The Vavavoom - Tailor-cut Istanbul guide

Tailor-cut Istanbul experiences for modern nomads.

[thevavavoom]

Visit: Milk Gallery & Design Store

Without any doubt, here is the most colorful art space in town; paying special attention to street art and a distinctive young perception. Frequently collaborating with global partners including DC Shoes, the opening events of Milk Gallery & Design Store is spiced with interesting performances, cool people and many more are a must in Istanbul.

Why: To see local and international pioneers of innovative fields of art; mainly focusing on illustration, street art and mixed media works.

Where: Sahkulu Mah. Balkon Cikmazi 8, Beyoglu

How much: Entrance is free.

[thevavavoom]

Eat: Suat Usta 33 Mersin Tantuni

Late night eatery alert! As all the tantuni junkies might agree on, this remarkable taste consisting of diced meat, parsley, tomato and onion can be quite unpleasant when all these ingredients are not in the right hands. Heaven-sent Suat Usta serves the most delicious tantuni in town without a single doubt -we are not drawing the long bow, event their breads are home-baked! And there is more, the Beyoğlu stop of Suat Usta, having several other locations in the city, has the most perfect location. Open until 3 a.m. on sundays, 4 a.m. on the rest of the week.

Why: To eat the best tantuni wraps in town.

Where: Büyük Parmak Kapı Sokak 3, Beyoglu

How much: 8$ per person.

[thevavavoom]

Be There: The XX

The British indie-outfit will be visiting Istanbul for the very first time on August 7. Make sure to catch this special performance.

When: 7 August

Where: Parkorman (Maslak Mah. 34398 Sisli)

How much: 40TL - 100TL on biletix

[thevavavoom]

Stay: Pera Palace Hotel

The glory of Istanbul's "belle epoque" days is alive at Pera Palace Hotel, one of the most historic accommodation alternatives of the city overlooking the magnificent Golden Horn. Dating back to 19th century, the boutique hotel has 83 deluxe rooms and an impressive list of previous guests including Agatha Christie and Alfred Hitchcock. A spa with regenerating therapies, Orient Bar with delicious cocktails & a lovely terrace for summertime and Agatha Restaurant with gourmet alternatives... What more could you ask for?

The Vavavooom room:Deluxe Golden Horn Twin Room -romance at its best!

Why:Luxury without limits, a glorious history and so much more; discover it in one of İstanbul’s most lively districts Asmalımescit.

Where:Catma Mescit Mah. Tepebasi Camlik Sokak 52, Beyoglu

How much:$380-4000 per night.

[thevavavoom]

Shop: Sentetik Sezar

A hidden vintage paradise in the lovely Cihangir neighbourhood, Sentetik Sezar has it all. Don't expect to find high-end vintage goodies though, the shop -especially known for its accessory variety- is full of affordable pieces; which is rather more preferable for a casual shopping experience. Pay a special attention to the interiors and keep your fingers crossed to bump into a "bargain day." Open from Monday to Saturday.

Why: To find lovely-and-affordable-as-hell vintage goodies.

Where: Cihangir Mah., Purtelas Sokak 1/A, Beyoglu

How much: Between $5-$50

[thevavavoom]

Be There: Manolo Valdés "Paintings and Sculptures"

The Spanish pioneer of the Equipo Crónica Pop-Art movement, Manolo Valdés heads to Istanbul for an extensive exhibition, consisting of his works from 80s until now.

When: May 8 - July 21

Where: Pera Muzesi (Mesrutiyet Cad., 65, Beyoglu)

[thevavavoom]

Stay: Mama Shelter Istanbul

Chic, stylish and offbeat... Mama Shelter takes over Istanbul after its three spots in France! With its five room types offering different travel experiences from a single journey to a loud family trip, the hotel basically has it all: Mama Shop, meeting spaces, concierge and babysitting services and last but not least a delicious French restaurant with an oh-so-hip bar, frequently hosting the up-and-coming DJ's of town. Needles to mention that Mama Shelter's restaurant/bar is a hot spot for not only hotel guests but also Istanbulites, and you'll understand the reason why once you step in the "rabbit hole".

The Vavavoom room: Mama single terrace -though the terrace is more like a balcony, this compact and spacious room has it all.

Why: To get surrounded with cool details, attractive tunes and an impeccable service; we are calling out for you design afficionados! The location, by the way, is also perfect -the top clubs and bars are only in a short walking distance.

Where: Huseyin Aga Mah. Istiklal Caddesi, 50-54, Beyoglu

How much: $90-250 per night.

[thevavavoom]

Be There: The Gaslamp Killer

Turntablism at its best! Creating a fusion of lo-fi, electronica and psychedelic tunes; LA-based The Gaslamp Killer heads to Istanbul once again. Released her debut "Breakthrough" last year and received quite favorable reviews from prestigious music publications including Pitchfork and Rolling Stones, the DJ and producer is ready to rock -in his very own way, of course.

