About Istanbul
For useful basic information (on travel, transportation, climate etc.) please click here.
Two useful sites for useful information on everything related to visiting Istanbul are
Lonely Planet - Istanbul
Turkey Travel Planner -Istanbul
Also visit: http://english.istanbul.gov.tr/
ABOUT ISTANBUL
Istanbul - a fabulous city where East meets West, the bridge between Europe and Asia, is a thriving metropolis of about 12 million people, exotic yet distinctly western. Istanbul has been the settlements of three great empires - Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman and a meeting place for peoples of many religions and cultures who came together and learned to live in peace and harmony. Ultra-modern amenities, the splendors of the Ottoman past and the honored traditions of Turkish hospitality combine to make Istanbul a fascinating city, one that will impress all visitors with treasured and lasting memories. Istanbul will reward you with the comfort of home while offering sights, sounds and scents that carry you swiftly to another culture, another time.
Its variety is one of Istanbuls greatest attractions: The ancient mosques, palaces, museums and bazaars reflect its diverse history. The thriving shopping area of Taksim buzzes with life and entertainment. Serene beauty of the Bosphorus, Princes Islands and parks bring a touch of peace to the otherwise chaotic metropolis.
This vibrant, exciting city is readily accessible from all parts of the world, served by more than 50 airlines. There are frequent non-stop or direct flights to Istanbul from most cities.
FLIGHTS TO TURKEY
There are two airports in Istanbul. Istanbul Ataturk Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport. The nearest airport to the meeting venue is Ataturk Airport which in The European side of Istanbul. This vibrant, exciting city is readily accessible from all parts of the world, served by more than 50 airlines. Every major European airport is 3-4 hours away. There are frequent non-stop or direct flights to Istanbul from most cities.
TRANSPORTATION
Bus : Public bus transportation has a wide web of services across the city. The multiple fare is the equivalent of $ 5.- One has to pre-buy tickets from the ticket sales point which can be found in every bus station to board a bus.
Boat : Ferry boats and fast catamarans operate between the two shores of Istanbul - between Europe and Asia. The boat landings are at Kabatas, Karakoy and Eminonu on the European side and Uskudar, Kadikoy and Bostanci on the Asian shores. Boat fares are about $1.- and can be obtained at the landing sites.
Tramway : Modern tramways operate in the European suburbs of Istanbul, mainly in the old city.
Metro : An underground metro system is available between Taksim Square and Maslak. A light metro operates between Kabatas and Istanbul airport.
Taxi: Taxi is affordable and convenient if you are not travelling very long distances. For example taking a Taxi from the conference venue to Taksim would cost about 10 Euros. From the Istanbul Ataturk Airport to the conference venue would cost about 20-25 Euros. However, if youa are flying to the Sabiha Gokcen Airport (which is farther away) it the cost may be about 50 Euros. In any case it may be a good idea to use the airport shuttle (Havas) to travel to to a central are like Taxim before taking a taxi to your final destination ( to your hotel or conference venue).
Airport Shuttle (Havas)
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport
Secure Drive : Secure drive service is comfortable and secure transportation for passengers. To check prices and for the reservation visit http://www.securedrive.com.tr/
CLIMATE
To check the current weather conditions in Turkey and Istanbul, please click here.