Pera Palace Hotel

Istanbul’s first hotel to have hot water and electricity in its rooms was built in 1895 to accommodate the passengers of the famous Orient Express, which started its epic Paris-Istanbul round-trips at the end of the 19th century. The sumptuous iconic Belle Epoque building was designed by renowned French-Ottoman architect Alexander Vallaury and hosted an impressive list of guests including Ernest Hemingway, Agatha Christie and Alfred Hitchcock. Today, the hotel, nestled in the heart of the Beyoğlu district near Istiklal Street, retains its elegant classical style, offering a privileged location for aficionados of shopping, entertainment, and the arts.

TIME OUT TIP: Indulge in the hotel's renowned afternoon tea, a daily Bosphorus retreat held from 15:00 to 18:00 within the opulent ambience of Kubbeli Lounge. Transport yourself to a bygone era surrounded by oriental decor as you partake in a lavish buffet and bask in the soothing melodies of smooth jazz piano music.