Istanbul's beauty, culture, and history attract travellers worldwide to emerge and experience the city with their loved ones. From experiencing a romantic sunset at the Golden Horn to visiting historic palace museums hand in hand in the ancient streets of Istanbul, your romantic endeavours in Istanbul will get even better. The mosaics of Hagia Sophia will astonish you, and watching the sunrise at Cappadocia in a hot air balloon will be unforgettable.
Here is the list of 14 romantic places in Istanbul:
1. Camalica Hill Istanbul
Camalica Hill, also known as Camalica Tepesi, gives the bird's eye view of the fairy tale city of Istanbul, perfect for a romantic afternoon date with your partner. This hill is located 288 m above sea level, and the pine trees that once covered Camlica Hill's slopes gave the area its name. The history of the place dates back to the Ottoman era when they used the hill to train falcons and left behind some pavilions from that period. The hill is populated with multiple cafes, teahouses, and restaurants to spend a good time around. From this viewpoint, travellers can also notice the famous Bosphorus Bridge and the mouth of the Golden Horn. If you have a little more time, walk through the narrow and beautiful lanes, and discover mosques and the Camalica Tower.
A romantic getaway on the Bosphorus strait, which separated Anatolia from the Thrace, is worth the experience. Multiple cruise options are available along the Bosphorus Strait, where you can enjoy exotic live music, relive the traditional folk culture through dance and music, and enjoy a dinner with your partner with the best flavours. There will be enough drinks, cocktails and mocktails, exotic medallions, spring rolls, Turkish dessert, and much more. You will also witness the Ottoman-era palaces, releasing the beauty of the coast on which the city is built. The cruise passes below the famous Bosphorus Bridge and Mehmed Bridge. The trip takes roughly 3 hours and will be forever memorable.
3. Hagia Sophia
If you are a couple who loves to visit religious places together, then Hagia Sophia is an excellent option. Also known as the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, this mosque originally existed in the Roman era as a church. It remained so for over a thousand years, which is now the major highlight of Byzantine architectural excellence. During the rise of the Ottoman Empire, this turned into a mosque for more than five hundred years, and now it is turned into a museum. There is a small prayer room inside the museum where you can pray if you want to. The 107 columns, known as the wishing column, perspiring columns, and sweating column, add to the museum's grandeur. It is also believed that your dreams come true if you put your finger through the hole in the middle, and it becomes wet.
Experience the most dramatic sunset with your partner at this romantic juncture of Golden Horn. It is a natural estuary connecting with the Bosphorus, where it meets with the Sea of Marmara, separating the Old Istanbul from the new one. The charm of the Golden Horn is the golden sunset lovers can experience from both coasts. The Golden Horn Metro bridge runs straight through the estuary and is between the Galata and Ataturk Bridges. To enjoy the essence more, you can also choose to go for a Golden Horn boat ride and dive into the beauty of the water. Watch the glittering coast of the Bosphorus, the famous Ciragen palace, and a glimpse of the Maiden Tower during the sunset and have an unforgettable experience.
5. Price Islands
If ancient architecture and romantic coastlines attract you, you must visit the incredible Prince Islands along the Istanbul coastlines. These are nine small islands in the Sea of Marmara, out of which only four are accessible to the public: Buyukada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, and Kinaliada. On the peaceful roads of the Price Islands, you will notice one of the most important modes of transportation: horse-drawn carts scattered all over. Fuel-driven vehicles are not permitted here. Hence you will only see bicycles, electric buses, and electric taxis with zero sound pollution anywhere. The quaint streets of Prince islands will take you to the bygone European era. There are beautiful monasteries like St Yorgi Monastery, museums like Sait Faik Abasiyanik Museum, and multiple beachside eating options to explore exquisite Turkish food and delicacy.
6. Ortakoy Neighbourhood
The Ortaköy neighbourhood of Istanbul was once a charming fishing community, visited mainly by couples of that time due to its lovely ambience. It is now a wealthy waterfront area situated in the centre of the European side of the Bosphorus. There are ample engagements to dive into, like exploring the art galleries, enjoying a cup of coffee in the Turkish cafes, relishing tasty cuisine for lunch, and enjoying the scattered Byzantine architecture all around. There is the Neo-Baroque style famous Ortakoy Mosque; the 19871 built Ciragan Palace is now considered one of the most luxurious hotels of all time and has unnumbered restaurants. Don't forget to enjoy the vibe of the coastal tea gardens and brunch at the House Cafe. Baked potatoes are a must to eat here.
7. Beyoglu
To experience the best nightlife in Istanbul, cross the Golden Horn and visit the glorious Beyoglu district of Istanbul. Explore the bohemian neighbourhood of Cihangir and Cukurcuma, adorned with the colours and spirits of all kinds of people. You can find multiple antique shops, bohemian cafes, and outstanding architecture. Do not miss the fun of the nightlife at Nevizade street. The European vibe of this neighbourhood connects perfectly with the vibe of the ancient pubs, modern bars, and amazing clubs. There are multiple dining options here, serving fresh Turkish food and dessert at every corner. If you have a little time in hand, definitely visit the Miniaturk, which has miniature models of all the historical spots of Turkey. Or you can enjoy a slow evening in the boutiques, buying souvenirs and much more.
