Our top picks from Istanbul
5 Cool Boutique Hotels in Istanbul
Can’t wait to get back to Istanbul? With the city welcoming tourists again, reacquaint yourself with the LUXE lowdown and read...
Istanbul
Nova Roma, Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul.
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EXPLORE
Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora
If you liked the mosaics at the Hagia Sophia, you’ll love these. Make the 20-minute schlep by taxi, or better still, catch the ferry up the Golden Horn, and, despite the scaffolding outside, you’ll be rewarded with some of the world’s finest C.14th Byzantine art. Afterwards, sample unusual imperial cuisine at the lovely Asitane in Keriye Hotel next door.
Kariye Camii Sk. 6 Edirnekapi
+90 212 631 9241
choramuseum.com
SHOPPING
Yastik by Rifat Ozbek
Pretty, fluffed and stuffed cushions in jewel colours and sublime textiles from luxe devoré to tribal ikat. The ever-changing collection is inspired by fashion darling Riffy’s globetrotting.
Olcay Apt, Şakayik Sk. 13/1 Nişantaşi
+90 212 240 8731
yastikbyrifatozbek.com
SPA & WELLNESS
Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamami
This painstakingly restored, raw-stone masterpiece’s trad therapies make for a revitalising pitstop after an afternoon of shops and sips in Karaköy. Start with a refreshing serve of sherbet in the calming entrance hall then it’s time for suds and rubs in the marble-ous wetrooms. Just be prepared to get your baps out, Betty: ladies are asked to bring their bathing bottoms but go braless.
Kemankeş Mh. Hamam Sk.1 Karaköy
+90 212 393 8010
kilicalipasahamami.com