Istanbulite

Custom Made Private Tours & Concierge Services in Istanbul

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Happy World Turkish Coffee Day!

Did you know the December 5th is World Turkish Coffee Day?

Since 2013, UNESCO added Turkish coffee to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013 and December 5th has been celebrated as World Turkish Coffee Day around the world ever since.

So if you haven't tried it yet, today is the day!

While you're sipping your coffee here's why it has been called Turkish coffee:

Because of its preparation method.

The coffee is prepared in a 'cezve', a long-handled pot typically made of copper or brass and served in a 'final', a small special cup. It almost always comes with a glass of water and 'lokum' which most of the world knows as Turkish delight.

After you finish drinking your coffee, don't forget to close it. We mean flip it over on the saucer and wait. After the cup gets cold, open the lid and you're ready for your fortune telling. :)

As we say Afiyet Olsun!

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Pera Palace... 

The hotel that is full of mysteries, stories, and memories.

If you are a mystery hunter, this hotel is the perfect match for you!

Even though it's in the heart of the city, you step into a whole different century.

Pera Palace was renovated several times, however, most of the building was kept as original from the ballroom to the rooms. 

It's not only a hotel, it's a living museum, a book that you can't get enough of. 

Till this date, some mysteries have never been solved.

Pera Palace was the first high-standard, luxury hotel in İstanbul. It was built back in the day, at the end of the 19th century, with an order from the Ottoman Emperor when electricity was not available in most of the buildings. It was the first hotel to establish an electric lift and you may still see it in the hotel with its elegant design.

The aim of the order of the Ottoman Sultan was to host foreign guests arriving to Constantinople via the famous Orient Express.

Pera Palace opened her gates in 1895 to host the passengers of the world-famous Orient Express. The train brought world-famous guests such as Ernest Hemingway, Zsa Zsa Gabor, King VIII. Edward, Queen II. Elizabeth, Austro-Hungarian Emperar Franz Joseph, Shah Reza Pahlavi, President of Yugoslavia Josip Broz Tito, General Franz Von Papen, Greta Garbo, Alfred Hitchcock, Pierre Loti, Jacqueline Kennedy, Mata Hari, and the most memorable ones are world famous murder novel writer Agatha Christie and of course Founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Atatürk used to stay in Suite 101 frequently between December 1915 and October 1917. On the 100th anniversary of his birth, 1981, the room transformed into a museum. Even if you're not staying at the hotel, you can visit the room and see the mysterious carpets that were given to him years before his death with symbolisms of his death date and time. Back in the day, the debate about how the owners of the carpets knew the details about his death, was printed in the newspapers of the time. You will see the elephants and birds symbolizing death, a clock that shows 09.08, November flowers, and 10 glasses on the carpet. Atatürk died on November 10th, at 09.05.

Do you think it was some sorcery, a mediumship, or a planned threat? Nobody knows who sent the carpets to this date and the mystery was never solved.

Another mystery is about Agatha Christie. She used to stay in Room 411, where she wrote her world-famous novel, “Murder on the Orient Express”. After her death, Warner Bros wanted to make a film about her life and went to a psychic, Tamara Rand, to find out about the missing 11 days of her life. Rumors say she called the author's soul to receive information and her soul told the filmmakers that the secret is hidden in the Pera Palace Hotel and added that she witnessed Christie hiding a key under the floorboards in her room. The key was supposed to open a hidden room in the hotel and there should be a notebook about those missing days.

The key was found where the medium describes it! The medium wanted to have another session to ask Christie’s soul about the location of the notebook, but there were disagreements between the hotel management and filmmakers, and the hotel didn't give away the key, and notebook was never found and the mystery was never solved.

To learn more about the other mysteries and details contact us.

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Gault & Millau Türkiye 

Yes, you read it right! It's now in Türkiye too!

Shaped by more than a thousand years of various culture & traditions and social heritage, Turkish cuisine has diverse and distinctive flavors. We knew how special it was, however now with worldwide guides, it's official. We have world-class cuisine and chefs. Gault & Millau reached a total of 14 countries by adding Türkiye to its gastronomy network. It is one of the two most well-known and appreciated guides in the world of gastronomy.

