Istanbul

Destinations

9 Jan

Written By NBH

DESTINATION GUIDE WITH MEHMET YÜCEBAŞOĞLU

Istanbul Design City Guide: A Curated Journey with Mehmet Yücebaşoğlu

Istanbul is a city where history, craftsmanship and contemporary design converge, shaping an aesthetic that is layered, expressive and deeply rooted in place. This guide explores Istanbul through a design-led lens, from historic architecture and cultural institutions to galleries, neighbourhoods and spaces where tradition and innovation meet.
Long positioned as a crossroads between cultures, Istanbul has emerged as a compelling design destination, defined by its relationship to materiality, artisanal knowledge and spatial storytelling. The city’s creative landscape rewards slow discovery, revealing a quieter, more considered approach to design.
Guided by interior designer Mehmet Yücebaşoğlu, founder of A Day of Design, this journey offers an insider’s view of the galleries, cafés, neighbourhoods and architectural landmarks that shape Istanbul’s creative rhythm.
**JANUARY 2026**
**Words:** designeers and MEHMET YÜCEBAŞOĞLU

A breakfast and coffee stop:

Petra Roasting Co. Şişhane

A favourite Istanbul coffee spot, Petra Roasting Co. in Şişhane is known for its expertly roasted coffee and laid-back atmosphere. A local ritual pairs breakfast at Mangerie with coffee at Petra, a classic Istanbul morning and a must-stop for anyone exploring the city’s design and café culture.

favourite art gallery:

The Pill

With locations in Istanbul and Paris, The Pill is a contemporary art gallery known for introducing some of the most significant international artists to the city. Its thoughtfully curated programme positions the gallery as a key point of reference within Istanbul’s evolving art scene.

favourite design museum:

Arter

One of Istanbul’s leading contemporary art museums, Arter is a cultural institution dedicated to international and Turkish contemporary art, housed within a striking purpose-built space that has quickly become a key reference point for the city’s design and art scene.

A PANORAMIC wine bar:

Biz Istanbul

A stylish cocktail and wine bar in Istanbul, Biz Istanbul is the perfect spot to experience the city from above, offering stunning panoramic views alongside a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, ideal for sunset drinks or a late evening aperitif.

A FINE DINING RESTAURANT:

Clove

A standout fine dining restaurant, Clove is defined by an excellent, thoughtfully composed menu, flawless service, and dishes that are consistently refined and memorable -making it one of the city’s most accomplished dining destinations..

A LUNCH TO INDULGE INTO:

Bardot

A newly opened lunch destination, Bardot has already made its mark with a deeply satisfying, thoughtfully executed menu, making it a go-to spot for a leisurely, indulgent midday meal.

a design hotel to stay in:

Bebek Hotel by The Stay

A design-led hotel in Istanbul, Bebek Hotel by The Stay offers a beautiful balance of heritage and contemporary design, combining historic character with modern comforts in one of the city’s most coveted waterfront settings.

A place to find art, furniture and design objects:

Hikmet Mizanoğlu

A trusted destination for art, furniture and design objects, Hikmet Mızanoğlu offers an ever-evolving selection where unique pieces are always to be discovered. A place designers return to time and again, it’s where the missing elements of a space often come together, guided by a host whose generosity and eye make the experience as rewarding as the finds.

Favourite GALLERY:

Geo Gallery

One of Istanbul’s emerging destinations for design inspiration, Geo Gallery showcases unique, custom-designed furniture and objects, making it a go-to concept space for discovering distinctive pieces and contemporary craftsmanship.

Your go-to bookstore:

Minoa Books

A go-to bookstore and magazine destination in Istanbul, Minoa Books is prized for its thoughtfully curated selection of art, design, architecture and cultural titles. Calm, considered and intellectually rich, it’s a place to browse slowly, discover new perspectives and reconnect with the tactile pleasure of print.

A must-visit street or neighbourhood for design lovers:

Çukurcuma

A must-visit neighbourhood for design lovers in Istanbul, Çukurcuma is an alluring historic quarter known for its antique shops, galleries and layered character, where each visit reveals something new — from hidden design finds to unexpected architectural details.

An iconic architectural landmark:

Fener Rum College

A striking architectural landmark in Istanbul, Fener Rum College is instantly recognisable for its deep red façade, a colour so distinctive it rivals the building’s architecture itself. Perched above the Golden Horn, the structure stands as a bold and unforgettable presence within the city’s historic skyline.

Favourite outdoor space for a moment of tranquillity:

Emirgan Korusu

A beloved green retreat in Istanbul, Emirgan Korusu offers a moment of tranquillity amid wooded paths, historic pavilions and sweeping Bosphorus views - an ideal escape for quiet walks and reflective pauses away from the city’s pace.

A place to adventure out of town:

Princes Islands

A classic day trip from Istanbul, the Princes’ Islands offer a slower, more contemplative pace, defined by historic wooden villas, pine-lined paths and sea views. With cars largely absent, the islands invite wandering, cycling and quiet exploration, an ideal out-of-town escape rooted in atmosphere and heritage.

Photography Credits

ARTER Cemal Emdem AND COURTESY OF ARTER

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