10 Karakoy

10 Karaköy stands on Kemeraltı Street, in the thick of one of Istanbul's most exciting districts. The historic Kılıç Ali Paşa Hammam is close by, waterfront fish restaurants and ferry piers are a few minutes' walk away, and the lanes climbing to Galata Tower are packed with cafés, bars and independent shops. The tram to the Old City stops nearby, and Galataport is a short stroll.

The hotel occupies Büyük Balıklı Han, a 19th-century neoclassical building with tall arched windows and a double-corniced façade. Architect Sinan Kafadar paired its period features with Ottoman-influenced contemporary design, his own furniture, and a striking installation of illuminated bronze circles that lights the open atrium.

Rooms have high ceilings and a clean, understated style, with marble bathrooms and Atelier Rebul toiletries. At the top of the building, the Penthouse offers a private terrace with panoramic city views, and connecting rooms are also available.

Up on the roof, Bahane On10 is an intimate meyhane serving traditional mezes with glasses of rakı. At the same time, the Sky Terrace is the place for sundowners, with Topkapı Palace and the historic peninsula as the backdrop.

Downstairs, Brasserie Ten serves breakfast and international dishes in a richly decorated room hung with some of the hotel's finest artworks, and Kupaj Lounge is a lively spot for an evening drink. For private occasions, the Enroute dining room takes its inspiration from the Orient Express.