Gault & Millau believes authenticity of each chef's restaurant so they become a compass for those who would like to get the feel of gastronomy in every aspect. They bring new points of view to the gastronomy world with their unique point system and detailed evaluation.  Restaurants and chefs are rated up to 20 points in different categories such as food quality and taste, service quality, pricing, restaurant decoration, and atmosphere. High-scored restaurants win 1 to 5 chef hats according to their score.

Here's the list of winners: 

Best Restaurant of the Year - Neolokal - İstanbul

Best Chef of the Year - Fatih Tutak (Türk Fatih Tutak) - İstanbul 

Youngest Chef of the Year - Kemal Can Yurttaş (Aila) - İstanbul 

Best Female Chef - İnanç Çelengil (Aman da Bravo) - Bodrum

Best Pastry Chef - Ghislain Gaille (Vakko Patisserie) - İstanbul

Best Food Design - Görkem Özkan (Aqua) - İstanbul  

Best Sommelier - Süleyman Şen (Sunset Grill & Bar ) - İstanbul 

Best Wine Menu - Şans Restaurant - İstanbul 

Best Chocolate Venue - Butterfly Chocolate 

Best Bar - Lucca - İstanbul & Bodrum

Best Mixology Venue - The Townhouse - İstanbul

Best Hospitality - Argos in Cappadocia - Cappadocia

Prestigious Tables Winners (4 hats) 

Türk Fatih Tutak  - Fatih Tutak - İstanbul

Neolokal - Maksut Akşar - İstanbul 

Excellent Table Winners ( 3 hats)

Sanki by Nagaya - Hiroko Shibata - İstanbul

Arkestra - Cenk Debensason - İstanbul 

Nicole - Serkan Aksoy - İstanbul

Mikla - Cihan Çetinkaya - İstanbul 

Casa Lavanda - Emre Şen - İstanbul 

Aqua - Görkem Özkan  - İstanbul

Vino Locale - Ozan Kumbasar - Urla 

Teruar Urla - Osman Serdaroğlu - Urla 

Od Urla - Osman Sezener - Urla

Chef's Table ( 2 hats)

Yeni Lokanta - Civan Er - İstanbul

Tuğra Restaurant - Emre İnanır - İstanbul

Sunset Grill & Bar - Fabrice Canelle - İstanbul 

Gallada - Özgür Taylan Yücel - İstanbul

Lokanta by Divan - Volkan Arık - İstanbul 

Chalet - Soner Kesgin - İstanbul 

Araka - Zeynep Pınar Taşdemir - İstanbul 

Alaf - Murat Deniz Temel - İstanbul

7 Mehmet - Mehmet Akdağ - Antalya 

Narimor Urla - Atilla Heilbronn - Urla

Aman da Bravo - İnanç Çelengil - Bodrum

Sakhalin Bodrum - Vladimir Mukhin - Bodrum

Maça Kızı - Aret Sahakyan - Bodrum

Kitchen Bodrum - Osman Sezener - Bodrum

Reserved Cappadocia - Mehmet Gök - Cappadocia 

Nahita - Ömür Akkor - Cappadocia

First Michelin, now Gault & Millau.. we are excited about what's coming next and the new place of Turkish cuisine in the world!

Congratulations to all the chefs and restaurants.  

If you'd like to try some of them during your visit contact us here. 

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FESTIVE SEASON IN İSTANBUL

Celebrate the festive season as an İstanbulite!

Obviously, Istanbul is not the first city to come to mind when we say ‘Christmas’, however it actually is one of the best destinations for Festive Season holidays whether it’s Christmas or New Year.

In Istanbul it’s all about glitters, lights on the trees and streets, decorations, shopping and having fun!

Istanbul is one of the best cities for shopping and a real 'istanbulite' knows where to find perfect gifts.

Here's a list of things you can do: 

If you are looking for something different this year, something more authentic, traditional, and unique, visit the world's oldest shopping center, Grand Bazaar. That is the best place for you. 

