We head to ฤฐstanbul, a city in Tรผrkiye that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia, separated by the Bosphorus Strait. It has a rich history dating back thousands of years, serving as a pivotal center for various civilizations, including the Byzantines and Ottomans. The city is known for its stunning architecture, with landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, which has served as both a cathedral and a mosque, and the Blue Mosque, famous for its striking blue tiles and impressive domes. Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, featuring thousands of shops selling textiles, spices, and handcrafted goods.

Istanbul'74

Bebek, Kรผรงรผk Bebek Cd. No:29, 34342 BeลŸiktaลŸ/ฤฐstanbul, Tรผrkiye istanbul74.com โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž Founded by Demet MรผftรผoฤŸlu-EลŸeli and Alphan EลŸeli in late 2009, Istanbulโ€™74 was created to establish platforms that connect Istanbul to the international cultural landscape. Situated in the lively Karakรถy district, it is a leading cultural space that promotes the exchange of creative ideas through exhibitions, workshops, and talks featuring artists, writers, filmmakers, and thinkers from around the globe. Istanbulโ€™74 also organizes the annual Istanbul International Arts and Culture Festival (IST. Festival), which attracts top talent in art, design, fashion, and film, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and innovation. This vibrant space has become a hub for artistic inspiration, connecting Istanbulโ€™s local arts community to a worldwide audience.

ร‡ikolatacฤฑ Aziz Bey

Kuzguncuk Mahallesi ฤฐcadiye Caddesi No:56A, รœskรผdar ฤฐstanbul 34680, cikolataciazizbey.com โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž Known for its Turkish coffee, รงay, and fresh baklava, this cozy retreat offers a comfortable escape in ฤฐstanbul. The cafeโ€™s comfortable seating and welcoming atmosphere make it a popular stop for both locals and tourists. Itโ€™s an ideal spot to experience traditional Turkish coffee and a variety of local pastries, served in a relaxed, familiar environment that feels like home.

The Peninsula Istanbul

Karakรถy, KemankeลŸ KaramustafapaลŸa Mahallesi, KemankeลŸ Caddesi No:34,34425 BeyoฤŸlu, Istanbul, Tรผrkiye peninsula.com โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž The Peninsula Istanbul offers a luxurious escape along the Bosphorus, with an outdoor infinity pool that provides breathtaking views of the water and the historic city skyline, making it perfect for relaxation or unwinding after a day of exploration. The hotelโ€™s serene spa includes a traditional hammam, inviting guests to experience an authentic aspect of Turkish culture. Dining options are abundant, with restaurants serving both Turkish specialties and international cuisine.

Grand Bazaar

Kalpakcilar Cad. Sorguรงlu Han No: 22, Istanbul 34126 Tรผrkiye โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€Ž โ€ŽThe Grand Bazaar, one of the worldโ€™s oldest and largest covered markets, is a vibrant hub of commerce and culture dating back to the 15th century. With over 4,000 shops spread across a maze of bustling corridors, the bazaar offers an extensive selection of goods, from handcrafted jewelry, textiles, and ceramics to spices, antiques, and Turkish carpets. Visitors can explore the unique wares while experiencing the lively atmosphere, complete with the sounds of bargaining and the aroma of Turkish tea.