00 am - 12:30 pm
    1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Save
    Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya)
    Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites, Historic Sites, History Museums
    See more photos
    coguzhan Says:

    As I have said above for Topkapi Palace; you have to see Hagia Sophia Museum. You can get to see this, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar in one day.

    Good for
    • Must See
    • Solo
    • Friends
    • History Buff
    • Couples
    • Senior
    • Family
    • Art and Architecture Lover
    Plan to stay:/
    1-2 hours
    From the community
    Ranked #1 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
    Certificate of Excellence 2014
    • Get Muhammet as your tour guide 07/13/2017
    • Beauty in history. 07/13/2017
    • Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya)
    Address:
    Ayasofya Square, Sultanahmet
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    Phone:
    +90 212 522 1750
    Other:
  • Save
    Galata Tower
    Historic Sites, Observation Decks & Towers
    See more photos
    coguzhan Says:

    If you are in a mood for some touristical attraction, go to Galata Tower, have a coffee on its top floor overlooking the silhouette of Istanbul.

    Good for
    • Solo
    • Friends
    • Couples
    • Senior
    • Family
    • Art and Architecture Lover
    Tips
    • If you like, you should try a very cozy jazz place called "Nardis" just next door. Check out for its program before you go.
    Plan to stay:/
    Less than 1 hour
    From the community
    Ranked #20 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
    Certificate of Excellence 2014
    • Wonderful view, worth the wait 07/13/2017
    • Galata tower 07/12/2017
    • Galata Tower
    Address:
    Buyuk Hendek Cad.
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    Phone:
    +90 212 293 8180
    Other:
  • Save
    Galatasaray Tram
    Tramways
    See more photos
    coguzhan Says:

    If you are a tourist in Istanbul, you have to see the crowded Taksim Square and if you visit Taksim Square, you need to ride the historical Galata Tram.

    Good for
    • Solo
    • Friends
    • Couples
    • Senior
    • Family
    • Art and Architecture Lover
    Tips
    • You can purchase tickets at the entrance and it makes two stops through its "journey" (It just goes through Istiklal Street and back)
    Plan to stay:/
    Less than 1 hour
    From the community
    Ranked #71 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
    Certificate of Excellence 2014
    • It doesn't exist!! 05/24/2017
    • Old but well maintained 05/09/2017
    • Galatasaray Tram
    Address:
    Taksim
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    Other:
  • Save
    Pierre Loti Tepesi
    Historic Walking Areas
    See more photos
    coguzhan Says:

    After Grand Bazaar, stop at the Pierre Loti Tepesi and have a coffee or tee with the view of the Old Town.

    Good for
    • Peace and Quiet Seeker
    • Hidden Gems
    • Like a Local
    • Solo
    • Friends
    • Couples
    • Senior
    • Family
    • Nature Lover
    Plan to stay:/
    Less than 1 hour
    From the community
    Ranked #43 of 1,057 things to do in Istanbul
    Certificate of Excellence 2014
    • No great view 07/10/2017
    • Wonderful Place at the Top of the Hill 07/10/2017
    • Pierre Loti Tepesi
    Address:
    Idris Kosku Cad.
    Eyup
    Istanbul 34050
    Turkey
    Phone:
    +90 212 497 1313
    Other:
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