Two terraces atop Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet offer a festive location for parties of up to 350 people, highlighted by the best views in the city. With key historic and cultural sites within five minutes’ walk of the Hotel, the rooftop has a bird’s-eye view of the 17th-century Blue Mosque (named for the azure tiles that adorn it) with its distinctive thin minarets; Haghia Sophia, the Church of Holy Wisdom built in 537 AD that is now preserved as a museum; and Topkapi Palace, one of the city’s most popular attractions, which was the vast home of the Ottoman sultans for centuries.

Staff can also point out the locations of other less recognisable sites, including the ancient Basilica Cistern, the Grand Bazaar (dating to the 15th century, it remains one of the largest covered markets in the world) and the smaller Spice Market, which sells a wider range of goods than the name suggests. The terraces are open for daily cocktails during warmer months, and can be booked for private events year round.