The 6 Best Areas in Istanbul for Hosting an Event

1. One of the Most Historic Areas of Istanbul: Sultanahmet

You don’t need to be a history buff to appreciate the beauty of one of the best areas in Istanbul: Sultanahmet.

A remnant of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, the touch of their rule is evident in most of the architecture and sights here.

This is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Istanbul for tourists since it’s home to some of the city’s best sights: The Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and Topkapi Palace (to name just a few!)

With such amazing architectural marvels here, the event venues you’ll find in one of the most historic neighbourhoods in Istanbul are equally stunning.

Over here, you can host your event in a venue with a breathtaking view of the neighbourhood’s domes and minarets. And, if it suits your fancy, you can even hire a venue with historical significance.

Now coming to after-event get-togethers, this is one of the best areas of Istanbul to take a walk and do some sightseeing. Your attendees will find it convenient to experience the rich cultural heritage of Istanbul in Sultanahmet.

2. Beyoğlu: One of the Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Istanbul for Contemporary Art

If Sultanahmet is a tribute to the Islamic population of Istanbul, this area in Istanbul pays homage to the city’s Christian and foreign communities.

Beyoğlu is one of the best neighbourhoods in Istanbul to treat your eyes to some truly cool contemporary art and European-style architecture from the 19th and 20th centuries.

If you’re thinking of hosting your event here, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the variety of venues. From modern art museums to small galleries, popular conference hotels, and tastefully decorated boutique hotels, there’s very little you can’t find in Beyoğlu.

Choice of venue is not the only thing you’ll find in abundance in this area in Istanbul. There are also a lot of ideas for after-work events here.

Beyoğlu has some amazing choices of contemporary restaurants for you to host a private dinner. If that’s not quite your scene, you can also visit the lively meyhanes (taverns) for a real taste of local culture.

3. Areas in Istanbul With Spectacular Bosphorus Views: Beşiktaş and Ortaköy

Now, if you’re looking for an event venue that’s sure to impress your guests, Beşiktaş and Ortaköy are the areas of Istanbul you should consider.

Their names might be hard to pronounce but getting there could not be easier. Both areas have ferry docks and are easily accessible from the main city centre.

What we love about these neighbourhoods in district Istanbul is their breathtaking views of the sparkling Bosphorus strait.

Over here, you’ll find a luxurious collection of famous international hotel chains to host your event (with several meeting rooms providing gorgeous views).

Of course, if that’s not quite your style, you can still find less fancy event venues in these areas in Istanbul.  Beşiktaş and Ortaköy also have several casual bars and restaurants near their lively market areas to host more informal and youthful events.

The popular waterfront area of Istanbul also has several eating joints and even a Naval Museum where you can plan side activities for your event.

4. Cafes and Nightlife Come Alive at Kadıköy District Istanbul

Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, this is one of the neighbourhoods of Istanbul that’s a hit with both locals and tourists.

A vibrant and impossibly trendy area in Istanbul, we love how in Kadıkӧy you can have your event at a venue overlooking the sea. If that’s not enough to convince you to have your event in Kadıkӧy, this is also one of the best neighbourhoods in Istanbul to find some of the hippest event venues.

You could have your event at an upscale hotel with a spectacular sunrise view or you can host your event in one of the new small independent art galleries, restaurants, or cocktail bars.

The neighbourhood also has plenty of options for some after-work entertainment. All you have to do is take a walk along the waterfront park’s promenade and you’ll find plenty of bars, coffee shops, restaurants and boutiques to indulge in.

5. One of the Most Luxurious Areas in Istanbul: Nişantaşı

If you’re looking to host an upscale event, Nişantaşı is one of the best neighbourhoods in Istanbul to do so.

Located just north of Taksim Square, there are plenty of fancy hotels in this area of Istanbul to host an event in style.

That’s not all, the chic streets in this area of Istanbul are lined with designer boutiques, posh department stores, and trendy sidewalk cafes. Not only do these add to the luxurious vibe of your event, but they’re also perfect for relaxing after a long event with some shopping and food.

If that doesn’t quite catch your fancy, you can always take a stroll (or plan a team bonding session) at Maçka Park – one of the few parks you’ll find in central Istanbul.

6. One of the Best Areas of Istanbul for a Taste of Local Life: Kurtuluş

Although Kurtuluş is located on the opposite side of the Osmanbey metro station from Nişantaşı, the vibe here is completely different.

While Nişantaşı is one of the best neighbourhoods in Istanbul to host a luxurious event, Kurtuluş, on the other hand, is one of the best areas of Istanbul to experience traditional Turkish hospitality.

Here you’ll find a collection of both luxury and boutique hotels to host your event. These venues are located in between a quaint variety of homestyle restaurants, bakeries, delis, and other dining options.

If you’re hosting your event here, we recommend planning an excursion to one of the nearby neighbourhoods of Istanbul, Feriköy.

Here, open-air markets are set up with local vendors selling organic produce on Saturdays, antiques on Sunday, and a delightful mix of food and knick-knacks from Mondays to Thursdays.

Wrapping Up

Now that you have a better idea of where in Istanbul you can host your event, the next step is getting to know the city better.

Check out our Istanbul City Guide for in-depth information on what you can expect in Istanbul. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about hosting an event in Istanbul from booking your venue to Our Top 5 Food Trucks in Istanbul.

And, if you’d like to take your event a step further, you can also check out our ultimate guide to event stage design. This has all the details you need to take your event to the next level.

We look forward to seeing you in Istanbul!

For content inquiries contact [email protected]