What to Do in Instanbul: Global Citizen Louise Ulukaya on Her Favorite Must-Visit Spots

Louise Ulukaya created Mon Coeur, her line of children’s and baby clothing, to fill a need. “I couldn’t find any brand that was sustainable, cute, and comfortable,” says the entrepreneur and mom of three. From hoodies and swimwear to onesies, every item features recycled material, and each purchase helps support beach cleanups, tree plantings, and other eco-initiatives via the nonprofit 1% for the Planet.  

This year, Ulukaya is launching the Mon Coeur Foundation to support education for grade school students around the world. Philanthropy is a priority for herself and her husband, Turkey-born businessman Hamdi Ulukaya, the founder of Chobani yogurt, which donates 10 percent of company profits to the Chobani Foundation. “We don’t really call it philanthropy. It’s something we talk about on a daily basis. It’s part of our daily routine,” she says.  

Ulukaya and her family are based mostly in New York (her father, chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, launched his culinary empire there), but they also spend time in the South of France (where she grew up) and in Istanbul, a city she says she fell in love with “at first sight.”

Below, she shares her favorite places to visit in Turkey’s historical city.

“It’s great for a nice dinner date. It’s very beautifully designed with Anatolian heritage art all around the dining room. Their lahmacun [Turkish flatbread] is amazing.”  

Lucca

“I also love Lucca in the Bebek neighbourhood, which is kind of like the hip Soho-like area. The menu is super easy with the kids. The kefte dish with rice and salad is a must. When I first visited Turkey, I fell in love with the food first of all.”  

Midnight

“It’s a very well-curated shop in Bebek, with jewelry, including pieces by a number of Greek designers, and nice bohemian clothes.” 

Spice Bazaar

“The energy is unlike anything else—you feel it even before entering the market.” 

Cihangir

“The antiques district in the Cihangir neighbourhood is filled with vintage and artisan shops.” 

Ortaköy Mosque

“Located on the waterside of the Ortaköy Pier square, it’s spectacular at night.” 

Galataport

“I love walking on the Galataport waterfront with our kids. The view is beautiful, and we love getting a gelato at Vakkorama.”  

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus

“When we got married in Istanbul about seven years ago, we stayed there. It’s very sentimental for me. We love it. You can just sit there and get a Turkish tea and watch the whole dramatic scenery on the Bosphorus. People are canoeing. Boats are passing by. And the pool—it’s the most amazing pool in the whole world.” 

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

An Intimate Oasis in Istanbul’s Oldest District

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