When: 24 April

Where: Babylon (Asmalı Mescit Mh. Şehbender Sokak, 3)

How much: 39 TL on biletix

[thevavavoom]

Eat: Lale İşkembecisi

Late night eatery alert! Lale İşkembecisi, which has became a legend with its tripe soup since 60s, was established by once famous street food chef Baki Akkaya. The eatery, which has located in a neoclassical building, is surrounded with wooden furniture. Not into the tripe that much? Don't panic; the grilled meatballs are the perfect choice for those who stay away from sweetbread. Open 24 hours.

Why: To taste by far the best tripe soup (or "iskembe" as locals call it) and şirden curing -ultimate late night favorites.

Where: Tarlabasi Bulvari 13, Beyoglu

How much: $10 - $15 per person.

[thevavavoom]

Be There: İrem Tok "Against the Wind"

Istanbul-based İrem Tok spent the last three months in an artist residency in Munich, away from the city life. Her second solo exhibition “Against the Wind” brings together a group of works created by the artist while taking inspiration from her time away in nature and the silence she experienced.

When: 7 March - 27 April

Where: Pilot Galeri (Siraselviler Caddesi 83/2, Beyoglu)

[thevavavoom]

Visit: Pilot Galeri

Converted from a former nightclub of 70’s into a 700-square-meter art space, Pilot Galeri is located in the heart of Beyoglu. The gallery is currently representing some of the most striking names of contemporary art scene in Turkey; including Halil Altındere, Cengiz Tekin, İrem Tok and Burak Delier.

Why: To discover local art scene at its best.

  Where: Siraselviler Caddesi 83/2, Beyoglu

How much: Entrance is free.

[thevavavoom]

Visit: SALT

With its two spots in Istanbul (located in Beyoglu + Galata), SALT is a cultural institution celebrating contemporary art, creativity and collective memory. Creating a full circle support of creativity in all its forms, SALT Beyoglu even offers you a bite of its very own tomatoes at its cafe, grown on the roof of their Istiklal Caddesi building.

Why: Inspiring ideas, remarkable exhibitions -an cup of coffee in the beautiful terrace with a desert of your choice is the cherry on the top.

Where: Asmali Mescit Mah. İstiklal Caddesi 136, Beyoglu

How much: Entrance is free.

[thevavavoom]

Be there: The Tiger Lillies

English dark cabaret/punk act The Tiger Lillies are famous for many things; their satirical lyrics, offbeat costumes, coulrophobia-encouraging make-up and mesmerizing live performances. If you are curious about how a drummer can destroy his very own set as a part of the show or how one can actually play a saw, don't miss this exquisite performance.

When: March 29

Where: Salon IKSV (Sadi Konuralp Cad, No. 5) 

How much: 40 TL on biletix.

[thevavavoom]

Shop: Building Designer Store

Now acting as the prominent spot for up-and-coming Turkish designers, Building is a multifunctional space; once popular as a cafe and currently famous for its refined selection of local names & brands including Nazli Bozdag, Elif Domanic and Tabe Kiyamet. Founded with the motto "we are building something new," this offbeat boutique hosts art shows every now and then. It is for sure that Building nourishes itself with a young and talented crew, who are responsible for the notorious Building parties as well. Ready for a warm-up? Go ahead and check out their website, serving as an e-store.

Why: To discover the rather-underground fashion scene of Istanbul.

Where: Galata, Serdar-ı Ekrem Sk. 27/A

How much: Between $25 - $1000.

[thevavavoom]

Istanbul is my favorite city in Europe -this is no secret. The history of the city is amazing, and I cannot stop talking about it to my friends, who have not seen this beautiful city yet. Istanbul is THE place to visit.

Ben Affleck, 2012, DHA.

[thevavavoom]

Eat: Durumzade

Late night eatery alert! Located perfectly at the corner of Nevizade, also known as the bar district, Durumzade is the place for happy -and delicious- endings for Beyoglu nights. The secret of Durumzade, having an undeniable popularity among the locals, are the crispy and hot lavashes, grilled alongside with the meat or chicken. The only drawback is the limited space though, but it worths to wait for a table for these magnificent wraps. Open until 4 a.m.

Why: To taste the most delicious "Adana kebab" wrap.

Where: Kalyoncu Kulluk Caddesi 26/A, Beyoğlu

How much: $5 per wrap.

[thevavavoom]

Eat: Sampiyon Kokorec

Late night eatery alert! Founded in 1962, Sampiyon Kokorec conquers Istanbul with its addictive delicacies. Having a franchise in almost every district of the city, the most famous and crowded spot of Sampiyon is the one in Nevizade, Fish Market. Does the motto 'Kokorec must be eaten at Sampiyon!' sound a bit too pretentious? Maybe yes; but still, worth visiting in the middle of a hungry night anyways. Open until 2 a.m. on mondays and tuesdays, 3 a.m. from wednesdays to fridays, 5 a.m. on saturdays and sundays.

Why: To taste the most delicious -and famous- kokorec and deep-fried mussels.

Where: Sahne Sokak 3, Beyoğlu

How much: $10 per person.