Istanbul's creative scene moves fast. In Karaköy and Pera, old banks and 19th-century buildings now house galleries, cocktail bars and some of the city's most talked-about restaurants.
Our trendy picks are where that energy lives. We chose hotels with bold design and real social buzz, where bars draw locals and guests alike. Most have rooftop bars with water views. Others are sleek, design-led addresses in fashionable Nişantaşı, steps from the city's best boutiques.
Book a table for dinner, then head up to the roof for cocktails as the city lights come on. As the sun sets, Istanbul comes to life.
Art Deco glamour in Nişantaşı, opposite Maçka Park, with Wolfgang Puck's Spago on the roof and designer boutiques on the doorstep.
Ultra luxury
Trendy
Swimming pool
Spa
Fitness centre
Restaurant
Rooftop bar
Pet friendly
Room sizes from 35 m²Read the full story
Nişantaşı & Maçka Park
The St. Regis sits in Nişantaşı, Istanbul's most elegant neighbourhood, directly opposite Maçka Park's green lawns. Designer boutiques line Abdi İpekçi Street moments away, while the surrounding streets are filled with stylish cafés, brasseries, and cocktail bars that stay busy late into the evening. The Maçka cable car crosses to Taksim, and the Old City is a short metro or taxi ride away.
Modern Art Deco by Emre Arolat
Designed by Turkish architect Emre Arolat, the hotel is a modern interpretation of Istanbul's Art Deco era, inspired by the brand's New York heritage. Works from the owners' Demsa art collection hang throughout, and a library of books on art, design and Ottoman history sets an elegant tone in the public spaces.
Rooms, Suites & Butler Service
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame Maçka Park or Abdi İpekçi Street, and even the smallest rooms offer a comfortable 35 square metres, with Marmara marble bathrooms and deep soaking tubs. The finest suites add terraces with views over the park to the Bosphorus, and St. Regis butlers are on hand around the clock. Connecting rooms in most categories suit families travelling together.
Spago & St. Regis Brasserie
Wolfgang Puck's Spago is the dining centrepiece, serving Californian cuisine on the rooftop with views over Maçka Park to the Bosphorus. St. Regis Brasserie offers Parisian-style dining with Turkish and international flavours on its leafy terrace. The bar serves the Misty Mary, the hotel's own take on the Bloody Mary that St. Regis created, and afternoon tea is a daily ritual.
Iridium Spa & Indoor Pool
Iridium Spa is one of the most complete spas in central Istanbul, a serene space designed for unhurried time. Bespoke treatments are tailored to each guest, three Turkish baths offer the traditional scrub-and-foam ritual, and three relaxation pools, including an indoor pool, invite a long, restorative afternoon. Afterwards, the Tea Bar serves herbal teas and fresh fruit, and the gym features Technogym equipment.
Restored maritime buildings on the Galataport waterfront in Karaköy, with Bosphorus views and the Old City skyline across the water.
Ultra luxury
Trendy
Swimming pool
Spa
Fitness centre
Restaurant
Rooftop bar
Pet friendly
Room sizes from 40 m²Read the full story
Karaköy & Galataport
The Peninsula stands on Galataport's waterfront promenade in Karaköy, one of Istanbul's most creative neighbourhoods. The surrounding streets are lined with speciality coffee shops, galleries, street art, and small restaurants, and Karaköy's famous baklava shops are nearby. Istanbul Modern is a five-minute walk along the water, Galata Tower is a short climb uphill, and the tram crosses the Galata Bridge to the Old City.
Maritime Landmarks, Turkish Craft
The hotel spans four buildings, three of them restored maritime landmarks, including the historic passenger terminal. Turkish designer Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu created interiors rich in local craftsmanship, from wood and mother-of-pearl inlay to kilim-style carpets and Marmara marble.
Rooms with Bosphorus Views
Every room has at least 40 square metres, with deep soaking tubs in marble bathrooms. Entry categories overlook Karaköy, while Bosphorus categories overlook the water and the Old City skyline. The finest suites add garden terraces or, at the very top, a private rooftop pool. For larger groups, the hotel offers family and connecting rooms.
Gallada & The Lobby
Gallada is the signature restaurant, set on the rooftop of the historic passenger terminal. Michelin-starred chef Fatih Tutak cooks Turk-Asian dishes inspired by the Silk Road, and Topside Bar sits just above. The Lobby serves Mediterranean dishes and the Peninsula's classic afternoon tea, while Abelia Pool offers mezze and sushi in private cabanas.
