Visiting Istanbul is sometimes like watching all your favorite movies once again. Its spectacular sunsets from the Bosphorus, the impressive mosques and terraces, the bazaars and their nooks and crannies… almost every corner either reminds you of your favorite movies or in many cases is a part of those movies. Because they’ve been filmed there. And what better way to enjoy a romantic comedy or drama but together with your partner. So, here is the answer to the question of what are the best places for couples in Istanbul? We’ll try to show them to you, so just continue reading.

Romantic restaurants

In Istanbul there are plenty of restaurants and cafes. From modern places offering sometimes risky gastronomic endeavors, to family businesses that serve delicious local food and breathtaking views to enjoy while you eat. If we are to believe that we are ruled by our bellies, then gastronomic temples of Istanbul are the places to worship them.

• Ulus Restaurant: located on top of a hill in the Ulus neighborhood, this restaurant has one of the most impressive views of the Bosphorus. The place is modern and cosmopolitan with a pleasant atmosphere for dining as a couple. Perfect if you feel like trying Turkish cuisine while enjoying the surroundings.
• Lokanta 1741 Restaurant: with a historic and warm atmosphere, this restaurant located next to the domes of one of the oldest Turkish baths in Istanbul is, without a doubt, a good choice if you want to enjoy an intimate and special dinner.
• Roof Meze 360 Restaurant: if you are looking for a 360 degree panoramic view of the city and good food at an acceptable price, this is your place. It is one of the must-visits in Istanbul where, in addition to enjoying the views, the value for money is excellent.
• Myterrace Café & Restaurant: we recommend you to visit this place at sunset to enjoy the last rays of the sun on the terrace of the café. You can, for example, order a tea and a sisha and have dinner later. The place is cozy, traditional in style and the food is really tasty.
• TurkArt Terrace Restaurant: this place offers, from its rooftop, one of the best views of the Hagia Sophia Mosque. The food is 10 and the price is affordable.

Turkish Baths

The best option to relax in Istanbul is to visit a hammam or Turkish baths. This is, without a doubt, one of the activities you have to try at least once in your life. The steam bath and its famous Turkish massage will leave you feeling like a newborn. In addition, while removing all impurities you can marvel at the ancient and impressive architecture of the hammams, whose buildings date back to the 15th century.

Most Turkish baths separate spaces for men and women. However, if you don’t want to be separated from your partner to enjoy the experience together, the Suleymaniye Hamam is the only mixed one in the city. The steam and aromas will make your date unforgettable.

Dinner cruise

A key thing to remember that night, brings out the magic in Istanbul. The lights shine brightly and shapes of the domes and minarets are still silhouetted against the sky. From the Bosphorus strait you can enjoy some of the most spectacular views of of two continents, so a cruise, in the night, is an experience not to be missed.

Typically, dinner and show cruises last about 3 to 4 hours. In addition, many include transportation from the hotel to the ship, so you don’t have to worry about getting to the pier. The evening is spent in a relaxed atmosphere amidst the monuments of the ancient Byzantine Empire and a selection of typical dishes of local cuisine. After dinner, a live performance of traditional music and dance is offered and can be enjoyed for the rest of the evening.

Beautiful views of the Bosphorus can be seen not only from the cruise ship, but also from the windows of the hotels scattered along the shores of Istanbul. Many of them can be booked online at Karta – one of the most visited vacation rentals websites.

Viewpoints with romantic views

Enjoying the city from its different perspectives is something that many travelers fall in love with. Istanbul has several hills and terraces where the views are spectacular, ready to meet them?

• Galata Tower: this is one of the oldest towers in the world. It was built as a wooden lighthouse in 528 and is 61 meters high. From the top of the Galata Tower you get one of the best views of the center of Istanbul.
• Pierre Loti Hill: located at the far end of the Golden Horn, this hill offers luxury sunsets. It is named after the famous writer Pierre Loti, who used to sit here to watch the sunset often.
• Karakoy and Eminonu banks: although not a viewpoint per se, the picnic areas located on both banks offer beautiful views of the city. On each side of the Bosphorus you can contemplate the huge mosques that stand out from the rest of the buildings while enjoying a tea or some Turkish delicacies.
• Buyuk Camlica Hill: located in the Asian part of the city, and less touristic, this is the highest hill in Istanbul. Around its beautiful and manicured gardens couples gather to enjoy the magnificent views of the Bosphorus, which is why it is also known as the ‘hill of lovers’.

Princes Islands

Away from the hectic pace of Istanbul, just an hour and a half away by ferry, this oasis in the middle of the Sea of Marmara offers couples a place to relax. Motor vehicles are not allowed on the Princes Islands, so the atmosphere is perfect for strolling, renting a bike, riding in a horse-drawn carriage or enjoying the delicious cuisine in the seaside restaurants. You can even visit them on a day trip.