Istanbul Events

Istanbul Film Festival

Producers, actors and their films take centre stage. Expect a varied programme and thousands of visitors.

Venue: Various.
Website: https://film.iksv.org/en

Istanbul Music Festival

This cultural and educational event aims to broaden the influence of traditional music, classical ballet and opera.

Venue: Various.
Website: https://muzik.iksv.org/en

Istanbul Theatre Festival

Performances of a wide variety of theatrical works from Turkey and Europe.

Venue: Various theatres and performance spaces.
Website: http://tiyatro.iksv.org/en

Istanbul Biennial

This arts festival promotes contemporary artists. It also allows the public to explore various creative disciplines from urban studies to architecture, industrial design, graphic design, fashion and new media design.

Venue: Various.
Website: https://bienal.iksv.org/en

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Grand Hotel de Londres (Buyuk Londra Hotel)

With a history dating back to the heydays of the Orient Express, this establishment has seen many writers (Hemingway being one of them), artists and actors step through its doors. Though the hotel has had many rounds of renovations over the years, the 1900s atmosphere is still very much palpable and underlined by the dark wooden interior and velvet drapes. It's also within walking distance to Taksim square, and near to many theatres and restaurants.

Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

Right on the Bosphorus Strait's shoreline and partly housed in a former Ottoman palace, the Kempinski boasts some of the most opulent rooms in Istanbul. The waterfront pool terrace offers unparalleled Bosphorus views while the bar, restaurants and spa offer plenty of opportunity to swaddle yourself in luxury.

Side Hotel and Pension

In prime position, slap in the middle of Sultanahmet's historical quarter, this family-run hotel has long been a budget traveller institution. The simple rooms are spick-and-span and decently sized and the roof top terrace (where breakfast is served) has excellent views over the old city’s domes and minaret punctured skyline.

Sarı Konak

This family-run boutique hotel offers an old-world atmosphere trussed up with modern conveniences in an Ottoman-era mansion. The smallish rooms have polished wood floors and are classically styled while the rooftop cafe has views of both the Blue Mosque and the Sea of Marmara.

Ibrahim Pasha Hotel

Sleek design and ultra-friendly service make the Ibrahim Pasha stand out in the crowded Istanbul accommodation market. Little extras such as complimentary fruit in rooms and Molton Brown toiletries in bathrooms add a luxurious feel while staff go out of their way to help guests, creating a home-from-home vibe.

Hotel Empress Zoe

Quirky folk art touches, Central Asian textiles as bedspreads and the odd antique give the Empress Zoe’s rooms plenty of quirky appeal. Set within a row of Ottoman era mansions, with a lush garden and a rooftop terrace with views over Sultanahmet’s Byzantine period walls, this hotel brims with character.

Introducing Istanbul

While you’re there

Plan your trip

Turkey Information

Airports