Many visitors to Istanbul flock to explore the Grand Bazaar and gorgeous Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, which celebrate the city’s rich cultural history. Decidedly less about ancient times as fresh glam modernity, Galataport on the Bosphorus waterfront is the place to see and be seen.
Visitors mingle with locals, and all night DJ-beat open-air dance parties rock the ships docked along its shore, while still respecting the culture of the country. This is evidenced by the serene soundscape of the melodic ezan call to prayer that echoes from the mosque minarets as a calming tonic over the buzz of activity.
Peninsula Hotel, Istanbul
Set along the Bosphorus waterfront in the historic district of Karaköy, The Peninsula Istanbul blends vibrant Turkish culture and exceptional modern hospitality within the happening waterside hotspot that is Galataport. The hotel’s three historic restoration digs (and one modern edifice) create an enticing vision for those arriving by sea, whether by ferry or cruise ship.
Globally-renowned Chef Faith Tutak creates a luxurious Silk Road gastronomic journey at fourth floor GALLADA, earning a nod from the Michelin crew. The hotel not only offers prime location for night views, with romantic outdoor rooftop seating at Topside Bar, but features The Peninsula Spa wellness center and pools both outside overlooking the boat traffic and in. The indoor pool in particular gets points for dramatic architecture with columns and domes expertly lit to create a Zen-worthy water escape.
Afternoon Tea at the Peninsula
Internationally known for its extravagant and expansive afternoon tea menu, the hotel adds pizazz to an already impressive experience in the opulent lobby by offering themed menus and events. These can celebrate a season — such as the current Chinese New Year tea — or a local institution such as when the Istanbul Modern was honored with a tea taste menu mirroring many of its famous works. No matter which you choose, expect delectable delicacies and the attention to detail the hotel is known for offering its guests.
Istanbul Modern
A centerpiece of creativity among tony boutiques and charming cafes and bars, this modern art museum reflects the new Türkiye. Istanbul Modern features permanent and revolving exhibits. Floating Islands is one that is permanently homed, presenting a chronological selection tracing the development and transformation of the post-1945 Türkiye art scene. The building itself is a striking work of art, something recognized by the permanent exhibit of “Renzo Piano: Genius Loci” which delves into its creation.
Roka Galataport
Many eateries entice as you wander along the Galataport, but never has chilled fresh seafood tartare and maki so warmed a soul as at Roka Galataport, Istanbul. Delicately layered yellowtail sashimi forms a perfect flower of flavor explosion, courtesy of a yuzu-truffle dressing.
Drinks aim and succeed at meeting the palate pleasers on Roka’s multiple menus. Try the lychee gin gimlet or the delicate sakura 75 accented with cherry blossom, yuzu sake, and sparkling wine.
To be fair, Roka is far more than just a sushi restaurant. It’s a sense of visiting three different restaurants in one — each as satisfying and indulgent as the last, with the result ensuring every craving is crushed. A resident DJ keeps weekend nights popping as envious passersby peek into the earthtone-anchored sensory celebration of textures as rich as the bone marrow teriyaki with garlic confit skewers sizzling out of the open robata grill.
After painstaking discussion, we opted for the tasting menu so that we wouldn’t miss a bite. The first taste of the king crab, black cod, and prawn dumplings with roasted chili dressing reassured us we had not ordered astray. If only it came with a room steward bell to wheel us back to our ship. . .
The author was hosted for her meal by Roka Galataport, but as always, our allegiance is to our readers. Therefore, we always provide an honest assessment of our experiences.
Sascha Zuger is a New York-based travel journalist and author for National Geographic, Condé Nast, Scuba Diving, Penguin, Random House, and Avalon’s Moon Handbooks. She has explored 67 countries and counting.
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