Travel & Stay
Bodrum
Bodrum, located on Turkey’s Aegean coast, has become a vibrant destination that blends history with modern luxury. Known in ancient times as Halicarnassus, the town was once founded by Dorian Greeks. Indeed, it has a rich cultural heritage, including landmarks like the Castle of St. Peter and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus.
Once a tranquil fishing village, it now boasts whitewashed houses and a lively atmosphere that attracts both Turkish and international visitors.
Among its many towns, Türkbükü (pronounced “Turk-book-ew”) and Yalikavak (“Yell-ick-ka-vuk”) have been the hotspots over the years. Türkbükü is known for its jetset scene—beach clubs, yachts, and late-night dinners on the water. Yalikavak, on the other hand, has grown into a sleek, stylish town with a world-class marina, designer shops, and beautiful sunset spots. Both offer a different flavor of Bodrum, but equally full of energy, beauty, and good vibes.
Hotel Recommendations
We know that planning travel and accommodation can be overwhelming, so we’ve done some research and arranged exclusive discounts with a few hotels in Turkbuku and Yalikavak.
Beach Clubs in Bodrum
Macakizi Hotel – Türkbükü
An iconic destination blending bohemian charm with upscale luxury. By day, relax on sunbeds; by night, enjoy vibrant parties with live music.
The Bodrum Edition Beach Club – Yalikavak
Sleek, modern luxury with a private beach, infinity pool, and exclusive weekly beach parties featuring world-renowned DJs. Perfect for those seeking a high-end beachside vibe.
Lucca Beach – Göltürkbükü
The beach extension of Istanbul’s famed Lucca, this spot at the Mandarin Oriental brings the same upbeat energy and delicious cocktails. Great for lunch, lounging, and afternoon beats.
Momo Bodrum – Yalikavak
A stylish beach club that draws inspiration from the Bodrum Riviera’s aperitivo culture. It offers a chic setting with a blend of beach, restaurant, and bar services as well occasional summer parties.
Dinner & Nightlife in Bodrum
Scorpios Bodrum
The renowned Mykonos beach club has expanded to Bodrum, offering a unique blend of music, art, and wellness. Set on a private peninsula, Scorpios Bodrum features signature events with resident and guest DJs, creating an immersive experience from sunset to late night.
Initially created by nightlife gurus Mario Hertel and Thomas Heyne, Scorpios arrived first in Mykonos, Greece as their vision of the future of clubbing – a spot where you beach, lunch, dine, and dance, “but it has to finish early enough that the next day is my friend and not my enemy.”
Lucca by the Sea
An extension of Istanbul’s iconic Lucca, it offers a chic atmosphere with great seafood, expertly crafted cocktails and vibrant music. It’s a perfect spot for those seeking a stylish night out by the water.
Kitchen by Osman Sezener – The Bodrum Edition
A Michelin-starred restaurant offering a unique and international take on Turkish cuisine. Located in the Bodrum Edition.
Kahraman Bodrum – Yalikavak
A beloved waterfront seafood restaurant and bar, Kahraman Bodrum offers a relaxed atmosphere with stunning sea views. Known for its fresh seafood and traditional Turkish mezes, it’s a perfect spot for a laid-back evening by the water.
Hakkasan Bodrum – Mandarin Oriental, Göltürkbükü
An exquisite open-air restaurant and bar offering award-winning Cantonese cuisine with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. The venue features a main dining area, bar and lounge, and semi-private tables, all designed with nautical elements inspired by Bodrum’s famous gulets.
Zuma Bodrum – Yalıkavak Marina
Located at the end of Yalıkavak Marina, Zuma Bodrum offers world-renowned contemporary Japanese dining alongside a vibrant late-night music experience. With sunset views across the Aegean Sea, it’s a prime spot to watch the sunset, socialize, and gather with friends and family.
ISTANBUL
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkiye, straddling the Bosporus Strait, the boundary between Europe and Asia. It is considered the country's economic, cultural and historic capital. The city was founded as Byzantiumin by Greek settlers. In 330 CE, the Roman emperor Constantine the Great made it his imperial capital, renaming it first as ‘New Rome’ and then finally as ‘Constantinople’ (Constantinopolis) after himself. In 1930, the city's name was officially changed to Istanbul.
In 1453 after a 53-day siege, Sultan Mehmed II (Mehmed the Conqueror) captured Istanbul from the Byzantine Empire (Eastern Roman Empire), which became a defining moment that accelerated the influence and growth of the Ottoman Empire to Eastern Europe, Middle East and North Africa until its dissolution in 1922. The Turkish Republic was founded in 1923, after Turkey led (by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk) its independence war against Britain, Italy, France, and Greece on the back of World War I.
City-sighting
Topkapi Palace - The seat of the sultan from the 15th to 19th century. The Harem and the Treasury are points of attraction.
The Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia: The Blue Mosque was built for Sultan Ahmet and Hagia Sophia was built by the Romans, was used as a church, then converted to a mosque. They’re walking distance from the Topkapi Palace.
The Grand Bazaar: A maze of hundreds and hundreds of shops selling everything from rugs to gold. Part of the fun is haggling, part is getting lost in the maze.
The Basilican Cistern: Old water reservoir built by Romans.
The Galata Tower: one of the best panoramic views of the city. It is also a very traditional Istanbul landmark was built by the Genoese in 1348.
Dolmabahce Palace: Located in Besiktas along the Bosphorus strip, the palace served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk spent the last days of his life in the palace as his health deteriorated.
Public ferry or private cruise on the Bosphorus: Small ferries or private that makes all the local stops on the European as well as the Asian shore. If you go with the private cruise, arrive at your dinner/lunch spot by the boat (it is a lot better than being stuck in traffic).
