At The Peninsula Istanbul, There's Sunbathing on the Bosphorus and Plenty of Caviar

Stay Here For

Bosphorus views, easy sightseeing and modern amenities with an old soul—plus people-watching at its finest.

Cozied up to the Bosphorus in the trendy neighborhood of Karaköy, The Peninsula Istanbul, opened in 2023, includes three restored heritage buildings with Bauhaus and Art Deco styling, a newer build, two swimming pools, a spa with Turkish hammams and a sweep of gardens designed by renowned landscape architect Enzo Enea. The hotel is part of Galataport, a buzzed-about waterfront development offering guests easy access to one of Istanbul’s busiest public promenades.

Interiors from renowned Turkish designer Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu nod to Ottoman-era opulence with traditional glazed tiles and gray-veined Marmara marble. The lobby features twin fireplaces and an original marble fountain, but the crown jewel is the Bauhaus-inspired geometric stained-glass ceiling. Soaring windows let in loads of natural light, while Art Deco–ish slumped-glass pendants give the space a sexier vibe come nightfall.

The hotel’s art collection is a standout: Photos by the late Ara Güler, aka The Eye of Istanbul, line the hallways, while sculptures from Turkish artists dot the grounds. The Peninsula Spa and Wellness Centre is a work of art in its own right, with a mosaic of mirrored domes crowning the indoor pool.

The well-heeled clientele is as diverse as the city itself. Mothers and daughters in bold floral prints scan the breakfast buffet while would-be influencers snap their cocktails at sunset. Sunbathers scoop caviar poolside as a gentle breeze blows through the pomegranate trees. It’s a whole scene, and one that unfolds brilliantly against the backdrop of the sparkling Bosphorus.

The Essentials

The Location

The Peninsula Istanbul is the place to be if you want to spend time on the strait within walking distance of prime attractions like the Blue Mosque and Galata Bridge. The hotel anchors the southern end of Galataport and is walkable to Serdar-ı Ekrem street, the new Istanbul Modern art museum and the iconic Galata Tower.

The Bars and Restaurants

Designed to look like a vintage yacht with wood paneling and nautical decor, Topside Bar is dark and lovely. The talents of award-winning lead mixologist Semih Cebecioğlu are on full display in cocktails such as the Hong Kong, with Sichuan oil–infused tequila, Galliano, yuzu and vanilla.

One floor down, Turk-Asian restaurant GALLADA woos guests with a 72-hour tandoori-baked duck, lahmacun dumplings and kakigori-like yogurt “snow” with mango for dessert. Outside, take in waterfront views and Turkish meze at Abelia Pool Bar, a breezy spot dotted with cabanas and lounge seating. The Lobby, which serves three meals a day plus afternoon tea, was once a passenger hall in a ferry terminal.

The Room

Floor-to-ceiling windows are a feature in every room and suite.

The Peninsula Istanbul has 22 room categories and three signature suites, all with hand-tufted carpets and Marmara-clad baths with mother-of-pearl inlays. Rooms are elegantly minimalist, with thoughtful amenities (lens cleaning cloths, reusable wet garment bags, cozy Turkish cotton robes) at every turn.

Though it’s hard to go wrong with even an entry-level booking, the upper-tier Superior Suite with Garden really levels up. The private terrace has a dining room table and a large seating area ideal for sipping your morning coffee or jamming out to the late-night beats from the hotel’s neighboring event space. (Don’t worry—the sliding glass doors are completely sound-deadening.)

The Standout Feature

A rooftop garden designed in collaboration with urban farming collective Komşuköy gives The Peninsula Istanbul’s chefs first pick of the freshest produce. Guests are free to wander among the grapevines, play pétanque on the sand court or mosey on up for the occasional movie night.

The Time to Go

June through August may be the high season, but there’s no more idyllic time along the Bosphorus. In summer, Istanbul hums with life: Yachts idle off Bebek, rooftop bars pulse with rakı-fueled laughter and the call to prayer mingles with DJ sets.

The Vibe

“Tear,” a stainless steel droplet by sculptor Richard Hudson, reflects the poolside gardens and hotel façade.

The perfect spot for your social media post: The enormous mirrored steel sculpture art installation plonked down beside the outdoor swimming pool.

What you’re buying from the minibar: Efes beer and chocolate-covered almond lokum (Turkish delight) from Selamlique Istanbul.

The souvenir you’re bringing home from the gift shop: A custom suit from Milimetric Bespoke Tailors, a staple of the local ritzy hotel set, on the ground floor. Garments are designed according to a customer’s every wish using the finest fabrics from all around the world.

Sushi, sliders and tapas are served alfresco at Abelia Pool Bar.

Everything Else