Lonely Planet İstanbul Guide

BAR BAR, CAFE partially obscured. Cocktails ( ₺ 49), meze ( ₺ 30) and an impressive selection of spirits add to the appeal. In winter, sit downstairs in the lounge bar or courtyard garden. CIHANNÜMA ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-512 0207; www.cihannumaistanbul.com; And Hotel, Yerebatan Caddesi 18; h noon-midnight; j Sultanahmet) We don’t recommend eating at this rooftop hotel restaurant near Aya Sofya, but the view from its narrow balcony and glass-sheathed dining room is one of the Old City’s best (spot Aya Sofya, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Galata Tower and the Bosphorus Bridge), so it’s a great choice for a scenic afternoon drink or sundowner. KYBELE CAFE ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-511 7766; www.kybelehotel.com; Yerebatan Caddesi 23; h 7.30am 11.30pm; j Sultanahmet) The hotel lounge bar–cafe close to the Basilica Cistern is chock-full of antique furniture, richly coloured rugs and old etchings and prints, but its signature style comes courtesy of the hundreds of colourful glass lights hanging from the ceiling. CAFERAĞA MEDRESESI ÇAY BAHÇESI ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-513 3601; www.tkhv.org; Soğukkuyu Çıkmazı 5, off Caferiye Sokak; h 9am-7pm Tue-Sun; j Sultanahmet) On a fine day, sipping a çay in the gorgeous courtyard of this Sinan-designed medrese is a delight. Located close to both Aya Sofya and Topkapı Palace, it houses a craft centre and serves simple food at lunchtime. TEA GARDEN BAR HOTEL NOMADE TERRACE BAR ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-513 8172; www.hotelnomade.com; Ticarethane Sokak 15, Alemdar; h 2 11.30pm; j Sultanahmet) The intimate terrace of this boutique hotel overlooks Aya Sofya and the Blue Mosque. Settle down in a comfortable chair to enjoy a glass of wine, beer or