Where to stay
- Ottoman mansions and boutique hotels: the most romantic, in the old city. See charming hotels in Istanbul.
- Galata and Karaköy: a trendy area, views of the Golden Horn, restaurants and rooftops. See hotels in Galata and Karaköy.
- Bosphorus view: rooms with a balcony over the strait. See hotels with a Bosphorus view.
- Palace hotels: for an exceptional occasion, see luxury hotels in Istanbul and the Çırağan Palace.
Mention the honeymoon when booking: a gesture (flowers, dessert, upgrade) is possible but never guaranteed.
Evenings for two
- Bosphorus dinner cruise: dinner and a show on board, with a private table possible depending on the offer chosen. See the dinner cruise and the Bosphorus cruise.
- Sunset by yacht: the most romantic, in a small group or on a private boat. See yacht and private boat on the Bosphorus.
- Hammam for two: a private bath with scrub and massage is offered in the old city. See the hammam in Istanbul and the best hammams.
- An evening in Galata or Ortaköy: a walk along the water, tea and grilled fish. See the Galata Tower and the Maiden's Tower.
How to organise the days
- Day 1: old city (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque), dinner in Karaköy.
- Day 2: Bosphorus by boat in the day, hammam for two in the evening.
- Day 3: Asian side or Galata, then the dinner cruise.
- Days 4-5: stopover in Cappadocia (see cave hotels in Cappadocia) or a beach.
For more ideas, read Istanbul for couples and proposing in Istanbul.
