Why Istanbul

Istanbul, A Tale of Two Cities

You can discover

Istanbul is a transcontinental city straddling two continents by its inland sea Marmara. The city is divided into four regions and has a natural harbor, the Golden Horn. One of the world’s busiest waterways, the Bosphorus, is situated in northwestern Türkiye between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Connecting the two seas, Bosphorus also separates Istanbul to two sides known as European side and Asian side.

You can explore

Istanbul is the largest populated city of Türkiye with a population of 15.1 million. As one of the largest urban agglomerations in Europe, Istanbul is one of the world’s largest cities by population. Istanbul has 39 districts administered by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. The city boundaries cover a surface area of 1830 square kilometers (707 mi²) and Istanbul Province covers 6220 square kilometers (2402 mi²).

You can fly

Istanbul is considered to be one of the main air traffic hubs connecting many international airlines from Europe to Middle-East, Asia and Africa. Thanks to the Turkish Airlines massive network (flying to more countries in the world than any other airline) Istanbul became a more popular and widely visited destination with 2 international airports in each continents.

You can travel

Istanbul offers a huge network of public easily be accessed with a single transportation card – IstanbulCard. With city buses, ‘Dolmuş’ yellow minibus routes, ferries, sea-busses, railways such as subway and tram systems, Istanbul offers plenty options to get around the city.

You can stay

The hub city for many cultures over the centuries Istanbul offers a variety of accommodation choices. With almost 112,000 bed capacity, over 222 five&four-star hotels including both international and Turkish chains, a variety of deluxe hotels situated in the Bosphorus shore and ancient peninsula, including suitable lofts near the central areas. The variety of hotels and the breath-taking sites of Istanbul will turn your stay into a unique experience to never be forgotten.

You can meet

‘World’s Leading Congress Destination Istanbul is an ideal city to hold congresses with 100 to 30,000 or more participants as the city is home to 7 convention centres and 3 exhibition centres each capable of hosting major events with thousands of delegates. There are also many venues situated in historic sites and Bosphorus shores that offer unique experiences for events.

You can experience

A wide range of historic places from Ottoman Palace’s to cisterns, from modern facilities to mansions on Bosphorus shores, Istanbul awaits you with unique venues to meet a fusion of diverse cultures and a wonderful cuisine of the East and the West. Whether a gala dinner or a social event, for any programme you may conduct, Istanbul is ready for you with a promise of an unforgettable experience for your events and congresses.

You can visit

One of the most prestigious capitals of the ancient and modern world, Istanbul owns both religious and cultural phenomena of centuries as it is the only city that has marked the ending of an era in history with its conquest. Some of the wonderful sites of Istanbul are Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet Mosque, Maiden’s Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, Galata Tower, Princes’ Islands and many more.

You can taste

You can enjoy

There is a common saying in Istanbul that states “this city never sleeps”. The hub of many different cultures living in harmony, İstanbul is the ultimate dining, shopping, music and entertainment capital of Türkiye. Throughout the year in Istanbul, many events, concerts, art exhibitions and social gatherings all occur at once. Also Istanbul offers a variety of shopping opportunities of both authentic antiquities of Ottoman style to the modern multinational brands.

İstanbul Ticaret Odası Ek Hizmet Binası Hobyar Mah. Seyhulislam Hayri Efendi Cad. No:14 K:6 Fatih – 34112 İstanbul

Opening Hours:

Mon – Fri: 9:00 – 17:30

Phone: (+90) 212 522 55 55

E-mail: istanbul@icvb.org