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening," says Coco Chanel. If you agree with her, Nişantaşı is where you belong. 

If the holiday means all about relaxing and resting for you then give us a call for the best hammams (Turkish Baths) and messages in the city so we can make your reservation before they are fully booked. 

Sometimes gifts can't be packed with pretty papers and ribbons. Sometimes the experience is the gift. If you'd like to experience the festive spirit to the fullest with your children, you may visit local Christmas markets in the city where you may find workshops, food selections, hot chocolate, and Santa Claus itself! 

If you are looking for fun you can always give an ice skating experience as a gift to yourself and your loved ones at Uniq İstanbul. 

If you are a foodie: We know all the local gems and yes we can take you! Just email us and we can tailor your food tour for you. 

Last but not least, being an 'Istanbulite' is a gift itself. 

Contact us to be an Istanbulite for a few days this December. 

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year already!

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GALATAPORT OF ISTANBUL IS HERE!

Galataport of Istanbul, the new cruise ship terminal, has been completed and is in function. 

Galataport Istanbul is a 1.7billion investment which gave 1.2kilometer long coastline to istanbulites.

The port has the world’s first underground cruise ship terminal. On a day when there is no cruise ship on the shore, you cannot see any signs of a terminal, it is a long promenade with an impressive view of the historical peninsula and the Bosphorus.

Galataport coastline is home to great restaurants and cafes. There is a museum to honor the photographs of the greatest photojournalist of Turkey, a 19th century clock tower, the modern art museum of the city, Istanbul Modern and an open air shopping mall in the complex.

Galataport already became an attraction point for the locals. It is crowded on the weekends.

Below are two articles on this amazing project:

Forbes: https://bit.ly/3Hiu5n7

Architectural Digest: https://bit.ly/3IglVg9

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How to do Christmas in Istanbul!

It is that time of the year again. 2021, with its ups and downs, is almost behind us! 

Below is a perfect day we can organize for you in Istanbul:

Morning: 

Turkish Bath: Best way to kick start your day. 

We can book your luxurious, historical Turkish Bath experience for you. 

Get ready to sweat, be scrubbed and foam bathed and relaxing completely in a 18th century Turkish Bath!

Noon:

Lunch: Continue your day with a delicious and refined lunch at the terrace of the historical bath! 

Try Turkish dishes with a twist. 

Who would have thought to have pumpkin and mozzarella in a 'traditional pide' (Turkish pizza)? Well this spot does! 

And you will be pleasantly surprised!

Afternoon:

Shopping: No Christmas vacation would be complete without shopping! 

We will organize a great day of shopping for you at the Grand Bazaar where you will visit the stores where the locals go to and you will get lost among handwoven kilims, rugs, pillow cases, handmade ceramics, Turkish towels, leather bags, leather jackets, Turkish delight and more. 

Book with us and experience Istanbul like a local would! 

Happy Holidays everyone! 

Hope you are all blessed with family time and you are enjoying your time with your loved ones! 

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Did you know that today is Turkish Coffee Day?

Here are a few interesting facts about Turkish coffee:

Turkish coffee culture & tradition goes all the way back to the 16th century when coffee started to be served at coffeehouses in Istanbul. 

Coffee houses were and still are the places where people drink coffee, share news and socialize.

In Turkey, breakfast is called 'kahvalti' which literally means 'below coffee'. Breakfast is what we eat before we have the first Turkish coffee of the day!

Turkish coffee is softer, more aromatic and more concentrated than other types of coffee.

Turkish coffee combines special preparation and brewing techniques. It is one of the oldest coffee making methods still in use.

The freshly roasted beans are ground to a fine powder; then the ground coffee, cold water and sugar are added to a coffee pot and brewed slowly on a stove to produce the desired foam.

The traditional techniques used in preparing Turkish coffee led to the development of the following special tools and silverware: Boiling pot (cezve) & Coffee cup (fincan)

Turkish coffee is a symbol of ‘hospitality’ & ’friendship’.

Most famous Turkish proverb about coffee is the following one: ‘the memory /sake of a cup of coffee lasts for forty years’.