Spa & 25-Metre Pool
The Peninsula Spa is one of Istanbul's most impressive, a calm world of Marmara marble and soft light. Hammams, saunas and a tea lounge set an unhurried pace, and the 25-metre indoor pool plays music underwater. Outside, a second pool runs along the Bosphorus, framed by landscaped gardens and private cabanas, with ships sliding past as you swim.
An 1895 building in Asmalımescit, reborn as a creative boutique hotel with a rooftop pool and a Michelin-recognised restaurant.
Boutique
Trendy
Swimming pool
Fitness centre
Restaurant
Rooftop bar
Pet friendly
Room sizes from 18 m²Read the full story
Asmalımescit, Beyoğlu
RUZ sits in Asmalımescit, one of Beyoğlu's liveliest corners, a web of meyhanes, wine bars and cafés just off Istiklal Avenue. The grand Pera Palace Hotel and the Pera Museum are a couple of minutes away, and Galata Tower is about a five-minute walk. Şişhane metro is nearby, and the Old City is about 25 minutes away by metro or tram.
19th-Century Character
Built in 1895, the handsome stone building was restored over two years, keeping its original architectural details while introducing a confident contemporary style. High ceilings, exposed brick, parquet floors, modern furniture and work by local artists give the 25 rooms and public spaces plenty of personality.
Stylish Rooms
High ceilings and parquet floors give the rooms immediate character, complemented by contemporary furnishings, walk-in rain showers and espresso machines. Some overlook the historic streets, while others face a colourful mural painted by local artists.
Red Balloon
On the ground floor, the Michelin Guide has recognised Red Balloon, with chef Ulaş Durmaz, winner of the Michelin Young Chef Award, leading the kitchen. It is one of the most exciting tables in Beyoğlu, open from breakfast to dinner.
Rooftop & Pool
The rooftop is the hotel's social heart, with an outdoor pool, a bar, and wide views across the Bosphorus and the historic peninsula. Breakfast up here is a highlight, and sunset cocktails are just as tempting.
An 1867 neo-Renaissance bank on Karaköy's historic banking street, reimagined with bold design, a rooftop bar and a marble hammam.
Luxury
Boutique
Trendy
Spa
Fitness centre
Restaurant
Rooftop bar
Pet friendly
Room sizes from 20 m²Read the full story
Karaköy Waterfront
The Bank Hotel stands at the Karaköy end of Bankalar Caddesi, a few steps from the harbour, where ferries leave for Kadıköy and the Asian side. The surrounding streets mix Ottoman-era buildings with street art, fashion boutiques, galleries and busy seafood restaurants. Galata Tower is a short climb uphill, and the tram to the Old City stops nearby.
A Grand Bank, Reimagined
Built in 1867 by Italian architect Antoine Tedeschi, the neo-Renaissance building once housed some of the city's great banks. Today, designer Sinan Kafadar fills its marble halls and soaring ceilings with contemporary art and bold colour; an in-house curator arranges cultural events, and the original bank vault survives as a unique meeting space.
High-Ceilinged Rooms
Rooms feel grand yet contemporary, with patterned ceilings, parquet floors, goose-feather bedding and Carrara marble bathrooms stocked with L'Occitane products. Rooms in the historic main building have the highest ceilings, while the Penthouse Suite adds a freestanding bath with views of the Bosphorus Bridge, the Golden Horn and the Old City. Interconnected rooms are available in Deluxe room categories.
Serica & the Roof Bar
Serica, the hotel's restaurant, draws on Anatolia's rich culinary heritage for a refined, locally focused menu, served behind floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping city views. Up on the roof, The Bank Roof Bar pairs signature cocktails with panoramic views from the Bosphorus to the Old City, and the Lobby Bar mixes classic and creative drinks.
Spa & White Marble Hammam
Tucked away downstairs, the spa is a calm counterpoint to the lively streets outside. Its classic white marble hammam is the centrepiece, perfect for a traditional scrub and foam, alongside a sauna, steam rooms and a couples' room for massages and facials. A fitness centre completes the facilities.
A 19th-century neoclassical han in the heart of Karaköy, with striking design, a rooftop meyhane and a Sky Terrace facing the Old City.
Boutique
Trendy
Fitness centre
Restaurant
Rooftop bar
Pet friendly
Room sizes from 18 m²Read the full story
Karaköy
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.
Neoclassical Grandeur, Modern Design
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.
Stylish Rooms & Penthouse
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.
Bahane On10 & Sky Terrace
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.
Brasserie Ten & Kupaj Lounge
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.
Two 19th-century buildings in Galata, named after the Camondo banking family, with two rooftop restaurants and live music.
