WHETHER TRAVELLING FOR BUSINESS OR LEISURE TO ISTANBUL, OUR LUXURY SERVICED APARTMENTS HAVE YOU COVERED
Welcome to Istanbul, one of the world's greatest historic cities. From ancient times Istanbul has woven a spell over all who've visited, from Roman Emperors to Ottoman Sultans. Whether travelling for business or leisure, experience the best of this thriving eternal metropolis with a stay at Fraser Hospitality's Istanbul serviced apartments accommodation. Delight in the flavours of Turkish cuisine, visit iconic sights in Istanbul's Old City or wander along the cobblestone streets of Arnavutköy, admiring the area's waterfront mansions.
FRASER PLACE ANTASYA
Located on the upper storeys of the Antasya Residence in the Umraniye area of Istanbul, Fraser Place Antasya Istanbul offers guests stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait and the verdant woods of the nearby Ümraniye Municipality Recreation Area. More than a hotel in Istanbul, the property's chic, open-plan serviced apartments offer light and elegant spaces sure to make you feel at home. Ideal for long-stay business and leisure travellers, guests will enjoy each apartment's well-equipped kitchenette and 24/7 room service.
FRASER PLACE ANTHILL
Soaring above the Bosphorus on the 39th to 52nd floors of the Anthill Residence Complex in the Sisli district of Istanbul, Fraser Place Anthill Istanbul offers Gold-Standard luxury serviced apartment living with breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Strait. Spacious and elegant, each of our serviced apartments feature beautifully appointed oak flooring and floor to ceiling windows allowing for uninterrupted views of Istanbul.
STAYING IN ISTANBUL
Straddling two continents and over 3,000 years of continuous habitation, Istanbul is a unique place in the world. While there's plenty of reminders of the city's role in some of the most important and defining events of the last three millennia, it is modern Istanbul that genuinely impresses, especially in the way it manages to embrace modernity without sacrificing its soul. Travel around the Golden Horn and down to the hyperactive harbourside borough of Karaköy; you'll see how the area's 16th-century mosques and thermal baths rub shoulders with avant-garde art galleries and the houses of boutique fashion labels. Far from being awkward or garish, the effect is seamless.
When it comes to culture and the arts, Istanbul has plenty to offer. The city's fifteen million residents fuel a lively art and culture scene admired the world over. World-class venues like the Istanbul Modern, Arter, and the integrated arts and entertainment precinct of Bomontiada should be on any Istanbul bucket list, while historical sites the Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya and the Topkapi Palace will leave you breathless with their grandeur.
Matching Istanbul's flair for culture is its flair for food. While traditional flavours and ingredients still play a big role on the plate, increasingly Istanbul is calling to a new generation of exciting culinary talent.
THE TOP THINGS TO DO IN ISTANBUL
Looking for things to do in Istanbul during your stay at our luxury serviced apartments? Read on for our list of Istanbul's best experiences.
- Discover Istanbul's historical heart with a day (or two) spent in Istanbul's Old City.
- Indulge in the most relaxing of ancient Turkish traditions with a visit to a Hammam.
- Hunt down some delectable Turkish delights in some of Istanbul's coolest neighbourhoods.
- Step out to experience some of Istanbul's nightlife, including sophisticated dining, live music, bars and cultural events.
- Stay close to your luxury serviced apartments with an exploration of the upscale Şişli district.
CITY OF AGES
While other cities have history locked away in museums, Istanbul lives it. The best place to check out Istanbul's most important historical sites is in Istanbul's old city, located in Sultanahmet. To get to Sultanahmet from your hotel in Şişli, take the Şişli - Eminönü bus from Bomonti bus stop to the Tophane tram station, then ride it all the way to Sultanahmet station.
The capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, the city’s history fairly well rises from the ground. Two must-see sights are the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Easily two of the grandest and most awe-inspiring ancient buildings in the world, their minarets rise above Sultanahmet, as if they are holding up the sky. The Hagia Sophia dates back to the 6th Century CE, and is an important site to both the Christian and Muslim faiths, having been both cathedral and mosque over its 1500 year existence. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque - colloquially known as the Blue Mosque, is considered one of the premier mosques in the world, built in the 1600s by Sultan Ahmet to reassert Ottoman power. Likewise, the nearby Topkapi Palace is a visible expression of the power of the Ottoman sultans, and a testament to Ottoman-era art and architecture.
