Arrival day
Thursday 30 SeptemberNothing on track that matters yet. Check in, then use the afternoon.
- Half-dayBosphorus cruise
- EatHafız Mustafa
Turkish Grand Prix 2027: things to do between sessions in Istanbul
1 to 3 October 2027 · ProvisionalIstanbul, Türkiye
Turkish Grand Prix fills Istanbul with fans for three days, but the track only runs for a few hours a day. Practice starts around lunchtime, qualifying leaves the morning free and the day after the race is open. This guide fills those gaps.
Know before you go
- The 2027 race is subject to FIA homologation of the circuit. Check the official calendar before you buy non-refundable flights.
- Stay on the Asian side (Kadıköy) for shorter trips to the circuit, or in the old city for the sights.
Airport to Istanbul Park, Tuzla
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.
Istanbul Park is on the Asian side, 60 km from Sultanahmet. Official shuttle buses run from central meeting points; by car, allow 1.5 to 2 hours each way in traffic.
Public transport directions to Istanbul Park, Tuzla
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Kadıköy | Asian side, closer to the circuit and full of food. |
| Mid-range | Sultanahmet and Karaköy | Old city sights. |
| Splurge | Bosphorus waterfront | Palace hotels. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Bulut Hostel
- Mid-range: Sirkeci Mansion
- Splurge: Çırağan Palace Kempinski
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual Grand Prix weekend schedule for 1 to 3 October 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Practice day
Friday 1 OctoberFirst practice rarely starts before lunchtime, so the morning is free.
- Half-dayGrand Bazaar and Spice Market tour
- EatÇiya Sofrası
Qualifying day
Saturday 2 OctoberSupport races fill the morning. Skip them for a slow start in town and reach the track after lunch.
- Easy outingTurkish bath
- FreeGalata Bridge fishermen.
Race day
Sunday 3 OctoberGo to the track early and stay after the flag: leaving straight away means the worst of the traffic.
- EveningFood tour on the Asian side
The day after
Monday 4 OctoberA full free day before the flight home. This is the best day for a longer trip out of town.
- Full dayPrinces' Islands day trip
- EatKaraköy Güllüoğlu
Family-friendly picks
- Istanbul Aquarium.
- Miniatürk.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Beyoğlu and Kadıköy bars.
6 tours worth booking for Turkish Grand Prix
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Princes' Islands day trip | Full day | Families |
| Bosphorus cruise | Half day | Tired legs, Families |
| Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapı | Full day | Families |
| Grand Bazaar and Spice Market tour | Half day | Bad weather |
| Turkish bath | Half day | Bad weather, Tired legs |
| Food tour on the Asian side | Evening | Food lovers, Night owls |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Basilica Cistern.
- Istanbul Modern.
Getting around on event days
- Istanbulkart works on metro, trams and ferries.
Day trips from Istanbul
- Princes' Islands: 1.5 hours by ferry
- Bursa: 2 hours
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Turkish Grand Prix.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Turkish Grand Prix 2027?
The next edition is 1 to 3 October 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to Istanbul Park, Tuzla?
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. Istanbul Park is on the Asian side, 60 km from Sultanahmet. Official shuttle buses run from central meeting points; by car, allow 1.5 to 2 hours each way in traffic.
Where should I stay for Turkish Grand Prix?
For most visitors the best base is Sultanahmet and Karaköy: Old city sights.
What can we do between sessions at Turkish Grand Prix?
Good short outings in Istanbul include Bosphorus cruise, Grand Bazaar and Spice Market tour, Turkish bath. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Turkish Grand Prix?
Family-friendly picks: Bosphorus cruise, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapı, Princes' Islands day trip. Istanbul Aquarium.
How far is Istanbul Park, Tuzla from Istanbul centre?
About 36 km in a straight line. Istanbul Park is on the Asian side, 60 km from Sultanahmet. Official shuttle buses run from central meeting points; by car, allow 1.5 to 2 hours each way in traffic.
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