Trendy
Restaurant
Rooftop bar
Pet friendly
Room sizes from 20 m²Read the full story
Galata & Bankalar Caddesi
DeCamondo Galata spans two historic buildings a block apart, on Bankalar Caddesi and Felek Street. Galata Tower is a couple of minutes' walk away, at the centre of a district of cobbled lanes, vintage shops, record stores and cosy wine bars. The famous Camondo Steps are around the corner, and Karaköy's cafés and the Galata Bridge to the Old City are just downhill.
The Camondo Legacy
The hotel is named after the Camondo family, a prominent 19th-century banking dynasty of Galata. Old photographs of the family line the walls, and Italian artisans' reliefs survive in the historic interiors.
Stylish Rooms in Two Buildings
Rooms are individually designed, blending clean lines and warm simplicity with historic detail. The Banque Building sits at the heart of the action on Bankalar Caddesi, while the House Building is a little quieter and closer to Galata Tower. Connecting rooms make it a good fit for families too.
Moise & Nissim Rooftops
Each building has its own rooftop restaurant. Moise Karaköy serves Turkish cuisine with views of Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace. Meanwhile, Nissim focuses on Mediterranean fish dishes and tapas, with cocktails and live jazz and acoustic music on certain nights.
Vigneron Wine House
In the House Building cellar, Vigneron Wine House serves wine among red-brick walls, with saxophone performances on weekends.
Fashion-forward design and contemporary art in the heart of Nişantaşı, with a rooftop Italian restaurant and an expansive spa.
Trendy
Swimming pool
Spa
Fitness centre
Restaurant
Rooftop bar
Pet friendly
Room sizes from 30 m²Read the full story
Nişantaşı & Teşvikiye
The Stay Boulevard stands on Teşvikiye Street, at the heart of Nişantaşı's shopping district, surrounded by designer boutiques, concept stores, stylish cafés and some of the city's best restaurants. The elegant Teşvikiye Mosque is close by, Maçka Park is a short walk away, and the Osmanbey metro connects easily to Taksim. The Old City is a short metro or taxi ride away.
Design, Art & Culture
Designed by Autoban studio and architect Mahmut Anlar, the hotel is one of Istanbul's most fashion-forward. A staircase lit by an AI video-mapping installation from the studio OUCHHH leads up to an art gallery and Komedi Kulüp, a cultural space hosting stand-up, acoustic concerts and theatre. The ground floor also has its own patisserie.
Calm Rooms & Terrace Suites
Earthy tones, custom-made furniture and natural light set a calm, sophisticated mood, and the standard rooms offer a comfortable 30 square metres, with marble bathrooms featuring both tubs and rain showers. Larger suites add kitchenettes, separate living rooms, and green terraces, while triple-occupancy rooms suit larger groups travelling together.
Marcello Rooftop
Up on the roof, Marcello serves modern Italian cuisine al fresco, with views across the city to the Bosphorus. It is the first address in Turkey for authentic Focaccia di Recco, and vertical farming units supply fresh ingredients. Downstairs, The Lounge Restaurant offers a creative take on classic and international dishes.
Spa, Hammam & Indoor Pool
The spa spans an entire floor, a calm, contemporary space with an indoor pool, an authentic Turkish hammam and treatment rooms for private or couples' sessions. The adjoining gym offers Pilates equipment and personal trainers, making it one of Nişantaşı's most complete wellness offerings.
The 19th-century Palazzo Corpi in Beyoğlu, with frescoed interiors, a Cowshed spa, Cecconi's and a rooftop restaurant facing the Bosphorus.
Luxury
Trendy
Spa
Fitness centre
Restaurant
Rooftop bar
Room sizes from 26 m²Read the full story
Beyoğlu, by Galata & Istiklal
Soho House sits on Meşrutiyet Street in Beyoğlu, surrounded by some of Istanbul's most interesting galleries, restaurants and nightlife. Istiklal Avenue is about 300 metres away, the Pera Museum is close by, and the meyhanes of Asmalımescit are just around the corner. Şişhane metro is a couple of minutes away, and the Old City is around 25 minutes by metro or tram.
The Historic Palazzo Corpi
Built in 1873, Palazzo Corpi is an extraordinary example of 19th-century Italian architecture in Istanbul. Elaborate frescoes, marble staircases, and ornate ceilings have been carefully preserved, while contemporary furniture and an extensive art collection firmly place the interiors in the present.
Relaxed, Residential Rooms
The bedrooms, in the Annex and the newer Glass Building, bring a relaxed, residential style to the historic setting. Vintage-inspired furniture, wooden floors, contemporary art and Anatolian kilims create comfortable, individual interiors, and every room in the Glass Building has a private balcony.
