Istanbul guide for participants
A practical guide for participants attending training in Istanbul: where to stay, how to get around, and what to see after class.
About the city
Istanbul spans two continents, divided by the Bosphorus strait. Most business activity, and most training venues, sit on the European side, in a corridor running north from Taksim through Şişli and Levent to Maslak. The historic peninsula, with the city's best-known landmarks, lies to the south across the Golden Horn.
Explore the city
Select an area or landmark to see how far it is from the centre, how well it is connected, and what it suits.
Select a point on the map or in the list.
City centre
Business & training areas
Places to stay
Airports
Landmarks
Accommodation by price level
Typical price levels by area. Actual rates vary by season and event calendar.
Premium
- Levent About 8 km from Taksim
- Maslak About 12 km from Taksim
Mid-range
- Taksim City centre reference point
- Şişli & Mecidiyeköy About 3 km from Taksim
- Beşiktaş About 2 km from Taksim
- Ataşehir About 16 km from Taksim
Budget-friendly
- Sultanahmet About 5 km from Taksim
- Kadıköy About 7 km from Taksim, across the Bosphorus
Transport
- Airport transfers
- For international programs, CORETR can arrange airport reception where it is included in your agreement. Otherwise, airport buses and licensed taxis run around the clock.
- Metro and tram
- An Istanbulkart travel card works on metro, tram, bus, Marmaray and ferries. The M2 line connects Taksim, Şişli, Levent and Maslak.
- Taxis
- Use licensed yellow taxis or a ride-hailing app, and make sure the meter is running. Traffic is heavy from 07:30–10:00 and 17:00–20:00.
- Ferries
- Ferries cross between the European and Asian sides and are often faster than the bridges at peak times.
Practical tips
- Carry an Istanbulkart; it covers almost all public transport.
- Allow extra time for morning traffic when commuting to the venue.
- Friday prayers and public holidays can change opening hours of some sites.