Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul

Today, Istanbul remains a shopping paradise, with modern shopping malls and designer boutiques that rub shoulders with their historical counterparts. When visiting Istanbul and looking for shopping opportunities you will be pleasantly surprised at the wonderful combination of ancient buildings and unique architecture which house modern shopping facilities. You can also wander the main shopping streets of Nisantasi Abdi Ipekci Caddesi or the Bagdat Caddesi to find new additions to your wardrobe. A modern shopping experience If you are interested in an indoors shopping extravaganza you can make your way to the many shopping malls found throughout the city. Stop by Istinye Park where you can find 291 stores spread across a massive shopping complex. Here you can find everything you are looking for and more under one big glass roof, including a fashion district, side street shopping and a green central park. Demirören Shopping Mall is another location where you can find a selection of European and American prestige brands together with local Turkish brands.

Istanbul is the economic capital of Turkey and is home to the headquarters of many companies, organizations and media houses accounting for more than a quarter of the country's gross domestic product. While the center of historic trading is undoubtedly the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul Old Town, most headquarters are concentrated in Istanbul's business district in the New City where skyscrapers and not ancient mosques are the norm. Istanbul's business districts Maslak - one of the principal business districts in Istanbul, Maslak is closer to the European side of the city and will be the home of the tallest skyscraper in Turkey, the Diamond of Istanbul. Levent - at the western shore of the Bosphorus Strait you'll find Levent, a business district named for men of the sea. As its name suggests, it's a particular favorite with companies who import and export since it is handily close to the waterfront. ICC - the Istanbul Congress Centre in Harbiye is the premier venue for corporate trade fairs and conferences. It can be found in its own mini business district, the Congress Valley, just behind the ICEC. ICEC - the Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Centre hosts music concerts as well as business conferences and corporate exhibitions. It has a main building, a second building and a terrace to facilitate larger and smaller events. It was named the Best Congress, Meeting, Fair and Event Venue in Turkey at the Skalite 2011 Tourism Industry Awards. Getting to Istanbul's business districts With 120 bedrooms and multiple state-of-the-art meeting rooms, the Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul is the perfect base for business travelers, especially those doing business in the districts of Maslak or Levent. Our hotel is only an 8-minute drive to the ICC and ICEC, a 12-minute drive to Levent and a 15-minute drive to Maslak.

Once a small fishing village, Ortaköy is today an upmarket neighborhood of beautiful Istanbul, centrally located on the middle of the European bank of the Bosphorus River. Located in the Besiktas district it has become one of the coolest, chicest and most artsy neighborhoods in the entire city. Its home to a wide variety of great cafes, bars, pubs, restaurants, shops and numerous sites rich in history. Whether you want to stroll around to take in the beautiful sights or dance the night away at high-end nightclubs, Ortaköy is the place to be. Stars and celebrities abound Make no mistake, Istanbul’s nightlife is rich and at the very heart of it all sits Ortaköy. This is where the rich and famous of the city come to dance their nights away at upscale nightclubs found all over the district. With majestic views of the river and the Asian side of the city, this area is home to several world-class nightclubs. But it is just as beautiful and intriguing during daytime. Walk among the many varied cafes and boutiques to treat yourself to Turkish delights or people-watch in this stunning neighborhood. Do not be surprised if you see some international celebrities walking the streets as well. This combination of location and clientele makes it a perfect people watching spot. Where old meets new Ortaköy has more to offer then just the lifestyles of the rich and famous. The iconic mosque in the area was designed by Nikoğos Balyan, one of the architects behind Dolmabahçe Palace, and was built between 1853 and 1855. Behind the mosque looms the modern Bosphorus Bridge, providing an intriguing photo opportunity. Inside the building you can find intricate and masterful examples of Arabic calligraphy by Abdül Mecit. In front of the Ortaköy Mosque is İskele Meydanı, the hub of the district. During weekends there is a popular street market on the square, with a wide range of merchants selling their goods. If you are looking to visit this intriguing district then a room at our Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul is the perfect choice. Our stylish designer rooms puts you in a central location so that you can explore it with ease. See the historic Grand Bazaar with own eyes or take in the marvelous Dolmabahçe Palace to truly get a feel of this unique city.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and buzzing modern cityscape, Istanbul offers you plenty of things to see and do when visiting the city of two continents. By day, you can take in the sights, bargain for a Turkish carpet or spices at the market, sip exotic tea blends or taste flavored Turkish delights. If you are a night owl, you can spend your evenings on the glittering Bosphorus waterfront where you will find world-class nightlife housed in historic mansions. Istanbul offers a wide range of things to do, whether you want to live the life of the metropolis or delve deeper into historical sights. A modern metropolis If you’re looking for a taste of modern day Turkey you should include a visit to upscale Ortaköy. What used to be a former fishing village has been transformed into the most glamorous neighborhood, rich in things to do. This is where you will find the best nightlife in Istanbul as well as ample opportunities to enjoy the beautiful Bosphorus Strait. If you want to sample some first-class shopping then Istanbul is the place to be, where a world spanning from modern malls to traditional Turkish markets awaits you. Delving into history Having served as an imperial capital for hundreds of years, Istanbul is rich in history and heritage. Exquisite homes of sultans, such as the Dolmabahce Palace, offers you a unique look into the world of these wealthy rulers. Intricate ornaments, lavish furniture and a feeling of grandeur will welcome you at the palaces of Istanbul. A visit to the Hagia Sophia is a must when visiting the city, as well as a visit to the Egyptian Spice Bazaar. History lives on in this magnificent city. Our Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul is your perfect home away from home when visiting Turkey. Experience the city that rests on two continents and all it has to offer before returning to stylish upscale rooms with all the available amenities and services you may desire from a city break.

