Istanbul Turkey
Istanbul is one of the great cities of the world, sitting across the Bosphorus where Europe meets Asia. The historic peninsula (Sultanahmet) contains the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar within walking distance of each other - a density of history that takes multiple days to absorb properly. The Galata Bridge crossing the Golden Horn connects Sultanahmet to the more contemporary Beyoglu district, home to Istiklal Avenue, the neighbourhood of Cihangir, and the majority of the city’s art galleries and independent restaurants. The Bosphorus itself is best seen from a ferry - the public ferry network is cheap, reliable, and passes some of the finest waterfront architecture in the world. The Asian side of the city (Kadikoy, Moda) is less touristic and has excellent food markets and a local atmosphere. Istanbul is a major hub airline city with direct connections to most of Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia via Istanbul Airport, one of the largest in the world.
The Hagia Sophia (now a mosque, open to visitors outside prayer times) and the Blue Mosque anchor Sultanahmet. The Topkapi Palace complex takes half a day. The Grand Bazaar is the world’s oldest and largest covered market. A Bosphorus ferry cruise passes the Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and the suspension bridges. Kadikoy on the Asian side has the best street food market in the city. The Istanbul Modern art museum has moved into its striking new Renzo Piano building on the Bosphorus.
Istanbul Airport (IST) is the main international hub on the European side, handling the bulk of long-haul and European traffic via Turkish Airlines and other carriers. The airport metro connects to central Istanbul in about 40 minutes. Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side handles budget carriers and low-cost routes.
The Istanbul Metro and tram network cover the main tourist and conference areas. The T1 tram runs from the airport area through Sultanahmet to Kabatas. The Marmaray tunnel crosses under the Bosphorus linking Europe and Asia. Taxis are available everywhere but negotiate the fare or insist on the meter. The Istanbulkart contactless card works across all public transport.
April to June and September to November are ideal, with warm temperatures of 18-25C and manageable crowds. July and August are hot (30-35C) and very crowded. Winter is mild but rainy.
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1 upcoming conference in Istanbul
Our picks in Istanbul
A curated selection of hotels chosen for location, value, and fit for conference travellers.
CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul
Inonu Caddesi No 8, Taksim, Beyoglu, 34437 Istanbul, Turkey
Luxury five-star a short walk from Taksim Square with a rooftop terrace restaurant overlooking the Bosphorus and a large spa complex -...
Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center
Silahsor Caddesi No 42, Bomonti-Sisli, 34381 Istanbul, Turkey
Large 34-floor Hilton tower in Bomonti with an award-winning spa and extensive conference facilities, 10 minutes from Taksim by metro - well...
Holiday Inn Istanbul Sisli
Halaskar Gazi Caddesi No 206, Sisli, 34360 Istanbul, Turkey
Four-star IHG hotel in Sisli with an on-site hammam and spa, five minutes walk from Osmanbey Metro - the best value option...
Istanbul Marriott Hotel Sisli
Abide-i Hurriyet Caddesi No 142, Sisli, 34381 Istanbul, Turkey
Five-star Marriott in the Sisli business district with indoor pool, Turkish bath, and well-equipped rooms - a reliable upscale choice for attendees...
Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Sisli
19 Mayis Caddesi No 2, Sisli, 34360 Istanbul, Turkey
Contemporary five-star in Sisli with a rooftop terrace bar, within walking distance of Taksim and Nisantasi - a good upscale option for...
Wyndham Grand Istanbul Levent Hotel & Conference Center
Buyukdere Caddesi No 177-183, Sisli, 34394 Istanbul, Turkey
Five-star conference hotel in the Levent financial district with direct metro access and substantial meeting facilities - the most practical choice for...
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