HANGING OUT IN A HAMMAM
Hammams, or Turkish Baths as they're more commonly known, are the ultimate in relaxation. Lay on a heated marble slab surrounded by marble pillars and spacious domes, soaking in the steamy air while a trained hammam specialist applies lather and loofah with interspersed drenchings of hot, warm and cold water. Some of the best hammams in Istanbul can be found south of your serviced apartment accommodation, including the Cağaloğlu Hamam in Fatih, built in the 1600s at the behest of Kösem Sultan, and the Mihrimah Sultan Hamami, which has served Sultans and viziers since the 1500s.
AFTERNOON DELIGHT
There are a lot of shopfronts serving traditional Turkish sweets and pastries in Istanbul, and discovering which ones are the best is a delight all in itself. In the Küçük Pazarı area - an Ottoman-era warren of market streets - you'll find Altan Şekerleme, a traditional sweets shop that sells what is quite possibly Istanbul's best Turkish Delight. A kaleidoscope of sweets are stacked floor-to-ceiling in time-worn wooden display cupboards and on the marble counter in large jars. Buy by the weight and then head out for a wander through the caravanserai. Closer to your hotel in Istanbul you'll find stalwart Turkish pastanesi, Nazar. Don't let the low key look fool you - the profiteroles are divine.
PARTY ACROSS TWO CONTINENTS
There are not too many places in the world where you can go out for drinks in Asia and join friends for dinner in Europe, but that's just a typical night out in Istanbul. The city boasts a world-class dining scene, and there's also a plethora of live music venues, bars and cultural events to sate even the most relentless social butterfly. One of Istanbul's premier nightlife venues can be found a short trip away from your Istanbul accommodation. Sitting on the banks of the Bosphorus in Ortaköy, nightclub Reina is considered the 'it' spot in Istanbul. Be prepared to rub shoulders with Hollywood and Bollywood stars, world-famous athletes and Istanbul's glitterati. For something less intense but no less spectacular, book a night out at restaurant Nicole, situated on the top floor of an old monastery and overseen by acclaimed Turkish chef, Aylin Yazıcıoğlu. The views over the Bosphorus Strait are almost as good as the food, which is spectacular.
AT HOME IN ŞIŞLI
Step outside the doors of your hotel in Istanbul's Şişli area, and you're in one of Istanbul's most upscale and delightfully contemporary boroughs. Şişli is known for the 5-star life it affords its residents, but you'll also find plenty of historical wonders, leafy parks, boutique shops and tasty Turkish dining. At the top end of town, Istanbul Cevahir is the grandest shopping mall in Europe and the second-largest mall in the world. The venue offers everything international from high-street brands to dining, as well as fitness and indoor play areas for the kids. For something more peaceful, enjoy a stroll through Maçka Park and then take a ride on the Maçka Gondola cable car, which connects the park to Taksim Square. Need a feed? Head to popular cafe Van Kahvalti Evi, which serves up traditional Turkish fare like gözleme and oh-so-strong Turkish Coffee.
GETTING TO AND GETTING AROUND ISTANBUL
Istanbul is served by two international airports, Ataturk International Airport and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport. Most long-haul flights arrive at Ataturk Airport. For ultimate comfort, travel to your Istanbul accommodation by getting a taxi or private car hire. If travelling to Fraser Place Anthill Istanbul by other public transport, take the M2 metro line from the Ataturk Airport to Osmanbey then take a taxi to Fraser Place Anthill. If heading to Fraser Place Antasya Istanbul, take the M1 to Aksaray and then a taxi from Aksaray to your Istanbul hotel.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the best way to get around in Istanbul?
Istanbul’s buses and trams cover most of the popular areas of the city, and commuter ferries regularly cross the Bosphorus River which cuts the city in two.
What is Istanbul known for?
Istanbul is one of the world’s most famous cities, once called Constantinople, it was the capital of the Byzantine Empire and it is the only city in the world to straddle two continents, Asia and Europe.
What are the top 5 things to do in Istanbul?
The top things to do in Istanbul are: 1. Visits to the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque 2. The Topkapi Museum 3. Galata Tower 4. The Grand Bazaar 5. A relaxing bath at a traditional Hammam.
When is the best time to go to Istanbul?
Istanbul is ideal to visit any time of the year, however during the shoulder seasons of March to May and September to November there are less crowds to navigate.
Where is the best area to stay in Istanbul?
The best areas to stay in Istanbul include Taksim, Sultanahmet, Galata, Ümraniye and Sisli, close to the main things to see and do in Istanbul.
Not a Fraser World Member? Sign up today for free membership and enter a world of privileges
- Complimentary Stays
- Up to 20% off Best Flexible Rate
- Room Upgrade
- Early Check-in
- Exclusive Rewards
- Welcome Voucher