As the November chill sets in and evenings grow longer, our thoughts drift eastward, to a place where continents meet, empires whisper, and the air itself seems perfumed with history. Let’s plan an escape to Istanbul, the city where East meets West, past meets present, and luxury takes on a story of its own.
Few cities can match Istanbul’s depth of culture. Once Byzantium, then Constantinople, and the capital of the Ottoman Empire, it was shaped by emperors, sultans, traders, and travelers. Every corner holds a story: the mosaics of Hagia Sophia, the grandeur of Topkapı Palace, and the busy ferries that crisscross the Bosphorus each day.
Yet, beyond its heritage, Istanbul has become a hub of modern creativity. Designer boutiques, contemporary art galleries, and Michelin-starred restaurants have redefined its cultural map. Whether you’re sipping Turkish coffee in Nişantaşı or browsing concept stores in Galata, the city’s energy is irresistible.
Arrive in style — through Galataport Istanbul
If you want to arrive in true style, choose a cruise and let your journey begin at Galataport Istanbul, the city’s striking new waterfront district. More than just a cruise terminal, Galataport is a marvel of engineering and design, the first port in the world with an underground terminal, allowing ships to dock while preserving the pedestrian promenade above.
Step ashore and you’ll find yourself surrounded by international designer boutiques, fine dining terraces, and breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, the legendary strait that unites Europe and Asia. This is Istanbul, modern and cosmopolitan, yet deeply rooted in its maritime soul.
Barbara's best places to stay in Istanbul
The Peninsula Istanbul
Just steps away from the port lies The Peninsula Istanbul, one of the most exciting luxury hotel openings in recent years. Overlooking the serene waters of the Golden Horn, the hotel occupies a series of restored historic buildings that seamlessly blend Ottoman architecture with the timeless elegance of the Peninsula brand.
Inside, light floods through arched windows onto handwoven Turkish textiles, marble mosaics, and curated art that pays homage to the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman legacy. Outside, the landscaped gardens and private marina create a sanctuary in the heart of the city.
Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul — the spirit of Ottoman grandeur
On the Bosphorus’s glittering European shore stands Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, the very embodiment of regal indulgence. Once the residence of Ottoman sultans, today it welcomes guests to experience imperial luxury reimagined for the modern traveler.
The palace’s marble columns and hand-carved ceilings speak of a bygone era, while its contemporary suites and infinity pool open directly to the sea. Dining on the terrace, you’ll watch boats glide past under the moonlight, the same waters that once carried the empire’s grandest processions.
Pera Palace — the birthplace of modern hospitality
Fancy a trip in time and a little bit of mystery? Make your way to the Pera Palace Hotel. Built in 1892 to accommodate passengers arriving on the Orient Express, it was the first building in Istanbul to have electricity and an elevator. Within its Belle Époque interiors, generations of writers, diplomats, and artists found inspiration. Agatha Christie wrote part of Murder on the Orient Express here; Ernest Hemingway drank in its bar; and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey, stayed so frequently that Room 101 is now preserved as a museum in his honor.
Did we mention Orient Express? Yes, the legendary train will take you on a 5-day journey from Paris to Istanbul, where you can be Hercule Poirot and solve century-old crimes. Don’t forget to wear your best frock, though. The Orient Express website clearly states, “You can never be overdressed on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train!”
Istanbul must-sees
The Grand Bazaar
A visit to Istanbul is never complete without wandering through the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and most mesmerizing markets. Dating back to the 15th century, its labyrinthine corridors house over 4,000 shops brimming with treasures: silk scarves, gold jewelry, hand-painted ceramics, and the scent of spices that fill the air.
It is quite impossible to leave the Grand Bazaar hungry, but in case you are looking for a larger feast, you might want to book at table at TURK. It is a Michelin-starred restaurant that has redefined Turkish gastronomy. Helmed by Chef Fatih Tutak, who returned home after years in some of the world’s top kitchens, the restaurant celebrates the depth and diversity of Anatolian cuisine with a modern, poetic touch. Each dish tells a story of Turkey’s landscapes and traditions, from the Black Sea to the Aegean.
Are you enjoying the trip in time that Istanbul offers? How about visiting Neolokal? Nestled in the historic Salt Galata building overlooking Karaköy and the shimmering Bosphorus, Neolokal blends heritage with innovation in a culinary dialogue. Under the lead of chef Maksut Aşkar, the kitchen revives endangered traditions and locally sourced ingredients, carefully reimagined through modern techniques and elegant presentation. It’s a dining experience that honors the past, while looking ahead. Make sure you try one of their signature dishes, which is the modern interpretation of the classic Turkish dumpling, or içli köfte. This version features a bulgur-based shell filled with spiced minced beef, pine nuts and dried fruit, served alongside a delicate yogurt emulsion and drizzled with parsley oil.
The Hürrem Sultan Hammam — rituals of renewal
After a day of exploration, surrender to one of Istanbul’s oldest luxuries, the Turkish bath. The most exquisite of them all is the Hürrem Sultan Hammam, located between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Commissioned in the 16th century by Hürrem Sultan, wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the hammam remains a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and wellness. Within its domed halls of white marble, attendants guide guests through time-honored rituals: steam sessions, kese exfoliation, foam massage, and aromatherapy oils, making you feel like a sultan!
The eternal city of two continents
Istanbul is a city that cannot be defined, it must be felt. It’s the shimmer of the Bosphorus at dawn, the echo of the call to prayer over ancient rooftops, the laughter in a café in Beyoğlu, and the golden light that turns mosques and palaces into poetry at sunset.
To visit Istanbul is to travel through time and across worlds. From the grandeur of its palaces to the intimacy of its hammams, every experience tells a story, one of beauty, power, and the art of living well. So, as November unfolds and the nights draw in, let the warmth of Istanbul lure you.
Photo credits
Main image: Gary Yeowell/Getty
Check out these other 'best luxury destinations'
Click the links below to fill your eyes with Barbara Czyzewska's previous selections as 'World's best luxury destinations':
#1 - St. Moritz: https://www.glion.edu/magazine/worlds-best-luxury-destinations-1-st-moritz/
#2 - Zimbabwe: https://www.glion.edu/magazine/worlds-best-luxury-destinations-2-zimbabwe/
#3 - French Polynesia: https://www.glion.edu/magazine/worlds-best-luxury-destinations-3-french-polynesia/
#4 - American 'Great Outdoors': https://www.glion.edu/magazine/worlds-best-luxury-destinations-4-american-great-outdoors/
#5 - Japan's spring blossom season: https://www.glion.edu/magazine/worlds-best-luxury-destinations-5-japan-spring-blossom-sakura-season/
#6 - Paris in private: https://www.glion.edu/magazine/worlds-best-luxury-destinations-6-paris-in-private-more-intimate-luxury/
