Your Magical Honeymoon in Istanbul
Turkey is known for its ancient culture and history. When in Turkey, you will pass from one world to another, discovering different stories and scenes.
Why an Istanbul honeymoon? Istanbul is one of the most romantic cities in the world, whether you are taking a stroll with your partner through the streets of Istanbul, or passing by the Bosphorus, you will definitely feel the magic of this city.
Travel Guidebook writer Tom Brosnahan explains: "Great beaches and resorts, private yacht cruises, excellent restaurants, lively café life, world-class museums (many in castles and palaces), and of course top-class hotels everywhere."
You can also have your destination wedding in Istanbul, and have your wedding at one of the luxurious wedding venues in Istanbul for your Istanbul destination wedding!
There are so many things to do in Istanbul, and we will help you discover all the best places to visit in Istanbul, to make sure you have the best honeymoon in Turkey, especially in Istanbul.
While you're on your honeymoon in Istanbul, make sure to visit these places and hotels:
The Maiden's Tower
Set on the Bosphorus, it has a long history of romantic myths and has been an inspiration to writers, poets and artists, while its most recent claim to fame is for being featured in the recent Bond film: 'The World is Not Enough'.
The tower is lying on a small islet located at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus strait 200 m from the coast of Üsküdar in Istanbul, Turkey.
Princess' Islands
Princess' Islands is in the Sea of Marmara, just a short ferry ride from mainland Istanbul. The only form of transport is the horse-drawn carriage, a perfect place for honeymoons.
The islands evolved from a place of exile during the Byzantine era, to a popular destination for tourists. Of those nine islands, only four of them are open to the public: Büyükada, the biggest and most popular, Burgazada, Heybeliada and Kınalıada.
All motorized vehicles are banned, making the islands an oasis of peace and quiet.
Hagia Sophia
It was the biggest cathedral in the world in the 6th century. Its famous dome, gold gilded mosaics, divine hugeness and energy attracts many people all over the world.
Built in 537 AD at the beginning of the Middle Ages, it was famous in particular for its massive dome.
It was converted to a mosque, after the Ottoman armies conquered Constantinople, to its further conversion into a museum in the 20th century, the Hagia Sophia has remained one of Istanbul's most cherished landmarks.
Suleymaniye Mosque
This mosque represents the classic Ottoman Art built in the 16th century. It has an amazing view from the garden through the Bosphorus.
The Süleymaniye Mosque is an Ottoman imperial mosque located on the Third Hill of Istanbul, Turkey.
Its setting and plan are particularly pleasing, featuring gardens and a three-sided forecourt with a central domed ablutions fountain.
Basilica Cistern
The underground water reservoir from the 6th century, known locally as Yerebatan Sarayi (meaning Sunken Palace).
The underground water cistern was the major water reservoir of Constantinople. There are 336 giant columns (mostly Ionic or Corinthian in style) supporting the structure in 12 rows of 28 columns.
Make sure not to miss the two mammoth Medusa heads used as plinths in the far corner of the cistern.
Dolmabahce Palace
Garabet and Nikogos Balyan built Dolmabahce Palace and even today, it is a special art concept which is mesmerizing with the details as well as the items they used.
Dolmabahce Palace built in 19 th century is one of the most glamorous palaces in the world. It was the administrative center of the late Ottoman Empire with the last of Ottoman Sultans was residing there.
Bosphorus
The Bosporus is a natural strait connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, and an internationally significant waterway located in northwestern Turkey. It forms part of the continental boundary between Europe and Asia, and separates Asian Turkey from European Turkey.
Bosphorus is a very busy waterway with many ships and oil tankers going through it, as well as local fishing and ferries go to the Asian side back and forth.
There are three suspension bridges on the Bosphorus connecting Europe to Asia.
Topkapi Palace
The Topkapı Palace, is a large museum in Istanbul, it served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans.
Experience the life in the era of the Ottoman Empire, visit the palace's opulent pavilions, jewel-filled Treasury and sprawling Harem.
Grand Bazaar and Spice Market
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. This bazaar is popular for its gold, textile and leather and the Spice Market is mainly for more common things like spices or foods.
In 2014, it was listed No.1 among the world's most-visited tourist attractions with 91,250,000 annual visitors.
Istiklal Street
The most amazing, festive, and romantic street in Istanbul. The doors of restaurants, coffee-houses, clubs and shops are open, and the musicians play their music on the streets.
It runs from Taksim Square nearly all the way to the landmark Galata Tower.
Chora Church (Kariye Müzesi)
Magnificent mosaics and frescoes depict the life of Jesus and his mother, Mary. Known as the Church of the Holy Savior in Chora, it has been described as one of the most beautiful surviving works of Byzantine architecture.
The Top Hotels in Istanbul
Raffles Istanbul: The hotel forms part of the award-winning Zorlu Centre, which comprises an upmarket shopping centre and performance venue. It is a modern and vibrant hotel in the vibrant business district.
Ciragan Palace Kempinski: This hotel was once the residence of the last Ottoman Sultans, the hotel has been restored to its former glory and is now a luxury hotel on the European shores of the Bosphorus.
Park Hyatt Hotel: You will be in the middle of Nisantasi district, surrounded with well-known shops & restaurants & cafés.
Pera Palace Hotel: Would you like to stay where Agatha Christie, Alfred Hitchock or Greta Garbo stayed? It was the official hotel for Orient Express and today, it offers you better comfort as well as good service quality.
Ottoman Imperial Hotel: Standing between Hagia Sophia and Caferaga Madrasah, this hotel has a great feeling of Istanbul.
Four Seasons Sultanahmet: The hotel is actually a converted 100-year-old prison once used to incarcerate writers, artists and other dissidents. The jail was abandoned in the 1960s and re-opened in the Nineties as a five-star hotel.
Radisson Blu: If you want to stay in a contemporary hotel with Bosphorus view, Radisson Blu will provide all the comfort. It is located where you can reach Ortakoy, a picturesque corner of Istanbul, in about a minute.
Mia Pera Hotel: If you want to be in a vibrant part of the city, Mia Pera Hotel will provide a peaceful area in this energetic neighborhood. With its chic architecture, fine decoration and good services, it will make a difference.
Sultanhan Hotel: It’s in the old city but away from the crowds with its great location.
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorous: The hotel is located just a few waterfront lots up from the famous Dolmabahce Palace, it was the home of the last Ottoman Sultans.
Shangri-La Bosphorus: The hotel is beautifully located at the European bank of the Bosphorus, with stunning waterfront rooms that are elegantly furnished. The hotel was a 1929 tobacco warehouse rescued from dereliction. The 186 rooms are claimed to be the city’s most spacious. The majority have views of the Bosphorus.
The St. Regis Istanbul: The hotel has beautiful Art Deco interiors that are all made from aluminium and copper. There's also a glass-walled gourmet rooftop restaurant, butler service, and top-notch subterranean spa. The hotel is overlooking Maçka Park and the Bosporus.
Sumahan on the Water: The hotel was an Ottoman-era distillery which was then converted into an award-winning hotel by its discerning Turkish-American owners. The hotel is located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus Strait. It’s known for its amazing fish restaurants, the rooms have fabulous views down the Bosphorus to the first suspension bridge and beyond, the rooms' interior are inspired by the Ottoman period, with wood-built waterfront mansions known as yalı.
Ritz Carlton Istanbul: Overlooking The Bosphorus Strait, the hotel is located at the Dolmabahce District, with a design that reflects the city's Roman, Byzantine And Ottoman Heritage.