8. Maiden's Tower and Galata tower
The Maiden's Tower and Galata Tower are two legendary towers encompassing the beautiful city of Istanbul, weaving stories of love and lovers for a long, long time. The age of Maiden's tower dates back to the 5th century BC, while the Galata tower was built in 507 during the reign of the Romans. Legends say that if you climb up to the top of this tower with your lover, destiny will help you connect and marry. Other stories say that these two towers have been in love since immemorial. Bosphorus stops them from reaching each other. It is said that Galata tower writes to Maiden Tower to express her love for him. Eventually, when Hazerfen took a successful leap from Galata to Maiden's, he received the letter, only to understand that her love wasn't answered. Get a bird's eye view of the entire city from this lover's point.
9. Milka Restaurant
Milka Restaurant in Istanbul
Plan a fine dining experience at the Milka Restaurant of Istanbul, which has ranked among the world's 50 best restaurants since 2015. It was opened in 2005 with the vision of Mehmet Gurs, the Chef-Owner, to give it a feel of the Turkish-Scandinavian backdrop. You can see the fine blending of ancient techniques with modern ones resulting in delicious outcomes. The inside ambience is stylish and contemporary, with a retro theme and a wooden rail-sleepers bar. You can taste the Celeriac with charred tomato and watercress or stick to the classic three-course a la Carte Menu. There is a wide range of cocktails, including Sabahat, Diplomat, Barbaros, Cosima, and many more.
Address: Asmalı Mescit, The Marmara Pera, Meşrutiyet Cd. No:15, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey Hours - Monday to Saturday - 6:00 AM to 2:00 AM Phone: +90 212 293 56 56
10. Topkapi Palace Museum
Overlooking the beauty of the Marmara sea lies the Topkapi Palace Museum, which is the epitome of architectural excellence and historical richness. This palace was built in the 15th century during Ottoman rule and was turned into the administrative headquarters of the then-era. Now turned into a museum, this palace is the home to precious ornaments, beautiful paintings, and a must to notice Harem. The entire palace bears a resemblance to Ottoman and Baroque styles of architecture. Get an insight into how royals of ancient times used to live through the miniature paintings and see the first ever world map made in 1513. If the library is your go-to friend, don't miss the pool of 20,000 manuscripts kept and well preserved in the library containing historical stories of all time.
Address: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Hours: Wednesday to Monday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Phone: +90 212 512 04 80
11. Lokanta 1741
Lokanta 1741
Enjoying a romantic meal together at the Lokanta 1741, which used to be a bar in the 80s and 90s, is a perfect way to enjoy Istanbul with your partner. This cafe is located in the same complex as the 300-year-old Cagaloglu Hamam and shares the same iconic entrance gate. This is a two-storey restaurant. The cherry on the cake is the romantic roof terrace in this contemporary-style eatery. Apart from the romantic ambience, you will also droll over the traditional Turkish flavours ranging from the kebabs to the desserts. Every plate served has unique flavours and textures adoring the food. Lokanta 1741 also serves excellent seafood like baby squid in ink sauce and some of the most pleasing appetizers. If you are into drinks, do not miss the fantastic mix of mocktails and fine wine from here.
Address: Alemdar, Prof. Kazım İsmail Gürkan Cd. No:34, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Hours: 12:00 PM to 11:30PM, closed on Sunday Phone: +90 533 145 17 41
12. Turkish Bath
Experience the traditional baths of Turkey through the Turkish bath Massage, a tradition which is existed since the 16th century. The process includes massage with a scrub and full body exfoliation, which only refreshes the body but also rejuvenates the body with proper blood circulation. Turkish baths are known as Hammams in Turkey, where people can come and relax for hours. If you want to spend quality time individually, experience the hammam culture. There are also exquisite couple massage packages for your romantic date in Istanbul. There are multiple Turkish bath options like Aga Hamami, Cagaloglu Hamami, Cukurcuma Hamami, and many others.
13. Basilica Cistern
You must have seen some of the most famous films being shot inside this historic Basilica Cistern of Istanbul. A romantic afternoon explores the details of the Medusa Head, the intricate column structure, and the outstanding ambience inside. There are 200 Istanbul cistern structures, and only six are open to guests. The Basilica Cistern is the largest and most viewed site in Istanbul. The history of the place dates back to the mid-16th century when P.Gyllius discovered it. Explore the 336 columns, which carry the essence of Corinth and Doric style of architecture, and don't forget to see the tear-like shaped column in the underground palace, which never stops 'crying' according to legend. If you are lucky enough, you can also see the exceptional exhibitions or the concerts arranged in the Basilica once in a while.
Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Hours - Open on all day - 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM Phone: +90 212 512 15 70
14. Beylerbeyi Palace
If are a lover of the palace and fairytales. In that case, you must visit the Beylerbeyi Palace in Istanbul to experience the grandeur and enigma of the history of this place. This grand palace Beyberbeyi, meaning Lord of Lords, was built in the 19th century and used to home important dignitaries in its 24 large rooms, 6 halls, and an out-of-the-world hamam. Everything has grandness, from the large marble pool to the ancient French clocks, gigantic bohemian chandeliers, and exciting staircases. There are still items of furniture made by Haren and selamlik under the display. One of the most romantic places inside the Beylerbeyi Palace is the pretty garden cafe, where you can catch the Bosphorus and try some Turkish refreshments in a perfect ambience.
Address: Beylerbeyi, Beylerbeyi Kavşağı, 34676 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Turkey Hours - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM , Closed on Monday Phone: +90 216 321 93 20
Enjoy unlimited Turkish food, excellent architecture, perfect Ambience, and excellent nightlife in Istanbul with your loved one.
