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.