Book Event Venues in Istanbul

Hosting an Event in Istanbul

Istanbul is a city with a lot of soul. This means you can host almost any type of event in Istanbul!

The city is a hot favourite with start-ups. It’s not unusual to find several networking events happening on any given day in the city.

That’s not to say larger firms can’t take advantage of Istanbul’s growing popularity as an up and coming business hub. There are several venues in Istanbul to host conferences and summits as well!

Of course, we can’t talk about events in Istanbul and not mention its art and cultural scene. Here you’ll find plenty of events related to arts, music, movies and concerts.

In fact, the International Istanbul Film Festival, Theatre Festival, Puppet Festival, Jazz Festival, and Music Festival draws huge international crowds every year.

The crypto and blockchain industry has also seen a lot of interest in the last few years. Hosting an event in Istanbul on these topics will definitely draw a crowd.

Booking an Event Venue in Istanbul

We’ve already mentioned that Istanbul is a cultural city and the choice of event venues in Istanbul definitely reflects that!

Can you think of any other city in the world where you’ll be able to host your event in a luxurious hotel that was once a 19th century palace? Well, you can with the spectacular choice of venues in Istanbul.

From venues as opulent as old palaces with stunning architecture to meeting rooms overlooking the shimmery Bosphorus seas, we know you’ll love the variety of event venues in Istanbul.

That being said, the city is also a growing hub for start-ups and co-working spaces so don’t be surprised if you find a few modern venues in Istanbul amongst the cultural gems.

While we have your attention, we also recommend you check out our ultimate guide to event stage design . This has all the details you need to take your event to the next level.

The Best Areas in Istanbul

It’s hard to find two neighbourhoods that are similar in Istanbul. Each area here has its own distinct flavour and vibe but if we had to pick, here’s our choice of the four areas with the best venues in Istanbul.

Nişantaşı: This is one of the top areas in Istanbul to host an upscale event. It’s got plenty of fancy hotels where you can host your event in Istanbul in style. As for after-event activities, we recommend a spot of (window) shopping at one of the area’s many haute couture boutiques or a meal at one of its elegant restaurants. If that doesn’t quite catch your fancy, you can always take a stroll (or plan a team bonding session) at Maçka Park – one of the few parks you’ll find in central Istanbul.

Sultanahmet: The best area in Istanbul to get a true taste of the city’s rich history, every block here has its own story to tell. Sultanahmet is the perfect area in Istanbul to host an event with an older crowd. You’ll find some of the most historical venues in Istanbul here that are sure to be a hit.

When you host an event in Istanbul in Sultanahmet, your attendees will get a chance to visit some of Istanbul’s most iconic sites. Don’t miss the chance to arrange for a spot of sight-seeing at the famed Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.

Kadıkӧy: It doesn’t matter how many times you do it, walking down this neighbourhood will be an experience every time! One of the trendiest areas in the city, we love that in Kadıkӧy you can have your event in Istanbul at a venue overlooking the sea. The neighbourhood also has plenty of options for some after-work entertainment with some of the most hip bars, coffee shops, restaurants and boutiques in the city.

Karokay: It’s hard to believe this neighbourhood was once a lonely row of shipping warehouses and camping shops. Today, it’s one of the finest areas in Istanbul.

A good area in Istanbul to host an event with a modern backdrop, you’ll find some of the coolest venues in Istanbul here. There are art galleries with event rooms and stylish boutiques that provide the perfect venue for creative events.

Getting Around Istanbul

Now that we’ve told you some of the best areas in Istanbul, we’re sure your next question is how to get there. Don’t worry, we’ve got that covered too!

It is easy to get around Istanbul.

Public transport in Istanbul is well-oiled with multiple metro lines that connect the city. One such metro line, The Marmaray, that passes under the Bosphorus Strait, connects the metro system on the European and Asian sides of the city.

If you’d prefer to enjoy the salty sea air, Istanbul also has multiple ferry lines which help you cross between Europe and Asia.

We recommend getting the IstanbulKart card for public transport in Istanbul when you’re here. This smart card allows you to pay the fare on the metro, Marmaray, ferries, and city buses.

While the transportation system is pretty well-connected here, if you do need to go to a location that is not on the metro line or bus route, you can always hire a dolmuş. These super cute yellow vans run a fixed route but most drivers allow you to get down wherever you need to.

Please note that whenever you’re travelling on a dolmuş, be sure to carry cash.

Lastly, you can always hail a taxi. You can order one from an app, flag a taxi on the road or ask your hotel to book you one.

Helpful Apps to Download in Istanbul

• BiTaksi – a local taxi ordering app
• Uber – international taxi ordering app
• Trafi – live traffic updates
• Moovit – transportation schedule app

Food in Istanbul

Now we’ve come to our favourite part of this city guide – the food!

Istanbul is a foodie’s paradise. Here you’ll find everything from street food carts to high-end restaurants overlooking the sea. While you may not have enough time in your schedule to try all the food in Istanbul, here are a few dishes you can’t miss:

Simit: If you love bagels, you’ll have to try the Turkish version of bagels. A deliciously chewy piece of circular bread covered with sesame seeds, we love this with a cup of Turkish coffee.

Menemen: Scrambled eggs in a soupy tomato and onion sauce, this is usually served with crusty bread (perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce!)

Lahmacun: One of our favourite food in Istanbul is Lahmacun. This is the Turkish version of pizza that’s topped with plenty of meat, sauce, fresh herbs, and just a squeeze of lemon.

Baklava: If you’ve got to try only one dessert to try in your tour of food in Istanbul, this is it. A sweet ending to any meal, these flaky puff pastry layers are layered with crushed pistachios and soaked in sugar and rose syrup.

Turkish coffee: An integral part of Turkish culture, we couldn’t make a list of food in Istanbul and leave this out. This strong coffee is made in a specific way over a low heat flame. It’s served in tiny cups and can be quite potent so stick to just one cup!

Weather in Istanbul

When you’re planning to host an event in Istanbul, it helps to know about the weather in Istanbul. The city has four seasons: winter, spring, summer and autumn.

The weather in Istanbul in winters can be dull and grey. While the weather in Istanbul in the summer can be hot and humid.

Whatever the weather in Istanbul, the city never quite loses its charm.

Winter can also be a time to eat warm roasted chestnuts and sip on Turkish tea from the city’s many street carts. While summer allows you to enjoy the seaside. Depending on what your preference is, the weather inIstanbul can be welcoming any time of the year!

Winter (December-March)

• Average High: 10°C
• Average Low: 7.2°C

• Average High: 21°C
• Average Low: 18°C

• Average High: 35°C
• Average Low: 24°C

• Average High: 18°C
• Average Low: 15°C

Wrapping Up

We hope you’ve enjoyed our Istanbul city guide. There’s a lot more to explore in the city but we’ve given you all the main information.

Of course if you have any more questions, our local experts will be happy to help. They have a hand-curated selection of some of Istanbul’s top venues for you to choose from. All you have to do is ask!

We’ve really enjoyed talking to you and would love to give you some bonus advice before you go ! Read 5 Convention Planning Best Practices for a Better Event to make your event a huge success !