On first impression, Istanbul can seem a touch demure. But beneath its inimitable skyline is a teeming, triumphant metropolis with imperial history, intrigue and entrepreneurial zeal written into its streets. It’s a city constantly being remade and reimagined, and the resulting sense of opportunity and vigour is palpable.
Monocle has sought out must-sees with an eye beyond the obvious, whether it’s visiting the next up-and-coming neighbourhood—teeming with eateries, discerning clothiers and coffee houses—or dropping into an old-school kuafor for a haircut. This guide will point you in the right direction for the finest places to eat, drink and shop, and navigate you through the city’s architectural gems, from Ottoman follies converted into art centres to backstreet Byzantine beauties. So join Monocle for a cross-continental jaunt with bites of simit-size lore thrown in for good measure. Now don’t miss that ferry!
About the Publication
As Monocle’s editors and correspondents dart from city to city, they get to know the best places to rest their heads, stretch their limbs and kick back with a contact in a hard-to-find yet unmissable spot. That information is made available in a line-up of titles that speaks to you in an informed but informal way about everything from architecture to art, late-night hidden gems to early-morning markets. These are books that go beyond the traditional tourist beats to make sure you get the best out of a city—no matter how short your stay.
About the Publisher
gestalten continues to actively reimagine how it approaches publishing and wishes to inform and inspire its community and, in turn, be inspired by it. With its extensive range of titles, gestalten not only seeks to enhance and enrich its readers’ lives but to also continually engage with the surrounding creative landscape.