The banks of the Bosphorus Strait is home to the awe-inducing Dolmabahce Palace. Completed in 1856, the palace was built on the orders of Abdülmecid I, the 31st Sultan to rule over the Ottoman Empire. At the time of construction it cost more than 35 tons of gold, the equivalent of around $1.5 billion in today’s values, to build and is the largest palace in Turkey. The design contains elements from the Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical styles, blended with traditional Ottoman architecture. Today, Dolmabahce Palace stands as an impressive icon on Istanbul’s skyline, allowing you to peer into the glory days of the Ottoman Empire’s luxurious ruling family. Influenced by European monarchs Dolmabahce Palace is open for visitors five days a week from 9 am to 3 pm but closed on Mondays and Thursdays. Only a limited number of tickets are issued so it is recommended that you buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment. When entering the palace, you may recognize elements from other European palaces. Abdülmecid I decided that his former home of Topkapı Palace was lacking in contemporary style, luxury and comfort, and had Dolmabahce Palace built as a replacement. Since its establishment it was home to six Sultans until the abolition of the Caliphate in 1924. The last royal to live here was Calip Abdülmecid Efendi. Today, the only way to see the interior of the palace is by guided tour. An important piece of Turkish history Dolmabahce Palace is lavishly decorated throughout its 285 rooms and 48 halls, standing as an icon of luxury. Here you will find the world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier, containing 750 lamps and weighing in at 4.5 tons, as well as a collection of over 200 oil paintings. When the Caliphate was abolished in 1924 ownership of the palace was transferred to the new Turkish Republic. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk used the building as a presidential residence during the summers. Atatürk also spent the last days of his life here, where he died on November 10, 1938. The deathbed of Turkey’s founding father is still on display. When you are visiting Istanbul and staying at our Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel, the Dolmabahce Palace is only a 5 minute drive away. As you spend your day viewing the luxurious home of the Ottoman Sultans you can return to our stylish designer hotel to relax. With majestic views of the Bosphorus Strait and located in the upscale neighborhood of Ortaköy, it is your perfect home away from home.

