Below, we round up the top destinations all aspiring creatives should visit on their next trip to Istanbul.

Stay at Soho House Istanbul

Home to 87 bedrooms – which resemble homey suites, with close attention paid to the curation of art, and books and vinyl records on display – the House is the perfect place to stay for those looking for a luxury hotel with character.

Enjoy fusion food at Arkestra

The fact that the Michelin Guide just arrived in Istanbul in the past year seems like a massive oversight, but that means fusion restaurant Arkestra finally gets recognition for its culinary know-how and aesthetic atmosphere. With years of experience under his belt across stints in France and the US, Chef Cenk Debensason returns to his home city with an explosive mix of tantalising dishes that will leave a lasting impression on gastronomy enthusiasts.

Housed in an unassuming villa from the 1960s, these culinary adventures mark only the initiation into the world of Arkestra; guests can also head upstairs to enjoy live music in the Listening Room after dinner, with an exciting line-up of new DJs and house residents every week.

Relax at Kilic Ali Pasa Hamam

Turkish hammams are a dime a dozen across Istanbul, but few spa experiences would be as authentic as what you’ll find at Kilic Ali Pasa Hamam, a beautiful historic space that dates back to the late 16th century.

For the uninitiated, a hammam experience isn’t just your typical steam bath, and visitors can expect to sweat out their stress and feel fully relaxed after being washed and rubbed thoroughly by experienced staff. At Kilic Ali Pasa Hamam, one of Istanbul’s oldest, guests can rest easy knowing they’re in good hands.

Explore Bebek – and spot a celebrity or two

Party with posh locals and maybe even spot a celebrity or two at hotspots like Momo Bebekoy or the Bebek Hotel – or stop by what is arguably one of the world’s most iconic Starbucks stores for a coffee break with an Instagram-worthy view of the Bosphorus.

Go wild at the shopping mecca of Galataport

But even if you’re not trying to drop some serious cash while abroad, the area is still worth a visit. With panoramic views of the city’s skyline across the water, a massive cruise terminal and a newly opened art gallery to its name, Galataport is an architectural marvel in itself.

See art at Istanbul Modern

Designed by prominent Italian architect Renzo Piano, the new Istanbul Modern building located in Galataport just opened earlier this year. First inaugurated nearly two decades ago, the museum is Turkey’s very first modern and contemporary art gallery – and marks another must-visit for anyone who wants to dive deeper into the country’s rich artistic history.

Some highlights include works by Fahrelnissa Zeid, one of the most important artists of the 20th century in Turkey and beyond, and Refik Anadol, a Turkish-American new media artist best known for his abstract pieces made using data-driven machine-learning algorithms.

Party amid panoramic views at Sail Loft Vakkorama

Just a stone’s throw away from the Galataport cruise terminal lies Sail Loft Vakkorama, which, as its name suggests, is a bar that offers gorgeous rooftop views of the waterfront. Consider it the nightlife version of the Vakkorama Cafe, which was first established in 1982 as an extension of Turkey’s first-ever concept store, Vakkorama.

That original iteration – which housed a bookshop, radio station and more – became a cultural cornerstone for Istanbul’s youth back in the day, much as the present-day space purports to be a modern yet retro-inspired loft for young influencers, jet-setters and partygoers.