Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

You know that one hotel that’s been sitting on your bucket list forever?

For me, that was Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul.

…Aaaand let’s just say, it was so worth the wait.

It was our first time visiting Istanbul, and staying at this former Ottoman palace right on the Bosphorus felt like stepping into a fairytale.

Only this one had incredible coffee, sunset views, and the kind of service that spoils you from the moment you arrive.

The Arrival

We got picked up directly from the airport gate (talk about VIP treatment 😍), and within an hour, we were sitting on our balcony overlooking the water.
That view… unreal.

Watching ferries glide past, hearing the faint sound of the city across the water, and feeling that warm Istanbul sun…

it was everything I imagined and more.

The Room & View

Our room had a balcony facing the Bosphorus, and we spent way too much time out there. Morning coffees, golden sunsets, late-night chats.

It was one of those views you just don’t get tired of.

It’s safe to say: this might be one of the most beautiful balconies I’ve ever had at a hotel.

Breakfast Goals

Let’s talk breakfast.

The breakfast buffet was huge!!

Freshly baked simit, Turkish cheeses, fruits, pastries, and everything beautifully presented.

We basically made it our morning ritual to get up, grab a table by the window, and enjoy the view with fresh orange juice and cappuccinos.

If you’re a breakfast person, this one will ruin all other hotel breakfasts for you.

The Infinity Pool

They have an indoor spa and this famous infinity pool right by the Bosphorus.

It’s heated to 25°C -which is amazing- but since we came in early November, it was still a little too chilly for us to swim.

We sat by the water instead, wrapped in fluffy robes, watching the sun go down behind the bridge.

The whole scene looked straight out of a movie.

Exploring the City

To get into the city centre, we hopped on a ferry just 5 mins walk from the hotel (such a fun way to see Istanbul from the water!).

We visited Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and wandered around the old town streets.

It’s one of those cities where history and energy collide in the best way.

Dinner at Garden 1897 Istanbul (outside hotel)

When we were wandering through the city, we found this little gem called Garden 1897 Istanbul, and it instantly became one of our favourites.

It’s tucked away in the Sultanahmet area, with fairy lights, patterned cushions, and that cosy, local feel.

We tried the pide (Turkish flatbread pizza), my husband had a Adana kebab that was perfectly spiced, and, of course, finished with Katmer, Baklava and Turkish tea.

It’s one of those places that doesn’t try too hard, it just is perfect.

If you’re looking for a casual but charming dinner spot in the old town, this is it.

Tuğra Restaurant, Rüya Istanbul, Gazebo and Bellini (inside hotel)

We also explored a few of the hotel’s restaurants…

Rüya, Gazebo, Tuğra, and Bellini, each with its own charm and beautiful setting.

We had dinner at Rüya, where modern Anatolian cuisine meets a chic atmosphere, and stopped by Gazebo for both afternoon sweets and a relaxed dinner overlooking the Bosphorus.

Tuğra, the hotel’s signature Turkish fine dining restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide, offered a truly regal ambience, while Bellini brought an elegant Italian touch to the palace.

It’s safe to say, you could easily spend your entire stay dining within the palace grounds… and still have something new to discover each day.

Tuğra Restaurant

Gazebo

Rüya Istanbul

Final Thoughts

Çırağan Palace is more than a hotel, it’s a full experience.

History, elegance, views, food… everything just clicks.

If you’re visiting Istanbul for the first time (or the tenth), it’s the kind of place that makes you fall in love with the city all over again.

P.s. oh, and if you happen to arrive with your helicopter… no worries, they’ve got their own heliport. 😉

Written by Fenja, a Switzerland-based luxury hotel and travel photographer featured by Michelin Guide, as well as Condé Nast, Falstaff, and Travel + Leisure.

Keywords
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