With its famous strait and historic skyline that are especially beautiful at sunset or in the moonshine, Istanbul is definitely a romantic city. If you’re planning on proposing to your loved one, there are a few great places, from the upscale to the more laid-back (depending on your style) that are perfectly romantic and very Istanbul.
For a more upscale proposal, complete with some of the best haute cuisine dishes that Istanbul has to offer, make a reservation at Nicole Restaurant. Located on the terrace of the very lovely Tom Tom Suites, the view of Istanbul is absolutely breathtaking at night, especially the lights of Sultanahmet. Pop a bottle of champagne when he or she says yes and indulge in some amazing dessert.
One of the lesser-known splendors of the Ottoman Empire, the Beylerbeyi Palace has the advantage of being located right by the Bosporus. After a tour of the interior, take your future wife or husband out into the beautiful garden and propose under the trees with the water just a few steps away.
Located on a small island off the Üsüdar neighborhood, what better place to ask for your partner’s hand in marriage but on the Bosphorus itself? With its many legends that revolve around love, the Maiden’s Tower is definitely a romantic place, with one of the best views of Istanbul’s European and Asian sides.
Istanbul’s islands offer a great getaway from the high energy of the city and are better suited for those couples who prefer some nature in their romance. Walk the tree-lined path up to Kalpazankaya Restaurant, which sits on the island’s highest peak with a full view of the sea. We recommend you propose at sunset, when the colors are absolutely beautiful.
If you’re a down-to-earth kind of couple, then Pierre Loti Café is definitely a great place to mark the beginning of your lives together. A simple café with a spectacular city view, the Pierre Loti looks over the Golden Horn and all its historic neighborhoods. Celebrate “yes” with some Turkish tea and gaze at the city (as well as into each other’s eyes).
Located at the very top point of Büyükada, this is a great place for nature and history enthusiast couples. Every year, people hike up to the Aya Yorgi church, unraveling a spool of string along the way to make a wish, and in this case you can tell your loved one that your wish has come true while you gaze out over a great sea view.
One of the most magnificent edifices of the Byzantine era, the Chora Church is an absolutely stunning sight with some of the best-preserved frescoes in Istanbul. Tell your lover that his or her face is more beautiful than any ancient frescoes and propose in a historic setting where the sound of “yes” will echo through the nave.
If a Bosphorus cruise on a private yacht with dinner, champagne, and roses is what you’re looking for, then you’re in luck. Zoe Yachts’ Sunset or Dinner Cruise is the perfect place to propose in a setting where it’s just the two of you, the Bosphorus, the sunset, and a whole lot of romance. You can also request for the boat to stop at a certain point, in case you want the twinkling lights of the Bosphorus Bridge behind you as you pop the question.
