Istanbul’s unique location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia brings a special character to the dynamic city. As the capital of many former civilizations, its 3,000-plus years of history deliver an unmatched experience to any visitor. Divided by the Bosporus, with the Black Sea to the north and Sea of Marmara to the south, expect a climate combination of hot and humid in the summer and cold and snowy in the winter. Uncover the harmony of the city bridging two continents.

GETTING THERE
Most travelers arrive at Istanbul Ataturk Airport on the European side. On the Asian side lies Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. Shuttle bus service is available to either Taksim or Kadiköy, departing Ataturk about every 30 minutes. The 40-minute ride costs around $4. Check with your hotel regarding free airport pickups. Subway and tram service must be combined to reach the city center, and the cumbersome route can take more than an hour. Taxis from the airport are relatively affordable, around $10.

GETTING AROUND
Buses, minibuses, funiculars, ferries, catamarans, subways, trains, trams and trolleys — Istanbul has them all. Generally, they all cost about 80 cents one way, but visitors should purchase a transit pass so they do not have to pay for each leg of the trip. Dolmus, shared taxis with set routes displayed in the windshield, run from early morning to early evening. Taxis are plentiful and start at around $1. Your safest bet for a reliable taxi is to ask the hotel to call one.

9–5
360 Istanbul
The four concepts of this dining outlet include cuisine, entertainment, vibe and ambience. For creative food with a beat and views of the city, dazzle clients with a lunch or dinner meeting at 360 Istanbul.

InterContinental Istanbul
Centrally located in Taksim, the 5-star hotel offers a great place to stay for business or to conduct business in any of 13 meeting spaces. City Lights Restaurant and Bar on the rooftop feature panoramic city views, and Safran’s traditional cuisine complements live Fasıl music.

Sütiş
Start your day with breakfast at Sütis, a popular local eatery at the end of Arnavutköy. Sit outside near the sea and enjoy traditional Turkish desserts and pastries alongside eggs and omelets.

AFTER 5
Cipriani
Located in The Istanbul EDITION, Cipriani continues the legend started in 1931 by Giuseppe Cipriani near Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy. The restaurant features classic dishes and offers alfresco seating.

Grand Hotel de Londres
Take a step back in history at the Grand Hotel de Londres. Since the time of the Orient Express, the hotel maintains its grandeur with high ceilings and red velvet furnishings. The terrace bar, overlooking the Golden Horn, is a great spot for an early evening cocktail.

Tünel
When the workday winds down, take a ride on the second-oldest underground train in the world. Operating daily until 10 p.m., climb the steep slope between Karaköy Square and Tünel Square on this moving piece of history.

RESOURCES
For more information, visit goturkey.com