Istanbul’s unique position where Europe meets Asia gives the city a singular character. With more than 3,000 years of history and a legacy as the capital of multiple civilizations, Istanbul offers visitors a rich and varied experience. Divided by the Bosporus and bordered by the Black Sea to the north and the Sea of Marmara to the south, the city has hot, humid summers and cold, sometimes snowy winters. Explore the harmony of a city that literally bridges two continents.
GETTING THERE
Most international travelers arrive at Istanbul Airport on the European side. On the Asian side, Sabiha Gökçen International Airport serves many domestic and regional flights. Shuttle buses run toward central hubs such as Taksim or Kadıköy at regular intervals; rides typically take about 40 minutes and are very affordable. Some hotels offer complimentary airport pickups—check with your accommodation in advance. Public transport from the airports into the city frequently involves a combination of subway, tram and bus or ferry and may take over an hour. Metered taxis are widely available and are a convenient option for door-to-door travel.
GETTING AROUND
Istanbul’s transport network includes buses, minibuses, funiculars, ferries, catamarans, subways, trains and trams. A stored-value transit card is the most practical way to travel, letting you transfer between modes without paying each leg separately. Dolmuş are shared minibuses that follow set routes and run during daylight hours. Taxis are numerous and inexpensive compared with many major cities; for reliability, have your hotel call a licensed cab or use a reputable ride app.
9–5
360 Istanbul
Perched with a panoramic view of the city, 360 Istanbul blends creative cuisine with lively entertainment and an engaging atmosphere. It’s an excellent choice for a business lunch or an impressive dinner, combining inventive dishes with striking skyline views.
InterContinental Istanbul
Located in the Taksim area, this five-star hotel is a convenient base for business travelers and meetings, offering multiple meeting rooms and upscale amenities. Its rooftop restaurant and bar present sweeping city views, while traditional Turkish dining options accompany live local music for a memorable evening.
Sütiş
Sütiş is a well-known local café and restaurant ideal for starting the day. Located near the Bosporus in Arnavutköy, it offers outdoor seating by the water and a selection of Turkish pastries, desserts and classic breakfast dishes like eggs and omelets.
AFTER 5
Cipriani
Located in a modern luxury hotel, Cipriani brings a classic Mediterranean-Italian dining tradition to Istanbul. The restaurant is known for its timeless dishes and comfortable alfresco seating—suitable for relaxed dinners and client entertaining.
Grand Hotel de Londres
A historic hotel with roots in the era of the Orient Express, the Grand Hotel de Londres retains period charm with high ceilings and elegant décor. Its terrace bar overlooks the Golden Horn and provides a refined setting for an early evening cocktail.
Tünel
For a piece of living history, ride the Tünel, one of the world’s oldest underground railways. Operating into the evening, it connects Karaköy and Tünel squares up a steep hill and offers a short, memorable journey through the city’s past.
RESOURCES
For tourism information and official guidance, consult Turkey’s national tourism resources and local visitor information centers when planning your trip.