Medical tourism: our best tips in Istanbul to visit, eat and go out!

Where to eat in Istanbul?

Breakfast

Probably the most important meal for Turks, and to enjoy it, go to Van Kahvaltı Evi www.facebook.com/VanKahvalti?fref=ts in the Cihangir district. Everything is there, Turkish and Kurdish specialities, a change of scenery guaranteed.

Café Caché

The Lemon Garden is an insider’s address, a haven of tranquility and greenery that you reach after a maze of corridors and stairs. For brunch, lunch or a quiet drink in the heart of Beyoglu. www.limonlubahcebeyoglu.com

Juice Bar

Founded by Rucksan, a French-Turkish woman, the Juicery Istanbul www.instagram.com/juiceryistanbul/?hl=fr and its delicious smoothies, is the ideal place to recharge your batteries with organic vitamins and minerals.

Pâtisserie

The Turkish saying “eat sweet, speak sweet” takes on its full meaning in this Belgian pastry café www.viyanakahvesi.com.tr/ near the Galata Tower, for a gourmet snack.

Anatolian Gastronomy

Ciya in Kadikoy www.ciya.com.tr/, on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. The Byzantium of Anatolian gastronomy, with a formidable chef reviving hundreds of popular recipes from the country, adapted to the seasons. Spirited.

Poetic Lunch

In the Cihangir district, a stone’s throw from Taksim, Emily’s Garden emilysgarden.com.tr/ offers a lush and poetic indoor garden. The service is refined, and the menu offers great value for money.

Authentic Kebap

Baskose, arguably the best Kebap in Nisantasi, tasty and perfectly roasted meat, impeccable welcome and service www.nisantasibaskose.com.

Where to go out in Istanbul?

Hip bar

360Istanbul, a trendy design place for a sunset drink on the rooftops of Beyoglu, after attending an art exhibition in one of the galleries of the same Art Deco building overlooking Istiklal Caddesi. www.360istanbul.com/eng/

Fish Dinner

It’s impossible to miss the best fish restaurant in Istanbul. Sur Balık Restoran Cihangir http://surbalik.com/En/ offers traditional sea cuisine, with dishes prepared to perfection. Unparalleled freshness and exceptional panoramic views of the Bosphorus.

Chic dining

In the upscale Nisantasi district, the gourmet restaurant at Swissotel The Bosphorus, 16 ROOF www.swissotel.com/hotels/istanbul/dining/16roof/. A chic atmosphere guaranteed, exceptional food and one of the most beautiful views overlooking Istanbul and the Bosphorus strait!

Culinary art

The Academy of Culinary Arts, MSA ( Mutfak sanatları akademisi www.msaninrestorani.com/en) is located in Emirgan, in the Sabancı Palace. Founded by the Sabancı family, one of the wealthiest families in Turkey, it has a restaurant open to the public, where you can enjoy Turkish and international cuisine prepared by the students, with a panoramic view over the Bosphorus. Perfect for a brunch or a gourmet dinner.

What to visit in Istanbul?

Picturesque

A ferry ride away, in the heart of Uskudar, the beautifully restored old quarter of Kuzguncuk offers a pleasant stroll, photo opportunity, stroll through the picturesque streets and a stop at some of Istanbul’s oldest pastry shops.

Stroll

The “Hans”, ancient caravanserays located between the Örücüler Kapisi and MahmutPasa Kapisi gates of the Grand Bazaar. These ancient multi-storey courtyards, once the final stops for the Silk Road merchants’ caravans, still house dozens of goldsmiths’ workshops that supply the Grand Bazaar’s shops with jewelry and trinkets. Fascinating.

Antiques & Brocantes

Çukur Cuma Caddesi, in Beyoğlu, is the district of antique dealers, painters and craftsmen, specializing in the recovery and rehabilitation of second-hand goods and antiques. A pleasure for the eyes and an exciting treasure hunt.

Hammam

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamami kilicalipasahamami.com/ offers an incredible experience! Everything is perfect in this historic 16th century establishment.

Massage

Spending time walking in Istanbul is unavoidable, and to recuperate, there’s nothing better than a traditional Thai foot massage, performed by qualified Thai women. So let’s relax at the Foot Spa! letsrelaxspa.com.tr/

Culture

In the Sisli district, the Bomonti Ada yapikredibomontiada.com/ is a famous beer factory transformed into a cultural center, with art exhibitions, open-air concerts, bars and restaurants, in a post-industrial setting.

Art

Istanbul Modern is a must for art lovers, with a great modern and contemporary collection. www.istanbulmodern.org/en

Cruise

Take a ferry from Eminönü to Anadolu Kavağı for an unforgettable cruise on the Bosphorus for the price of a metro ticket to the old fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi, a delightful neighborhood at the foot of the Anadolu Fortress. Sit on a restaurant terrace and enjoy a plate of freshly fried anchovies, the local speciality.

Belle Epoque escapade

Take the ferry from Kabatas to spend a night on the island of Büyükada. Enjoy the old-fashioned atmosphere of the Princes’ Islands and discover the sublime wooden villas (the famous Yali from the beginning of the 20th century) on foot, by bicycle or by horse-drawn carriage, and sleep for a romantic night in a pure Belle Epoque hotel, the Splendid Palace. www.splendidhotel.net/

Seaside getaway

Unknown to tourists, the yellow sandy beaches of the Black Sea, north of Istanbul, offer an ideal seaside getaway just one hour from the city center. Burç Beach is the perfect place to enjoy it.

Surfing and Kiteboarding

Yes, you can also surf and kite in Istanbul! On the Black Sea, 100m from Burç Beach, the Surf School Istanbul (www.surfschoolistanbul.com/) offers a range of surfing sports. The instructors are friendly and very professional, and the equipment is state-of-the-art!

Istanbul Welcome Card, a useful and smart pass to visit Istanbul

This tourist pass allows you to get up to 20% discount in hundreds of tourist and cultural attractions in Istanbul, avoids queues in the most popular historical monuments, and offers a free digital guide that helps you discover the city without getting lost. Purchased online, it is delivered directly to your hotel. istanbulwelcomecard.com/fr/shop