Turkish coffee culture and tradition was registered on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on behalf of Turkey in 2013.

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MOVIES TO SEE IF YOU MISS TURKEY!

We are all missing traveling. There is nothing to replace it really, but movies can help! 

We decided to put together a short list of movies for you to watch during the holidays in case you miss Istanbul/ Turkey or if you are planning to visit for the first time next year!

Some of these movies are quiet old and nostalgic, some are award-winning festival movies, some are documentaries and some are easy and fun! 

Have your pick and enjoy! 

Crossing the Bridge: The Sound of Istanbul, by Fatih Akin

Red Istanbul (Rosso di Istanbul) by Ferzan Ozpetek, Awardwinner Turkish director who lives in Italy

Uzak by Nuri Bilge Ceylan, Awardwinner Turkish director

Kedi: Documentary on cats of Istanbul, by Ceyda Torun

A Touch of Spice, by Tassos Boulmetis

Anlat Istanbul, by Umit Unal

Istanbul beneath my wings, by Mustafa Altioklar

Nadide Hayat, by Cagan Irmak

Steam: Turkish Bath, by Ferzan Ozpetek

Topkapi, featuring Melina Mercouri, by Jules Dassin

Rise of Empires: Ottoman, by Emre Sahin

Inferno, by Ron Howard

From Russia with Love, by Terence Young

Love 101: Lighthearted TV series on Netflix, by Ahmet Katiksiz

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PLANS FOR 2021?

As winter is here and the world is going through challenging times, we all need to hold on to something. 

Health comes first. Now is the time to be careful and protect ourselves and others during this tough period. 

On the other hand, we do need something to hold on to. We need to hope for something, we need to keep ourselves motivated. 

Here is a little something (a new tour) that we thought would motivate you during this time and make you a little dreamy about the summer of 2021 when hopefully we will have more freedom to travel:

Sailing by the Aegean Coast

One of the best ways to enjoy nature, be outdoors and also keep your distance from crowds is to be on a sailing boat. Some of you may be familiar with the beautiful, quaint beaches of the Aegean coast of Turkey. We have some of the most beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters in the world. A week or two on the water is a great way to rejuvenate and connect with the ones you love.

You can sail, swim, eat and drink as you please. Many of these beautiful beaches also have restaurants on the water. Depending on your choice, you can dine at casual or chic restaurants by the water and get spoiled with delicious Turkish 'meze's, fresh shrimp, calamari, octopus and fresh fish. 

Contact us for more details, availability, rates and options. 

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NEW CULINARY EXPERIENCES FROM ISTANBULITE

Since our clients have been asking us for more culinary experiences, we decided to come up with two more authentic culinary activites in Turkey. 

Let’s start with the first one: 

Private dining with Tolon Sokmen: 

As the name suggests, this is a private dining experience in the home of Tolon Sokmen, a rael tourism connoisseur. His wife who is an amazing cook, will prepare authentic Turkish dishes for you and you will dine with them in their living room as you discuss Turkish and world history and learn about the secrets of Turkish food and recipes from his wife.

Check it out here: https://bit.ly/2UdXpnF

Homemade Cooking Class in Cappadocia:

This class takes place in a village in Cappadocia. The renovated stone arched house of the family is a great place to learn about local Cappadocia cooking. You will pick the ingredients from the organic garden of the family and cook with the lady in their home and then eat everything you have cooked together at their home. 

Check it out here: https://bit.ly/2zGuC2f

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Spring in Istanbul

Once again, spring is here! This is the most beautiful time for Istanbul. 

So, what can you do in the spring in Istanbul?

- Private yacht tour along the Bosphorus

- Explore the local neighborhoods by the Bosphorus (Arnavutköy, Ortaköy)

- Have breakfast outdoors (Bebek Kahvesi is a great option, right on water)

- Take a horse carriage ride in one of the Prince Islands

- Ride a bicycle on the Prince Islands

- Ride a bicycle on the Asian side of Istanbul (around Caddebostan)

- Explore up and coming Fener & Balat neighborhoods

- Check out Istanbul Tulip Festival

- Check out Istanbul Film Festival

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istanbulites have flocked to the moving exhibition of the world famous Chinese artist Ai Wei Wei at Sabanci Museum in Istanbul. 