Cecconi's & Apheleia
Cecconi's serves Northern Italian cooking, from handmade pasta to wood-fired pizza, with tables among the olive trees of the courtyard garden. Up on the rooftop, Apheleia brings the flavours of the Greek islands, with mezze and charcoal-oven dishes, served with views across the Bosphorus.
Cowshed Spa & Gym
The Cowshed spa offers massages, facials, and traditional Turkish hammam rituals, and the substantial gym includes Technogym machines, free weights, a boxing ring, and a full programme of classes.
A cinematic hotel in the historic Golden Horn shipyard, with stone-walled interiors, a glamorous swim club and one of the city's finest spas.
Luxury
Trendy
Swimming pool
Spa
Fitness centre
Restaurant
Pet friendly
Room sizes from 32 m²Read the full story
The Imperial Shipyard
Aliée sits within the restored Tersane-i Amire, the Ottoman imperial shipyard on the Golden Horn, where historic stone buildings now house restaurants, shops and galleries along a new waterfront promenade. Galata Tower and Istiklal Avenue are about five minutes away by car, and the hotel's private boats make it easy and memorable to cross to the Old City or cruise up the Bosphorus.
Cinematic Design in Historic Stone
Los Angeles-based Powerstrip Studio designed the interiors across the hotel's historic buildings, blending centuries-old heritage with modern sophistication. In the Casthouse, ancient stone walls rise to seven-metre ceilings, a curated art collection runs throughout, and creative workshops, from Ebru marbling to cyanotype printing, bring Istanbul's artistic heritage to life.
Rooms in Natural Stone
Each individually designed room, 32 square metres or larger, pairs natural stone and soft light with organic textiles and copper bathtubs. Suites add terraces and verandas, some looking over the Golden Horn. Atrium rooms connect to neighbouring rooms and suites, and the Heritage Villa sleeps six.
Taste & the Swim Club
Taste by Thomas Bühner, led by the acclaimed German chef, is the culinary centrepiece. Hasbahçe serves Neapolitan pizza in the gardens with views over the Golden Horn, while the Aliée Swim Club brings a glamorous beach-club feel, with DJ sets and sunset parties. After dark, Mondaine de Pariso adds Parisian-style nightlife.
Aliée Well+
Aliée Well+ is one of Istanbul's most ambitious spas: a three-storey wellness world that feels like a grand Roman bath. Marble hammams, lagoon-style pools and contrast therapy sit alongside infrared, Finnish and Russian saunas, and a Longevity Clinic offers personalised health programmes. Outside, the Swim Club's lagoon pool flows into an Olympic lap pool beside the water.
Contemporary luxury in the Zorlu Centre, with some of Istanbul's largest rooms and private terraces overlooking the Bosphorus.
Ultra luxury
Trendy
Swimming pool
Spa
Fitness centre
Restaurant
Rooftop bar
Pet friendly
Room sizes from 62 m²Read the full story
Zorlu Center & Beşiktaş
Raffles occupies one of the towers of Zorlu Centre, a stylish hub of luxury boutiques, cinemas, restaurants and Zorlu PSM, Turkey's largest performing arts centre. The smart neighbourhoods of Levent, Ulus and Etiler are close by, while the Bosphorus villages of Ortaköy and Bebek, with their waterfront cafés, seafood restaurants and bars, are a short taxi ride away. The metro is close for journeys further afield.
Contemporary Design & Commissioned Art
Hirsch Bedner Associates designed light, calm interiors that combine contemporary style with Turkish touches. A large collection of specially commissioned art runs throughout, with hand-blown chandeliers and sculpture adding drama to the public spaces.
Exceptionally Spacious Rooms
With the smallest category at 62 square metres, rooms here are exceptionally generous, each with floor-to-ceiling windows and a furnished private terrace overlooking the city or the Bosphorus. Walk-in wardrobes and marble bathrooms with double vanities and separate baths are standard, and Raffles butlers look after every guest. Connecting rooms also suit families well.
İsokyo & the Long Bar
İsokyo is the signature restaurant, taking a journey across Asia with dishes from Japan, Thailand, Korea and China alongside Turkish ingredients. Rocca Grill & Terrace serves Mediterranean grills, Lavinia Lounge offers afternoon tea in the art-filled lobby, and the Long Bar continues Raffles' original tradition in Singapore.
Raffles Spa & Two Pools
Raffles Spa is one of the city's largest spas, a calm, generously proportioned space made for a long, slow afternoon. Signature therapies sit alongside traditional Turkish baths, vitality pools, saunas and sensory showers. Natural light bathes the indoor pool, while the outdoor pool looks out across the skyline, making it well worth setting time aside.
