Worth getting out of bed for
The Istanbul Modern (www.istanbulmodern.org) is an old dockside warehouse turned art and design gallery, a short roll down the hill from the hotel. The bar-restaurant, which offers brilliant Bosphorus views, is a key lunch spot – but take a taxi back up the hill; it's a brutal slope. Opposite the Witt Suites, on the other side of the river, sits the Hagia Sophia, Istanbul's most magnificent Byzantine building, now a museum. For a proper Turkish bath, try the Aga Hammam (+90 (0)212 249 5027) five minutes away on Turnacaibagi Sokak, a small, neighbourhood baths built in 1454 and frequented by Mehmet the conqueror.
Local restaurants
Follow the unassumng alleyway down Antipatlar Sok to Gukurkeyif (+90 (0)212 251 1193), and you'll find a private courtyard garden housing a happening modern restaurant and bar. The dishes themselves are a mix of French and Italian salad-type affairs, and the atmosphere has a funky Ibizan edge to it.
Local bars
Meyra (+90 (0)212 244 5335), at the junction of Akarsu Caddesi and Matara Sokag, combines a tasty Mediterranean menu with evening DJs and a creative clientele who enjoy the atmosphere until 4am. Slightly more backstreet and bohemian, Alti Café (+90 (0)212 293 0849) just off Akarsu Caddesi, has a shaded green garden and a hip, cheery vibe.
Local cafés
Nearby Cuppa on Yeni Yuva Sokak (+90 (0)212 249 57 23) serves an appetising area of fresh juices, quality coffee, and tasty salads.
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A welcome drink and basket of fresh fruit on arrival
