miss b loves.......spring in Istanbul....part one

A couple of weeks ago we spent another hectic yet fascinating  long weekend in Istanbul. As promised, here is part one of our very busy schedule........ 
Saturday began with a visit to Topkapi Palace which was home to the Ottoman Sultans, their many concubines, children and servants for nearly 400 years and was the heart of the Ottoman Empire.                      

We strolled through the beautiful grounds and courtyards and then went into the Treasury to see the incredible gems including the 86 carat(!!)Spoonmaker's Diamond, the Topkapi Emerald Dagger (with three eyeball-sized emeralds on the handle) Sultans' embroidered kaftans (with extremely long sleeves)and superb works of art.....No photos allowed though......

Before making our way to the Harem, we stopped to admire the most beautiful traditional Iznik tiles............ 

The Harem houses lavish appartments with ornate tiled fireplaces, intricate frescos, stained glass windows, and hamams (Turkish baths)

We suddenly realised how long it had been since breakfast, how far we had walked and agreed that we deserved a leisurely lunch at Nar Lokanta, a restaurant on the fifth floor of the very stylish Armaggan store.... 

Beautifully presented traditional Turkish food with impeccable service......we chose well .... the freshest ingredients all bursting with flavour.......and the best hummus ever!!... 

Fully recharged...it was back to the schedule....Van Gogh Alive
This is so far removed from the traditional silent art gallery experience. As you wander throughout a vast darkened space, 3000 Van Gogh giant moving images are dispayed on walls, columns, ceilings even the floor so that you feel totally immersed in the paintings and it's all synchronized to music.........a truly unforgettable experience!

Our wonderful day ended with cocktails in two bars with the most incredible views of the Bosphorus and Istanbul's iconic buildings. 

Kat 5 with its deep red walls, velvet furnishings and candles has a sweeping view of the Bosphorus Bridge and the stunning city at night. Too cold to sit on the terrace, we admired the view from the cosy interior......

The Bosphorus Bridge
in the distance

.......then it was off to the renowned Leb-i derya, Kumbaraci. The tables are placed next to huge picture windows - a very romantic spot and my Deep Blue cocktail tasted as good as it looked! 

Next time though it will be a table on the terrace on a balmy summer's evening ..........


miss b recommends:

• Time Out Istanbul - a comprehensive guide to Istanbul 
• All About Turkey - an excellent website

Read more about miss b's trips to Istanbul here and here