Star Escapes: Here’s why exotic Istanbul beckons stars like Kristen Stewart and Elizabeth Banks

July 03, 2019

By Suzanne Wintrob

Adapted from the April 22, 2019, issue of Hello! Canada (No. 657)

There’s something intriguing about Istanbul, the beautifully bustling Turkish city straddling the banks of Europe and Asia where history, culture and fashion collide. Once known as Constantinople, Istanbul’s compelling sights, sounds and tastes provide a feast for the senses, so it’s no wonder that the stars pop by for work and play.

Elizabeth Banks, who directs and plays Bosley in the upcoming Charlie’s Angels reboot, was so wowed by the city’s famously aromatic Spice Bazaar that she towed Kristen Stewart and the rest of the crew to grab a piece of the action (look for the market scenes when the film hits theatres in November!).

The former Meghan Markle paid a visit in her pre-duchess Suits days to help open Istanbul’s members-only Soho House.

With Istanbul’s massive new airport now open and major cruise lines setting sail from the port, there’s never been a better time to check it out!

Click through the gallery for the many ways to bask in all of Istanbul’s glory.

Photo: © iStock

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As competing muezzins call the devout to prayer, meander through history at the spectacular Sultan Ahmed Mosque (a.k.a. the Blue Mosque for its thousands of interior turquoise tiles) with a striking main dome and six minarets. Then head to the splendid courtyards of 15th-century Topkapi Palace that once housed Ottoman sultans.

Gaze up for incredible Byzantine architecture and mosaics in Hagia Sophia – once an Orthodox cathedral, then an Ottoman mosque and now home to one of the most popular museums in Turkey (keep your eyes peeled for Gli, the resident cat who’s an Instagram star!).

Take in the city skyline from the top of the 67-metre-high Galata Tower. Wander the cobblestoned Balat ‘hood, home to hipsters, film crews and delightful cafés such as 1200 Derece, where coffee and glass-blowing unite. Take an evening cruise along the Bosphorus (Turkey’s Riviera) for captivating vistas.

Photo: © The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey

<h2>Indulge</h2>
<p>Wind through the alleyways of the Grand Bazaar’s 4,000 shops for gold, ceramics, tapestries, leather and delectable Turkish Delights or head to the Nişantaşı district where Roberto Cavalli, Hugo Boss and Alexander McQueen mingle with locals like Dilek Hanif and Fey’s Fatoş Yalin.
<p>For jewelry, take on <a href="/tags/0/cate-blanchett"><strong>Cate Blanchett</a></strong>’s look in <i>Ocean’s 8</i> with handcrafted pieces inspired by the city’s historic buildings from local designer Sevan Biçakçi.
<p>After a full day, get the full Turkish bath experience with a Judas tree scent moisturizing body clay mask and relaxing bubble wash at Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam.
<p>Photo: © Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images

<h2>Taste</h2>
<p>There’s no shortage of street food – from roasted corn and Nutella on sesame-covered simit to pizza-like pide and flat-pastry gözleme filled with spinach and feta cheese.
<p>Waiters entertain as they tap on clay pots containing testi kebap, a meat and vegetable stew that arrives at the table on fire.
<p>Nusr-Et in the 500-year-old Grand Bazaar is world-famous for steak thanks to its eccentric meme-worthy founder, Salt Bae. The elite head to Tugra Restaurant in the Çırağan Palace for Ottoman and Turkish dishes like prawn casserole and tas kebabı, a lamb stew infused with cinnamon, cardamom and anise served on beğendi (smoked eggplant).
<p>But the real delicacy is black tea, served in a tulip-shaped glass atop a small saucer and savoured any time of the day.
<p>Photo: © Tugra

<h2>Stay</h2>
<p>Celebrities and royals flock to the spectacular <a href="https://www.kempinski.com/en/istanbul/ciragan-palace/">Cirağan Palace Kempinski</a>, the only Ottoman imperial palace and hotel on the Bosphorus and the city’s only hotel accessible by car, yacht and helicopter.
<p>Most five-star brands have a presence, yet those who like hiding out opt for the lux boutique <a href="https://househotels.com/en/hotels/karakoy/">House Hotel Karaköy</a> that blends ancient and modern – much like the city itself!
<p>Photo: © Kempinski Istanbul

Trip Tips

The new Istanbul Airport is a European hub for long-haul flights and will be the world’s largest when it’s fully operational. Turkish Airlines offers a free “Touristanbul” service to connecting passengers with a six- to 24-hour layover including shuttle bus, tour guide and museum tickets and meals so they can discover the city’s historical sights

Experience Istanbul en route by flying on Turkish Airlines, where “flying chefs” prepare and serve up delicious personalized meals to Business Class passengers. The airline has three of its five lounges open, including the 60,000-sq.-ft. Business Lounge with seating for 765 guests, 13 private suites with showers and a 130-sq.-ft. museum featuring works from Istanbul Modern.

Looking for a musical getaway? The popular Istanbul Jazz Festival runs from June 29-July 18, with performances in parks, ferry boats and Ottoman mansions. Or start training for the international Vodafone Istanbul Marathon (Nov. 3), billed as the only marathon running from Asia to Europe!

The tulip is Istanbul’s traditional symbol, with millions on colourful display during April’s brilliant Tulip Festival