The St. Regis Istanbul

Area & Activities

Explore Istanbul With St. Regis

The St. Regis Istanbul is located in the heart of the vibrant Nişantaşı district, renowned as the “5th Avenue” of Istanbul. The city’s social center, and the setting for several novels by Nobel laureate writer Orhan Pamuk, it features narrow streets lined with Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture. Art galleries and entertainment also abound—as do antique and designer shops ranging from Chanel and Hermès to Cengiz Abazoğlu and Hakan Yıldırım. Top cafés and brassieres serving local flavors and famous Turkish hospitality further enhance the sophisticated scene. And as the sun goes down, the neighborhood’s famous nightlife alights.

Moreover, there are countless celebrated city center destinations—such as Maçka Park, Istanbul Congress Center, and the sparkling Bosphorus—mere steps from our front door. The Dolmabahçe Palace is also just a short walk away. Constructed in the 19th century, the imposing structure was the administrative center of the late Ottoman Empire and home to the last of the Ottoman sultans.

Nearby, the legendary Beyoğlu district boasts 45 neighborhoods and Istiklal Street, which is a significant cultural, recreational, and commercial center. It also connects Taksim Square to the Galata district and its surroundings.

To literally step into history, stop by Galata Tower: one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Erected in 1348, the famous structure was once Istanbul’s highest building. It also witnessed the first human flight in 1630 by Hazerfan Ahmet Çelebi, who donned artificial wings to glide nearly six kilometers—from the tower over the Bosphorus to the slopes of Üsküdar on the Anatolian side of the city.

Additionally, a quick drive will transport guests to historic Old Istanbul, distinguished by 19th-century travelers as “Stamboul.” Along with museums, restaurants, and hammams, the quarter houses the storied Blue Mosque and Ayasofya, also known as the Hagia Sophia. The latter building’s wide, flat dome was an engineering feat when it was built in the sixth century and architects still marvel at the structure’s many innovations.

Visitors should also be sure to make time for Istanbul’s mythic markets, which include the Grand Bazaar, where Silk Road traders once rested their camels, and the Spice Market, which sells dried fruits, caviar, Turkish delight, and more.