Istanbul event weekends: what to do between sessions

Two continents, the Bosphorus, Hagia Sophia, bazaars and some of the world's best street food.

Events we cover in Istanbul

Arriving

Istanbul airport (IST) has metro M11 to Gayrettepe and Havaist buses to Taksim and Sultanahmet (1 hour+). Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is on the Asian side, closer to Istanbul Park.

Where to stay

Three hotels we would book

• Budget: Bulut Hostel
• Mid-range: Sirkeci Mansion
• Splurge: Çırağan Palace Kempinski

Event weekends sell out early and prices rise as the date gets closer: book a cancellable room as soon as you know you are going.

Tours

Where to eat

• Çiya Sofrası Anatolian dishes in Kadıköy
• Karaköy Güllüoğlu Baklava
• Hafız Mustafa Turkish delight and pastries

With kids

• Istanbul Aquarium.
• Miniatürk.

Rainy-day backups

• Basilica Cistern.
• Istanbul Modern.

Free things to do

• Ferry across the Bosphorus (cheap).
• Galata Bridge fishermen.

Getting around

• Istanbulkart works on metro, trams and ferries.