Istanbul's nightlife is every bit as noteworthy as its historical attractions because the Turkish capital truly is a hedonist's playground, with clubs and bars to suit all tastes. And nowhere is Istanbul's nightlife more buzzing than by the Bosphorus, particularly in the cosmopolitan district of Ortakoy. The best of Istanbul's nightlife The nearby clubs of Sortie, Ruby and Blackk are almost as popular. Ulus 29 - A wine and cocktail bar with a super-plush interior, Ulus 29 was designed by the man behind the interior of the Sakirin Mosque, making it a place of pilgrimage for Istanbul's night owls. One of the few venues to have a sommelier, Ulus 29 is perfect for people looking to try some Turkish wine while enjoying stunning views across the Bosphorus. Lucca - A restaurant by day and bar lounge by night, Lucca is one of the most fashionable nightspots in Istanbul, having been voted Istanbul's "most hip" restaurant by Conde Nast Traveler. Lucca's bar is managed by an award-winning mixologist, so visitors are encouraged to try his famous Satsuma vodkas and mojitos.

As you step into the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, you will be transported to another world. It has been an important trading center since it was built in the 13th century when the city was named Constantinople, serving as the imperial capital of the Romans and Byzantines. Today, it is one of the largest covered markets in the world, home to more than 3,000 shops on over 60 streets. It is estimated that 400,000 people make their way to this iconic bazaar every day. At the heart of the old city Traders and people looking for the finest wares have been coming to the Grand Bazaar from all over the world since Roman and Byzantine times. Historically, the traders came to deal in silks, furs, spices and exotic goods. Today, you are more likely to discover traditional Turkish delights, ornamental carpets, copperware, amber prayer beads, candlesticks and silver and gold jewelry. As you walk the narrow streets of the Grand Bazaar, be sure to peep through doorways to discover hidden inns, diverge down narrow lanes to watch the artisans at work and drink lots of tea. You will be treated to a shopping experience unlike anything you have ever experienced before. Tips for visiting the market If you are visiting Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar for the first time, we are happy to provide you with some helpful tips for you to make the most of your visit. Bargain – this is expected by stall holders, who will likely inflate their prices and want you to negotiate them down Go early – with close to 400,000 visitors a day the Grand Bazaar can get particularly busy at the hottest times of the day, so go early to avoid crowding Have some tea – there are many cafés where you can enjoy a refreshing cup of tea and some delicious Turkish delights. While rose and lemon flavored delights are the most common, also try some of the more exotic flavors Be savvy – unless you are buying an antique or something truly unique, you may want to buy elsewhere as you often find similar items cheaper outside the bazaar. With a room at our Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul, the Grand Bazaar is only a short drive away. After spending your day at the bazaar and feeling the pulse of the city, return to our stylish and comfortable rooms in the exciting Ortaköy neighborhood.

Istanbul was once the great imperial city of Constantinople, the capital of the Roman Empire under Emperor Constantine the Great. For more than 1,000 years - under the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires - Istanbul was trumpeted as the greatest city on earth, thanks in no small part to its towering cathedral the Hagia Sophia and its grand bazaars which brought together traders from all across the world to deal in furs, spices and exotics. Istanbul was named a European Capital of Culture in 2010, and most of the historic landmarks and attractions that earned the city this prestigious award can be found in Istanbul's Old City - the Sultanahmet. The Old City is also one of 4 zones known collectively as the "Historic Areas of Istanbul" that were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. What to see in Istanbul's Old City The Hagia Sophia - a grand domed museum that once was an Orthodox basilica, then a Catholic cathedral and finally a mosque, the Hagia Sophia is the most iconic landmark associated with Istanbul and is a must-see for visitors. Topkapi Palace - the home of most of the Ottoman Sultans who ruled over Istanbul; containing important holy Muslim relics including the cloak and sword of the prophet Muhammed. The Sultanahmet Mosque - a historic mosque called the "blue mosque" due to its blue-tiled interior; widely considered the last great mosque built in classical times. The Basilica Cistern - a stunning, cathedral-like cistern built by the Romans to hold the water of Istanbul, providing an irrigation system for the gardens of nobles and royalty living in the city. The Theodesian Walls - ancient city walls built in AD 480, replacing the old Roman walls and defending the city against foreign invaders. The Grand Bazaar - home to more than 5,000 shops, this historic market is one of the best places to go shopping in Istanbul. Getting to Instabul Old City from our hotel Located in the upmarket district of Ortakoy, our Istanbul hotel, the Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel, is just a 15-minute drive from Istanbul Old City and the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Sultanahmet Mosque.