The exhibition which was supposed to end in January was extended till March 11th. If you are in town till then, make sure you pay this impressive exhibition a visit and you would get to see Sabanci Museum and her permanent Islamic art collection as a bonus. Lunch at MSA next door is highly recommended as well.

Ai Wei Wei’s moving exhibition is though provoking and also a feast for the eye. It is one of the best exhibitions the city has seen in awhile. The exhibition is free for everyone on Wednesday and the museum is open everyday except Monday. 

It is also possible to visit the exhibition with a guide who would explain you what you are looking at and give you background information about the artist, his stance on world politics and more. 

Watching this video would be helpful before visiting the exhibition:

It would provide you with a good background and a better understanding of Ai Wei Wei’s works.

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WHAT TO DO IN FEBRUARY IN ISTANBUL FOR SECOND TIMERS

Istanbul is a city that has a lot to offer. Obviously, no visit can be complete without seeing the must-see historical sights, but the city has much more to offer than Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. 

Once you have covered those sights in your first visit, it is time to explore this magnificient city and see everything else that even locals do not have time to explore.

So, what else can you do once you have seen the highlights of the historical peninsula?

- How about riding your bicycle on the Prince Islands where no private cars are allowed? Feeling lazy? You can always go for a ride in nostalgic horse carriage cars.

- How about strolling through the streets of Fener & Balat and experiencing how these two historical neighborhoods are being gentrified with all the vintage stores, auction houses and hip cafe’s opening up.

- Curious to see one of the most important spirituals leaders in the world? You can actually walk in to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate on most Sundays and get a chance to meet and maybe even take a picture with the sympathetic leader of the Greek Orthodox Community, the Patriarch himself.

- Grab your camera and walk out before sunrise to capture the most amazing scenes around Suleymaniye Mosque.

- Always wanted to go to Asia but could not do it? Here is your chance to hop on a public ferry and make it to the Asian (known as ‘Anatolian’ by istanbulites) side of Istanbul and get lost taking photographs of the lively, local market place of Kadıköy.

- How about watching the sun go down over the Sea of Marmara as you sip your Turkish coffee? Head to Moda and sit in one of the casual tea gardens and just take in the view.

There are tons of other things to do in Istanbul, this is just a brief selection for those of you who are planning to revisit one of the most beautiful cities on Earth? 

Ready for the adventure? Reach out. 

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PAMUK’S ‘ISTANBUL’ IS NUMBER 14

‘Istanbul: Memories and the City’ is chosen among the 17 books that inspired travelers by AFAR Media. As a host for 7 years now, we have had many guests who had read Pamuk’s Istanbul prior to visiting Istanbul.

The book is a great one to read even if one is a local here. Pamuk gives a very good backdrop of the city, especially from the 70s, with excerpts from various famous traveler’s accounts. One learns about the history of the city, combined with the social and political life of the modern republic. Pamuk talks about the neighborhood he grew up with and provides with historical and social details.

Accompanied by black and white pictures of the city and the writer himself, the book is a great one to read on Istanbul, one of the most mesmerizing cities in the world.

If you have more than three days in the city, it would be worth to visit, Museum of Innocence in Çukurcuma as well, the only museum in the world that has been inspired by a book by the same name. Pamuk did something revolutionary with this museum. The museum is a renovated historical wooden house with objects from the 70s when the novel is set. Love and obsession of Kemal Bey is depicted on the walls of this museum. You can sit there, read parts of the book and admire the objects. Even if you have not met the book, the museum is still interesting as it portrays the 70s Istanbul.

We have visited the Museum of Innocence with many of our guests all of whom have appreciated this unique idea.

