Your essential guide to Istanbul

SEE

Take a stroll down to the Ortaköy neighbourhood to really feel the bustle of an ordinary Istanbul day. Walk past the famous kumpir (baked potato) stands to reach the iconic Ortaköy Mosque, an Ottoman baroque beauty commissioned by the Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecid I in the mid-19th century.

SHOP

For special souvenirs, make an appointment online at Rafael Indiana, a unique jewellery boutique in Arnavutköy. Inspired by Greek mythology with an ancient aesthetic, every piece is handcrafted by masters in the Grand Bazaar using techniques not dissimilar to those of goldsmiths some 2,500 years ago.

DRINK

You won’t have to wander far for a drink by the Bosphorus. End the day at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul’s elegant seaside meeting point & The Bar with a signature cocktail such as the Something New with Malfy Gin, Archers, cucumber juice, lemon juice and fresh thyme accompanied by a satiating dish of deep-fried calamari and prawns with spicy mayo.

SEE

Once a private estate belonging to the business magnate Sabancı family, the Neoclassical mansion of the Sakıp Sabancı Museum is one of the capital’s lesser known but most highly lauded art hubs. Its permanent exhibition features some utterly stunning Ottoman calligraphy, and the museum’s restaurant, which is run by the students of the Culinary Arts Academy of Istanbul, is a treat.

DINE

Every Sunday from 11am to 3pm, Hodan serves up an exceptional brunch, with everything from oven-fresh pide with a variety of toppings, regional cheeses and charcuterie, to a table decked out with desserts. Set aside a few hours to feast in the lovely courtyard of this historic Cezayir house.

RENEW

To truly unwind after a day exploring Istanbul’s streets, indulge in a bespoke hammam treatment at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul. After an invigorating kese body scrub and a full body massage in a cloud of aromatic foam, a natural and nourishing hammam body mask is applied, while the feet are exfoliated gently with a traditional pumice stone. The experience is then followed by a rejuvenating head and foot massage and a hair wash with the hotel’s signature Quintessence shampoo.

SHOP

Fill your home with memories of Istanbul from Yörük Collection in the Old City, a real kaleidoscope of stunning colours. You’ll find everything from earrings with precious pearls and zircon stones inspired by ancient Anatolian civilisations, to hand-embroidered pillows with Ottoman floral motifs in bold hues of pink. Make sure to browse its collection of antique carpets and tapestries, acquired especially from Turkey and Iran.

EXPLORE

One of the few neighbourhoods in Istanbul that has managed to retain its historic essence and architecture, Kuzguncuk is a local’s secret of colourful wooden houses, boutiques and eateries. Visit Homemade Aromaterapi for essential oils, soaps, serums candles and scrubs all made from locally sourced plants. Browse antique collections at Dada Kuzguncuk and shop ethnic home goods such as ceramics with hand-painted calligraphy, or traditional hand-embroidered duvets at Omar Baban.

DISCOVER

Sample morsels of authentic Turkish cuisine at Kadıköy Market, a buzzing network of street vendors and shops. You’ll find everything from fresh fish to pickled vegetables, coffee and dried nuts, cured meats, regional cheeses and so much more. If you’re after a more substantial feed, head to Çiya, for classic dishes from all over Anatolia, such as stuffed quince leaves or pan-fried nettles with eggs.

SEE

If you’re already familiar with the iconic sights of Sultanahmet, head to this venerable palace on the shores of Üsküdar. The opulent Ottoman-era Beylerbeyi Palace was once a summer residence and state guesthouse where the likes of Franz Joseph, Emperor of Austria-Hungary, and Eugénie, Empress of France, once enjoyed the gleaming Bosphorus view.

Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul is not only home to two of the city’s most popular restaurants, the Mediterranean-Asian fusion Novikov , Italian Olea & The Bar and modern Cantonese cuisine at Hakkasan Istanbul, it’s also at the very heart of the city’s dining scene. Head north for an array of outstanding seafood restaurants, oceanside parks, and bougie cafés, and south for nightlife, local bites, and gorgeous last-minute souvenirs.

- The concierge team at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul.