Say you’re a well-botoxed shopaholic type stuck in Istanbul, Turkey and feeling downright homesick. Where would you go? Head straight for Nisantasi – a snooty La-La land in Istanbul, a little bit along the Bosphorus from the Blue Mosque.

Nisantasi, Istanbul

A day-out in Nisantasi is not for those who’re worried about the mortgage, but if you’re the type who drinks afternoon tea at the Plaza in New York after a hard day of shopping, then you’re definitely in the right place.

The streets of Nisantasi are lined with world famous designer brands and boutiques, and filled with women sporting various shades of blonde and the latest fashion craze put out by French designer brands.

In addition to being the shopping and fashion capital of Istanbul, Nisantasi also happens to be the place where Nobel prize winning author Orhan Pamuk was born, and this is where his latest novel – The Museum of Innocence – is set.

It is a story about Pamuk’s love set in the 1970s, and a testament to the power of his pen (and his love) that he’s actually got himself a real museum to exhibit objects mentioned in the novel. The people of Nisantasi aren’t exactly happy about Pamuk airing all their dirty laundry, but it all adds to the perception of glitz, glamor and streets paved with gold and gucci.

The best way to max out your card is to walk into City’s Nisantasi. If you’re more interested in seeing and being seen than in the food, then hangout at Brasserie Nisantasi. Looking for a posh place to stay in Nisantasi? Check out The Sofa and the Park Hyatt Istanbul.

Photo – public domain (source)