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HOW TO DO CHRISTMAS IN ISTANBUL

For sure, Istanbul is not the first city that comes to mind when you say Christmas, yet it is one of the best alternative spots to enjoy the holidays since you can do many things at once; improve your history while visiting famous UNESCO world heritage sites, attend multilingual Christmas ceremonies in various historical Catholic churches of the city, spoil yourself in the world famous Turkish bath (remember Buston Keaton’s movie, ‘Seven Chances’ or Ferhan Ozpetek’s movie ‘Steam: Turkish Bath’) and splurge as you shop yourself out in the Grand Bazaar where you can find famous Turkish towels, fine cashmere & pashminas for holiday gifts and admire handmade Anatolian kilims and carpets, Byzantine and Ottoman influenced & modern jewellery, traditional and modern silverware & silver jewellery, home textiles (remember ‘ikat’ -woven silk from Central Asia- that is used to cover pillow cases in many Manhattan homes), fine leather purses and bags and much more in the world’s first shopping mall and biggest covered bazaar.

Istanbul is home to some of the most important UNESCO World Heritage sites. World famous Hagia Sophia -biggest church of her time- and Suleymaniye Mosque -finest example of world famous Ottoman architect Sinan in Istanbul- (his masterpiece is in Edirne, in the second capital of the Ottoman Empire), are only some of them. The city is largely home to Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, however her heritage is not limited to those two famous empires. Here you can trace Genoese heritage when you look at Galata Tower, Jewish heritage as you walk past Ahrida Synagogue (oldest one in the city) and many others, Armenian heritage as you visit various churches (predominantly Georgian, though Catholic and Protestant are present as well) in different neighborhoods of the city.

It is not only her world famous historical sites that make Istanbul so special, it is actually her geography. The Bosphorus (famous strait that divides Europe and Asia) and the Golden Horn (quiet natural harbour used both by Byzantines and Ottomans) make her unique. A cruise down the Bosphorus is remedy for all kinds of souls, watching the sunset over the Golden Horn is mesmerizing and a walk by the blue waters of the Bosphorus is rejuvenating.

All in all, this is where you can relax, spoil yourself with holiday gifts, improve your history, indulge yourself in the very rich traditional and contemporary Turkish cuisine and sip less known yet brilliant Turkish wine and watch the sun go down over the most eastern part of Europe. 

We have created a special itinerary for Christmas though all our itineraries will be available throughout Christmas and New Years. 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!

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ICONIC SHOTS OF ISTANBUL

Istanbul is a very picturesque city, one that allows the visitor to take great shots! 

We have collected a few for you. On your next visit, you can make your way around the city and take these shots as well!

Enjoy!

VIEW FROM THE GALATA TOWER

Check out the following tours in order to take this shot:

I have three days in Istanbul

I have four days in Istanbul

ISTIKLAL AVENUE & FAMOUS NOSTALGIC TRAM

Check out the following tours in order to take this shot:

I have three days in Istanbul

I have four days in Istanbul

HAGIA SOPHIA INTERIOR

Check out the following tours in order to take this shot:

I only have a day in Istanbul

I have a weekend in Istanbul

I have three days in Istanbul

I have four days in Istanbul

UNDERGROUND CISTERN

Check out the following tours in order to take this shot:

I only have a day in Istanbul

I have a weekend in Istanbul

I have three days in Istanbul

I have four days in Istanbul

WORLD FAMOUS BLUE MOSQUE

Check out the following tours in order to take this shot:

I only have a day in Istanbul

I have a weekend in Istanbul

I have three days in Istanbul

I have four days in Istanbul

ORTAKOY MOSQUE BY THE BOSPHORUS

Check out ‘Private Yacht Tour Along the Bosphorus’ or the following tours in order to take this shot:

I have a weekend in Istanbul

I have three days in Istanbul

I have four days in Istanbul

MOST FAMOUS INSTAGRAM SPOT OF ISTANBUL - ROOFTOP PICTURE

Check out ‘Rooftops of Istanbul’ tour in order to take this shot.

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COOL AND COOLING PLACES TO WORK IN ISTANBUL

(Special post for expat freelancers or visiting freelancers in Istanbul)

June has become way too warm for all istanbulites. For freelancers, this means that you might not be enjoying your regular cafe if it is not cooling enough. 

We put together a list of places that you can work with without complaining about the humidity.

For visitors who brought work with them, this list is for you to get out of your hotel and work in the same environment with the locals and experience the city as you work.

