As Turkey’s economic and cultural hub, Istanbul offers business travelers a vibrant mix of history, cuisine, and natural beauty alongside modern amenities and infrastructure. Istanbul serves as an ideal meeting point between Europe and Asia, both geographically across the Bosphorus Strait, as well as figuratively when it comes to trade and business relationships. With world-class hotels, a convenient public transport system, and the city’s famous cuisine to refuel, Istanbul has plenty to appeal to business travelers.
Accommodation
Istanbul offers a wide range of hotels catering to every budget and style. Top luxury hotels like the Four Seasons Istanbul, The Ritz-Carlton, and the Conrad Istanbul offer exceptional service, lodging, and amenities. For more affordable accommodation close to the city center and major transport links, business travelers can consider mid-tier chains like the Hilton Garden Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, and Novotel Istanbul. The city also has a thriving boutique hotel scene for those looking for local charm.
Transportation
Istanbul has one of the most expansive public transport systems in the world, with buses, metro trains, trams, funiculars, and ferries crisscrossing the city. The metro system conveniently connects Atatürk Airport on the European side with major business hubs like Levent and Maslak on the Asian side. Taxis are affordable and a reliable means to get around as well. Hiring a private car service ensures door-to-door airport transfers and transport to meetings elsewhere in the city.
Airport Choices
As one of the world’s largest aviation hubs, Istanbul has two main international airports:
Atatürk Airport is located on the European side of Istanbul near the business districts. This makes it convenient for meetings in central areas like Taksim and Karaköy on the European side or a quick transit over the Bosphorus Strait to the Asian side. Major airlines like Turkish Airlines use Atatürk for short and medium-haul flights. The metro line conveniently connects the airport to the Yenikapı transport hub.
Istanbul Sabiha Airport is on the Asian side of the city near the end of the trans-Bosphorus bridge. An extensive shuttle and bus network connects the airport to central transport hubs. Sabiha Gökçen Airport serves as a regional hub for low-cost carriers like Pegasus Airlines and caters more to domestic travelers. The airport also has easy access to Asian suburban business zones.
Dining and Cuisine
Istanbul’s dining scene perfectly bridges Eastern and Western flavors and serves as fuel for hard-working business travelers. Sumptuous Turkish breakfast spreads with cheeses, breads, jams and rich Turkish coffee provide an excellent start to the day. Quick, tasty snacks like simit (sesame-encrusted bread rings), kebab sandwiches stuffed with meat and vegetables, or gozleme (stuffed savory crepes) can re-energize between meetings.
High-end business lunches and corporate dinners can be arranged at Istanbul’s fine-dining establishments led by renowned Turkish and international chefs. Fresh seafood, grilled meats, and local desserts like baklava make for delicious yet productive dining experiences with clients or colleagues. Istanbul’s famous nightlife also beckons with happening clubs, pubs, and rooftop bar scenes across the city.
For business travelers looking for efficiency, authentic culture and cuisine, and memorable Turkish hospitality, Istanbul delivers superlative experiences. The city’s perfect blend of antiquity and modernity creates an inspiring backdrop for commercial meetings and events.