Istanbul doesn’t do one thing at a time. It’s layered, fast, loud, quiet, historic, modern—often all on the same street. You’ll cross continents between breakfast and dinner, catch the call to prayer between espresso stops, and find the best meal of your trip somewhere you didn’t plan to go.

We opened a bunqr here for a reason. There’s movement, energy, and just the right kind of chaos.

With bunq in your pocket, you can keep up without missing a beat. Spend in lira, track in euro, and skip the fees with ZeroFX. All the freedom, none of the fuss.

Where to Stay

1. The Peninsula
Right on the Bosphorus, The Peninsula blends old-world glamour with modern luxury. Think marble baths, waterfront views, and a rooftop pool that feels like a quiet moment above the city’s buzz. Service is sharp, rooms are serene, and the location puts you steps from museums, ferries and the city’s most iconic sights. It’s definitely a splurge, but it delivers.

2. Triada Hotel Büyükada
For something slower and more local, head to the islands. Triada sits in the pine-covered hills of Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands. Expect peaceful balconies, soft sea breezes, and breakfast under the trees. A perfect reset from the city’s rhythm.

Tip: You’ll need a Type C or F plug (the standard across most of Europe) and 230V voltage. If you're coming from the UK or US, bring an adapter.

Where to Eat & Drink

3. Çiya
Tucked into the lively streets of Kadıköy, Çiya is more than a restaurant. It’s a culinary archive. The menu spans every corner of Turkey and beyond, from lamb with sour cherries to fragrant pilafs and stuffed vegetables. Every dish has a story, and it shows. The setting is warm and unfussy, letting the food do the talking. For a taste of Anatolia that goes way beyond the usual, Çiya is essential.

Tip: Turkey doesn’t use the euro, but with ZeroFX, you pay in lira, fee-free and with the real exchange rate. That’s one less thing to think about while you’re enjoying the meze.

4. Yer
Small, seasonal and full of soul, Yer is the kind of place you’ll want to keep to yourself. The menu is rooted in Turkish comfort food—slow-roasted vegetables, tahini, house-made sourdough—served in a space that’s quiet, wooden and welcoming. The kitchen changes with what’s fresh, but the vibe is always the same. Calm, thoughtful and worth crossing the Bosphorus for.

5. Naga Putrika
Set in a peaceful Moda garden, Naga Putrika serves curated regional breakfasts inspired by cities like Antakya and Van. Expect fresh cheeses, olives, honey, warm bazlama and golden fried dough. It’s slow, local and deeply satisfying. Come hungry and stay as long as you like.

Tip: Not sure how much you just spent on breakfast? Instant Notifications show the exact amount in euros. No math. No surprises. Just more time to enjoy your morning.

6. TURK Fatih Tutak
A bold reimagining of Turkish cuisine, TURK Fatih Tutak is where heritage meets haute. Chef Fatih Tutak draws on his roots and global experience to craft a tasting menu that’s both personal and world-class—fermented tomato dolma, dry-aged lamb, even lokum like you’ve never had it before. 

7. Arkaoda
Part bar, part music venue and part cultural institution, Arkaoda is a Kadıköy staple. Inside, it’s dim and nostalgic. Outside, a leafy garden that fills up fast. The drinks are simple, the playlists are good and the atmosphere always delivers.

8. Bina
Bina does a bit of everything. Set in a repurposed Moda townhouse, it blends bar, gallery and hangout space in one. Come for an art show, stay for a cocktail, end up on the terrace until late. It’s creative, fluid and full of energy—just like the neighbourhood it calls home.

Tip: Card is king in most of Istanbul. Cafés, bars, ferries, and even street food stalls often accept contactless payments. Still, it’s smart to carry a bit of cash for smaller markets or older spots.

Where to Explore

9. Istanbul Modern
Perched on the edge of the Bosphorus, Istanbul Modern has just reopened in a sleek new space designed by Renzo Piano. Inside, you’ll find contemporary Turkish and international art—photography, sculpture, installations—all in dialogue with the city just outside the glass. Bold, clean and worth the trip.

10. SALT Beyoğlu
Right on İstiklal Avenue, SALT Beyoğlu blends art, architecture and research into a space that feels more like a cultural lab than a gallery. Exhibitions explore urban life, collective memory and modern history. Upstairs, it’s all art. Downstairs, there’s a bookshop and café. All of it is worth your time.

11. Arter
One of Istanbul’s most ambitious art spaces, Arter is sharp, spacious and full of edge. Expect large-scale installations, sound art and shows that provoke thought without saying too much. If you want to see where Turkish contemporary art is going, start here.

Where to Unwind

12. Burgazada
A short ferry from the city, Burgazada is the quietest of the Princes’ Islands. No cars. No rush. Just pine trees, slow cafés and peaceful coves. Rent a bike, grab a simit and let the afternoon unfold by the water.

13. Fenerbahçe Parkı
On the edge of Kadıköy, this coastal park reaches into the Marmara Sea like a green peninsula. Locals walk, read and watch the city skyline light up at sunset. It’s simple, still and one of the best ways to end your day.

14. Caddebostan Beach
This isn’t some hidden escape—it’s right in the city, and that’s exactly why locals love it. On warm days, the promenade comes alive with swimmers, picnickers, and sunset strollers. Grab a spot on the grass, crack open a cold drink, and watch the city unwind in real time.

Tip: The ferry is your best friend. Cheap, scenic and surprisingly efficient. For longer trips, use the Metro or hop in a taxi. For extra peace of mind, you can top up your Istanbulkart with bunq in seconds.

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Istanbul is bold, busy and full of contrast. The best way to experience it is to let go of the plan, follow your curiosity and stay present in every moment. With bunq, your money moves with you—fee-free, worry-free and always under control.