Eat at Karakoy Lokantasi : one of my favourite restaurants in Istanbul ! I love the atmosphere, and the food is simply divine ! I feel at home every time I come here. Kemankeş Cd No:37/A

Relax at the Kiliç Ali Pasa hammam : this 16th century hammam was built by Sinan, the greatest architect in Ottoman history. It’s a magical place ! Perfect to relax and dream a little – a moment I spend clearing my head. Kemankeş Mah. Hamam Sok. No:1, Karaköy

Shop at A la Turcs : for a spot of vintage shopping, I recommend taking a stroll round the antiques quarter in Çukurcuma. The most beautiful boutique is A la Turcs : you’ll find the best kilims, old objects… This place is simply magical. Faik Paşa Cd No:4, Beyoğlu

Give in to your sweet tooth at Haci Bekir and Bebek Badem ezmecisi : if you are fond of sweets, these are two places you are going to love ! To buy the best Turkish delight, the best place to go is Haci Bekir : I recommend the nut, pistacchio or rose-flavoured ones. Another good spot for sweets : Bebek Badem ezmecisi, a shop specializing in almond and pistacchio marzipan, the best ever ! The shop is in the Bebek area, a nice part of town near the Bosphorus. Hamidiye Cd No:83, Eminonu, Fatih  | Bebek Mh., Beşiktaş

Take a stroll round the Grand Bazaar : you simply have to go to the Grand Bazaar. I especially love the Abdulla stall which sells beautiful towels and soap. Tired after too much shopping ? Stop for coffee at the Fes Cafe right nearby.

Plan a night out at Gaspar and Münferit : Karakoy is the hype area of Istanbul, and my favourite bar there is Gaspar. You can have a drink, dinner, and even dance ! The owner has another bar-restaurant called Münferit, just round the corner in the Galatasaraya area. Mueyyetzade Mah., Necati Bey Cad./arapoğlan Sok. No:6, Karaköy |  Yeni Çarşı Caddesi, No 19, Beyoğlu