Afternoon tea, or high tea, is a long-standing British tradition that has spread across the world, and Istanbul is no exception. The city of Istanbul offers a unique blend of cultures, history, and modern sophistication. Offering a multitude of beautiful, historic tea rooms and elegant hotels, Istanbul is the perfect place to indulge in a leisurely afternoon tea experience with friends after a day of touring the city. During my year living in Istanbul, I enjoyed a variety of afternoon tea time experiences. In this blog post I’ll share the top 5 places in Istanbul, Turkiye to enjoy a beautiful and luxurious afternoon tea experience in 2023.
#1: Pera Palace
There’s no more luxurious place in Istanbul to experience an afternoon tea than the Pera Palace Hotel at the Kubbeli Saloon Tea Lounge. This iconic hotel, located in the heart of Istanbul’s historic Pera district, is the perfect place for tea lovers. The Pera Palace offers an extensive tea menu, with a variety of teas from all over the world, as well as an extensive food menu. The hotel’s beautifully restored interior is the perfect backdrop for a relaxing afternoon, and its location is ideal for exploring the city. This was by far my favorite afternoon tea experience in Istanbul.
You can enjoy afternoon tea any day of the week here from 3 p.m. -6 p.m. for a flat rate of 490 TRY, or around $26 USD. The fee covers unlimited tea and a buffet of both savory refreshments and sweet treats. Be sure call a few days in advance to reserve your spot for afternoon tea. You can call the hotel directly at +90 212 377 4000.
#2: Mandarin Oriental
For a truly luxurious afternoon tea experience, Mandarin Oriental is the place to go. This elegant hotel’s tea room offers a beautiful setting and a menu that is sure to impress. From the high-quality teas to the delicious pastries, everything at the Mandarin Oriental is of the highest standard. Located on the Bosphorus, you can take in the beautiful views of the sea as you sip your tea. Their menu includes a fusion of modern and traditional savory and sweet options.
The Mandarin Oriental offers afternoon tea daily from 2-5pm. Call directly for pricing information and to reserve your spot at: +90 534 260 27 48.
#3: Shangri-La
For a more modern take on afternoon tea, look no further than the Shangri-La. This luxury hotel’s tea room offers a sleek, contemporary setting. The hotel is located on the Bosphorus, though the tea time is offered in their luxurious lobby lounge. The tea menu is extensive and the pastries are mouth-watering, making this the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. They have a live pianist throughout the afternoon tea which adds positively to the ambiance.
Of the afternoon teas I experienced in Istanbul, Shangri-La had the most attentive staff and also the largest selection of international teas. They charged a flat rate of 488 TRY or around $26 USD for the afternoon tea time. This fee covered unlimited tea and coffee as well as a buffet of savory snacks and pastries. Tea time takes place every afternoon from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Be sure call a few days in advance to reserve your spot for afternoon tea. You can call the hotel directly at +90 212 275 8888.
#4: Four Seasons at the Bosphorus
The Four Seasons is a must-visit for tea lovers. This beautiful hotel offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon sipping tea. The tea menu features a range of teas, from classic blends to rare and exotic varieties, and the food menu is equally impressive. Yali Lounge serves a daily afternoon tea on the terrace of the Four Seasons.
Out of all the afternoon tea times I experienced, the Four Seasons offered the most stunning views. If you can get a table on the edge of the terrace you’ll have the best experience and views of the Bosphorus and Asian side of the city. Their menu includes a variety of savory sandwiches alongside sweet pastries and scones.
Be sure to call a few days in advance for pricing information and to make a reservation at: +90 212 381 4000.
#5: St. Regis Brasserie
Finally, the St. Regis Brasserie is a beautiful, historic hotel that offers a stunning backdrop for afternoon tea. Located in the upscale fashion district of Istanbul in Nisantasi, the St. Regis offers a luxurious yet relaxing tea time experience after a day of shopping and touring the city.
The brasserie’s tea menu features a wide range of teas selected by their tea sommelier, from classic black teas to rare and exotic blends. The food menu is equally impressive, with a selection of sweet and savory treats to accompany your tea. They offer afternoon tea every day from 3-6pm. Be sure to call in advance for pricing information and to make a reservation at: +90 212 368 08 36.
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