Istiklal Caddesi (Beyoglu): this is one of the most iconic streets in Istanbul. Filled with rich history - especially for Istanbul’s minority communities. Many embassies are also located around this area.
Arnavutkoy and Bebek: Local high-end neighborhoods if you want to get a contrast of what the city offers (old vs modern). They are small, close-knit community with lots of cute cafes, fancy restaurants, coffee shops. Great for a lovely breakfast and then a walk along the Bosphorus.
Cihangir and Karakoy: More Bohemian neighborhoods, and great for antique and vintage finds. They are popular with Istanbul’s residents in the arts & literature.
The Peninsula Istanbul – Karaköy
A luxurious waterfront hotel in the Galataport district, featuring restored historic buildings, expansive Bosphorus views, and dining by Michelin-starred chef Fatih Tutak.
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus – Besiktas
Housed in a 19th-century Ottoman palace, it offers elegant rooms, a serene spa and hamam experience, and a tranquil escape along the Bosphorus.
Ciragan Palace Kempinski – Besiktas
Another former Ottoman palace, renowned for its opulent architecture and rich history, offering luxurious accommodations and an infinity pool overlooking the Bosphorus.
Soho House Istanbul – Beyoglu
Set in the 19th-century Palazzo Corpi, this stylish members-only hotel offers 87 rooms with high ceilings and vintage-modern décor. Guests enjoy access to a rooftop bar, private cinema, and the Cowshed Spa.
RUZ Hotels – Pera/Beyoglu
A boutique hotel housed in a restored 120-year-old building near Istiklal Street and Galata Tower. Features a rooftop restaurant and bar with a stunning view.
Adahan DeCamondo Pera, Autograph Collection - Beyoglu
A boutique hotel housed in a restored 19th-century building. Combines old-world charm with modern comfort. The rooftop offers lovely views, and the location is perfect for exploring Istanbul’s cultural heart.
Hotel Recommendations
Dinner and Night Life
Traditional Turkish Meze and Raki
We recommend experiencing a classic Turkish seafood dinner by the Bosphorus—an essential part of local culture.
Make sure to reserve a table right by the water and start with a selection of mezes—small, flavorful dishes similar to Spanish tapas—and pair them with a glass (or two) of Raki, Turkey’s beloved anise-flavored spirit (think of it as a bolder cousin to Ouzo). This ritual is more than a meal—it’s a slow evening shared among friends.
Bebek Balıkçisi (in Bebek)
An elegant and lively spot in one of Istanbul’s Bebek neighborhood, known for its stunning views and a glamorous crowd. Good for a sophisticated evening out.
Sea Salt Feriye (in Ortakoy)
Located within the Feriye complex, it offers a modern take on traditional Aegean seafood dishes, all served with beautiful Bosphorus views.
Kiyi (in Tarabya)
An old-school seafood restaurant with loyal regulars and a nostalgic vibe. Go for the grilled fish and rakı, and take in the serene marina setting.
Sait (in Galataport)
A stylish, modern seafood experience located in Istanbul’s new harborfront district—perfect if you’re exploring the city.
Turkish Kebab
Etiler Kebabci (in Etiler)
A stylish yet relaxed kebab house founded by renowned chef Nusret Gökçe (aka Salt Bae). Start with flavorful meze like atom, followed by Adana kebab or lamb chops. Finish with the signature katmer dessert.
Asmali Cavit (in Taksim)
A cherished meyhane tucked into a side street of Beyogu, Asmalı Cavit is beloved for its warm, old-school atmosphere and impeccable meze.
Gunaydin (in Galataport)
A waterfront location at Galataport offers a sleek, modern take on traditional Turkish grill fare.
Arkestra
Favorite restaurants and bars of R&B
Arkestra (in Etiler)
A refined, French-inspired restaurant that celebrates seasonal Turkish produce in an artful, contemporary setting. Ideal for a stylish night out. The bar hosts DJs and provides a lively dancing atmosphere after dinner.
Da Mario (in Etiler)
A long-standing local favorite offering classic, family-style Italian dishes in a garden setting.
Bebek Hotel - Terrace or Rooftop (in Bebek)
Perfect for a sophisticated and exclusive evening. Enjoy lunch, drinks or dinner right on the waterfront with one of the city’s best views. Rooftop turns into a high-end bar with typically DJ music after dinner.
Lucca (in Bebek)
A stylish hotspot known for its buzzing atmosphere, great cocktails, and Mediterranean-fusion menu. A favorite for pre-dinner drinks or a lively dinner.
Beca (in Etiler)
Contemporary and upbeat, Beca blends creative cuisine with a fashionable crowd. Great for those who love a vibrant scene and modern menu. The DJ music starts after dinner and turns the night into a spontaneously fun night.
MSA Restaurant (in Emirgan)
Located within the Culinary Arts Academy of Istanbul, this restaurant is run by top culinary students and instructors. The ever-changing menu is inventive and served in a sleek riverside setting at Sakıp Sabancı Museum. Perfect for a brunch.
Soho House and Cecconi’s (in Beyoglu)
Soho House features a stylish terrace where guests can enjoy cocktails and a curated menu of international and Turkish dishes. It is great for evening gatherings.
Kaia (in Bebek)
Kaia is a hidden speakeasy-style small cocktail bar. As the night progresses, the venue transforms into a lively club with a DJ playing a mix of house, R&B, and Turkish music. Fantastic late-night sandwiches by the door.
Some Turkish words:
Thank you - teşekkürler (“tay+shek+you+lar”)
Sorry – pardon (like French)
Please – lutfen (“loot + fan”)
Yes – evet (“a + vet”)
No - hayir (“hi-yer”)