Any suggestions for a place for drinks and then a great restaurant for two couples. Looking to be in neighborhood that is fun to stroll around before and after dinner. We are staying at the Westin and will use uber or public transportation. Thanks
Posted by
Chicago
772 posts
I was in Istanbul in October 2024.
A happening street for strolling and eating is Istiklal Avenue. It's the liveliest street in Istanbul, cosmopolitan and beautiful.
The Galata Tower area is packed with great eateries. The Galata Tower was built by Genoese (Italians) in Istanbul in the medieval era as a fire tower.
The Galata Bridge is another great place. Eateries are built into the bridge.
Finally, a good place is to look for an eatery in the New Town near the Bosphorus Strait.
Posted by
Brooklyn, NY
4733 posts
We’ll be in Istanbul late October and we’re looking at having dinner one night at the Pera Hotel in the new district.
We love either staying at or at least having drinks/dinner at what we refer to as ‘Old World Hotels’. The architecture and decor are usually beautiful and service white glove. The Pera has a few restaurants and even has afternoon tea. You can see their menus on their website.
Posted by
374 posts
Barbara, we too plan to have at least a cocktail at the Pera Hotel.
Like you our travelling routine is always a drink at the most fancy hotel in town, which I am assuming is the Pera in this case.
I wouldn't have minded staying there, but the room at the hotel we've picked has a balcony with Bosphorus views and is so close to public transport that we decided not to.
Posted by
Brooklyn, NY
4733 posts
I wanted to stay there also but the Hilton won out because it was significantly cheaper. We will have either dinner or afternoon tea there. They also have a small museum about Atatürk which we will visit.
Enjoy your trip.