Arrival and expo
Wednesday 3 NovemberRunners collect bibs at the expo. Companions can split off for a half-day.
- Half-dayGrand Bazaar and Spice Market tour
- EatÇiya Sofrası
Istanbul Marathon 2027: spectator guide and weekend itinerary
5 to 7 November 2027 · ExpectedIstanbul, Türkiye
Istanbul Marathon takes runners a few hours and spectators all day. This guide gives supporters cheer points they can reach by public transport, plans the expo day and race eve around tired legs, and fills the recovery day in Istanbul.
Know before you go
- The only major marathon that crosses two continents: the bridge is closed to everyone but runners.
Airport to Start on the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, Asia to Europe
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.
Start and finish areas are on public transport; streets on the course close for the morning.
Public transport directions to Start on the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, Asia to Europe
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 marathon weekend schedule for 5 to 7 November 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Day before the race
Thursday 4 NovemberRunners rest their legs: pick seated or slow outings, then an early pasta dinner.
- Easy outingTurkish bath
- EatKaraköy Güllüoğlu
Race day
Friday 5 NovemberSpectators: pick two cheer points you can reach by public transport, then meet at the finish.
- Cheer pointGalata Bridge and the old city.
- Cheer pointSultanahmet finish.
- EatHafız Mustafa
Recovery day
Monday 8 NovemberSore legs: boats, buses and long lunches beat walking tours today.
- Easy outingFood tour on the Asian side
- Rain or heat backupBasilica Cistern.
Family-friendly picks
- Istanbul Aquarium.
- Miniatürk.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Beyoğlu and Kadıköy bars.
6 tours worth booking for Istanbul Marathon
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Bazaar and Spice Market tour | Half day | Bad weather |
| Turkish bath | Half day | Bad weather, Tired legs |
| Princes' Islands day trip | Full day | Families |
| Bosphorus cruise | Half day | Tired legs, Families |
| Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapı | Full day | Families |
| 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 Istanbul Marathon.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Istanbul Marathon 2027?
The next edition is 5 to 7 November 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to Start on the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, Asia to Europe?
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. Start and finish areas are on public transport; streets on the course close for the morning.
Where should I stay for Istanbul Marathon?
For most visitors the best base is Sultanahmet and Karaköy: Old city sights.
What else can we do around Istanbul Marathon?
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 Istanbul Marathon?
Family-friendly picks: Bosphorus cruise, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapı, Princes' Islands day trip. Istanbul Aquarium.
How far is Start on the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, Asia to Europe from Istanbul centre?
About 6 km in a straight line. Start and finish areas are on public transport; streets on the course close for the morning.
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