The Peninsula Istanbul

From modern to traditional, from luxury to convenient…dining, shopping and sightseeing in this amazing city! You’ll find several options for great accommodation, as well. Istanbul is where Europe meets Asia and here you'll encounter elements from both continents. Mind yourself - this city is huge and really crowded. Traffic can be horrific at times and getting from one point to another could take up some time. Still, it's full of savory contrasts, echoes of the past and glimpses of the future and could easily get you addicted! 💡Tip: visit the less-touristy areas Fatih, Fener and Balat! Highlights: ☕️ Turkish coffee - whether it’s made in sand, over fire or on stovetop, it is prepared in a “cezve” (ibrik) using very finely ground coffee beans without filtering; 🫖 Turkish tea - called “çay” (pronounced chai) in Turkish - is a kind of black tea brewed in a dual teapot and served in tulip-shaped small glasses called “ince belli”. 🥨 Simit (Turkish Bagel) a sesame-bathed, circular Turkish bread. Very common - the cheapest street food in Turkey. 🍥 Turkish delight - also called lokum, jellied confection with different flavours (may contain pieces of fruits/nuts) commonly found in the markets. 🥟 Baklava - is a layered pastry dessert made of filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with syrup or honey. It was one of the most popular sweet pastries of Ottoman cuisine. 🏺 The Nargile, also known as hookah or hubble-bubble or sheesha or Turkish water pipe, is an old tradition in Turkey for smoking Turkish tobacco (plain or fruit flavored - with or without nicotine). 🧿 Evil Eye Symbol - the Nazar Boncuk symbolizes the jealous and envious look of others, which, according to the popular belief, would have the power to cause various misfortunes to a person or his property. Turkish people believe that this amulet protects its holder from the bad energies by absorbing them. In addition, Turkey is famous for its sweets/desserts, ceramics, silver/gold jewelry, spices. Don’t forget to bargain - it is kind of a national sport. 😉

Istanbul is a city that breathes with a thousand years of history, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life. East meets West here in a dance as old as time, with the city’s contrasts reflected in its skyline and streets. Every corner reveals a new facet of Istanbul’s soul, leaving you with a feeling and rhythm that lingers long after you've left—a memory of a place where time flows like water, connecting everything in its path ❤️

Hello fellow travel enthusiasts! I'm a hotel lover through and through. Whether it's diving into online reviews or physically exploring the nooks and crannies of hotels, my passion runs deep. As a hotelier that graduated from Les Roches International School of Hotel Management and over 8+ years in the luxury hotel industry, I notice the details that make a stay truly memorable. For me, a vacation is more than a destination; it's a chance to experience top-notch service and soak in the unique ambiance each hotel offers. I'm excited to share some of my absolute favorites with you—there is something for every budget, just genuine recommendations and a love for the extraordinary in every stay.  ♥️ I'd be so grateful if you subscribe to my Thatch profile, save this for your next trip, share it with a friend or contribute a small tip 🙏🏼