So, here we go:

Salt Galata:

Summer or winter, this is one of our favorite spots in town. It can be for doing research, strolling through the maze of interesting books or for working on your computer. Salt Galata (former Ottoman bank building) offers one of the best public libraries in the city. It is frequented by students of various ages and freelancers. The place is comfortable, has inspiring architecture and is located very centrally. When you stop for a break, you have a great cafeteria right by it as well. At the end of your work day, you can go up to Neolokal for a cocktail or a great meal as well. 

It is open from 10 am to 8pm between Tuesday and Saturday. It is closed on Mondays and open between noon and 6pm on Sundays.

Entrance is free.

Yazane Istiklal:

Coolest work space in town. Yazane has moved to even a more central location. It is located on Istiklal Avenue, very close to Galatasaray High School. 

Yazane is a great co-working space where many local and international freelancers work. It is a great place to meet interesting people and work in a comfortable environment. Yazane also organizes lots of cool activities, anything from yoga classes to coding courses and workshops to after work parties. 

Yazane is open everyday and you do not have to be a member, you can pay as you go.

Cafe Nero, Bebek:

If you are a sucker for Bosphorus view, even when you work, this is your place. Four floors with the view of the most picturesque bay in the city, Cafe Nero Bebek is a great place to get your coffee and work on your laptop.

You will be surrounded by freelancers and students here, have A/C and you can eat, drink all day and no one will bother you.

Minoa, Akaretler:

This cute bookshop has a lovely cafe where you can work in peace. Minoa has become one of the favorites of the neighborhood and has a great collection of interesting books as well. If you want to take a break and get lost in the shelves, you will definitely find something interesting. You do not have to go out for food either, the place serves breakfast and lunch. You can spoon your granola and fruits as you sit in front of your computer contemplating about your new project.

Mitte, Kadıköy:

Kadıköy has loads of cafes and restaurants, however this one is located in a quiet street, has a lovely courtyard in front of it and has some of the greatest cakes in the hood for your motivational break. You can freshen up with a mint milkshake if you wish. The place is very suitable for working or socializing with a friend. It is spacious and has a lovely, peaceful courtyard right in front of it. Needless to say, music is superb as well.

Atölye Kafası, Balat:

Atölye Kafası is one of the coolest spots that has popped up in Balat. It is by the road and is quite spacious. The place is owned by two musicians and wood artists who actually make cool wooden objects and sell them to many well known restaurant and cafe’s in Istanbul. Meanwhile, they have turned their cool atelier into a cafe. You can go there for watching a game, catching up with a friend over coffee or just working by yourself. Charming interior, friendly hosts and good music make it worth the trip. You can also buy most of the works you see around you. There is a lot of temptation! After a hard day’s work, you can stay for an acoustic concert as well.

Sunday Coffee Bar, Nişantaşı:

Many call this their ‘office’, so it is no secret. Right in the heart of Nişantaşı, Summer Cafe is a great place to work. You will feel welcomed here with other freelancers as you work all day on your computer.  You can choose from their long menu of coffee and tea choices. One of the few places where you come across a long menu of tea as well. 

Atölye Istanbul:

Bomonti is on her way to becoming the new hip neighborhood of the city. Bomontiada is the main engine of this wave of change. It is the place istanbulites frequent on warm summer evenings. But Bomontiada is the office of some during the day as well. Atölye Istanbul, a new breed of co-working space has been founded here, right by Babylon Bomonti. It is not only a co-working space, but also a co-creation space. The founders are keen on creating a vibe in the space where members can create projects together. They call their space a ‘creativity platform’. Most people are members, but you can also stop by for a day.

Ops Cafe, Karaköy:

One of the classics of Karaköy area. One of the earlier establishments here, though it is still as popular as ever. Great work space, full of art on the walls, great menu to choose from and good company. Right in the heart of Karaköy as well. Try Ops Cafe for a day and you will get very comfortable. If you are meeting a friend for dinner, you can stay at your spot and your friend can join you for good food and wine. 

ENJOY YOUR WORK DAY!