Concept ice cream shops around Istanbul

"I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!" This is one of the most popular kid's rhymes, which goes to show just how exciting a good scoop of ice cream can be. Now that the weather is getting hotter, everyone around the city is looking for a nice and delicious way to cool down. What better way to pass the hot days ahead of us than getting a scoop (or more) of ice cream from Istanbul's best ice cream shops. Whether they are new concept shops or traditional Turkish-style shops, all of these parlors are worth visiting. Moreover, you might just find a day's worth of fun in the district where they are located.

Mini Dondurma

Last, but not least, is Mini Dondurma (Mini Ice Cream). As suggested by the name, it is a small ice cream shop that is definitely worth trying out. The tiny four-square-meter shop has so many different flavors, that customers are willing to bear the long line that usually wraps around the corner. With all the classic flavors plus traditional Turkish flavors, such as rose, lokum (Turkish delight) and mastic, Mini Dondurma is the perfect place to try these new and exciting flavors. The ice cream shop is located in Bebek, and though there is no seating at the shop, Bebek Park and the Bosporus shoreline are the perfect places to sit and enjoy your new-found heaven. Mini Dondurma is open until 3:00 a.m., making it the ideal place to head to if you are craving a midnight snack.

Address: Cevdetpaşa Caddesi, No. 38/A, Bebek

Cremeria Milano

Moving from the U.S. to Italy with traditional Italian-made ice cream, our next stop is Cremeria Milano. This Italian franchisee has two different types of traditional Italian ice cream, gelato and sorbetto, and features a huge number of different flavors. Gelato is a northern Italian classic made with milk, eggs, cream and ingredients like cacao, pistachios, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, caramel and cinnamon. It is a creamy smooth ice cream much like the ones we are used to. Sorbetto, on the other hand, might be a unique taste if you are not familiar with it. Sorbetto is a southern Italian favorite, which is a water-based ice cream made with water, sugar and fresh fruits. Being light and refreshing, it's the perfect pick for those of you who like new tastes. There are seven Cremeria Milanos around Istanbul, but the one in Nişantaşı is the most popular. It is in the perfect location to grab a scoop, walk around and window shop. The refreshing gelatos will keep you cool as you look left and right at the luxurious shops and boutiques. City's Nişantaşı Mall is located only five minutes away from the ice cream shop, making it a perfect destination to head over to afterwards.

Address: Maçka Caddesi, No. 20A, Harbiye

Giolitti

The next shop is Giolitti, an ice cream shop that has been around for 115 years and is one of the oldest ice cream shops in Istanbul. Their 100-year-old story began when siblings Giuseppe and Bernardina Giolitti opened a creamery on the Salita del Grillo where they sold milk from their own pastures in the Roman countryside. One thing led to another, and now Giolitti has become a known taste all around the world. Though they are known more for their fruity flavors, they have a wide-range of flavors. Giolitti is located in Beyoğlu just a short walk away from the Galata district, home of the famous Galata Tower. You can stroll down to see the magnificent tower and the cozy shops surrounding it while enjoying your ice cream.

Address: Asmalı Mescit Mah., Tünel Meydanı, No:186, İstiklal Avenue

Cold Stone Creamery

As a brand straight from the U.S. to your ice cream cone, Cold Stone Creamery is one of the most interesting shops in the city. This franchise hailing from Arizona has a variety of different flavors you can pick and choose from, and an even bigger variety of toppings. Whether it be chocolate chips, peanut butter cups, sprinkles or cookie dough, Cold Stone Creamery gives customers a chance to customize their own ice cream. The preparation is done on a frozen granite stone where they mix and match mouthwatering flavors. You might be in for a surprise if you are a first time customer, as it is a custom for the staff to toss around your ice cream, throwing it from one end of the shop to the other and catching it in cones and cups. Don't worry though, they always catch the ice cream just in the nick of time, serve you in a way you've never been served before. The shop is located in Ortaköy – with another location in Kadıköy – where, after your experience, you can walk around and look at the endless array of jewelry stands and rows of waffle and kumpir (baked potato) stands. Because it is located quite close to the sea, you could also sit on the bank and simply enjoy the view of the Bosporus, the Bosporus Bridge and the refreshing breeze.

Address: Çırağan Caddesi, No. 46, A Blok, Ortaköy