Dear Guests,

Here is some basic information that may be useful during your stay in Istanbul. You will find more under the provided links. We especially recommend the city’s official tourist information site, where everything is up to date:https://goturkiye.com/istanbul

You will find many inspirations there, both for the main and the lesser-known attractions.

ARRIVAL

By plane

From Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side, there are direct Havaist airport shuttle buses to various parts of the city, including Taksim (which is very close to the venue). You can also use the M11 and M2 Metro line to reach the city center network. From Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side, Havabus shuttles run directly to Taksim. You can also take the M4 Metro line and transfer to the Marmaray and then the M2 line to reach the venue.

By train

If you are arriving by High-Speed Train (YHT), you can disembark at Söğütlüçeşme (Asian side) or Halkalı (European side). From there, you can take the Marmaray commuter train to Yenikapı station, and transfer to the M2 Metro line to reach Taksim.

Taxi

Official taxis (yellow, turquoise, and black) are available at both airports. We highly recommend using ride-hailing apps like BiTaksi or Uber to ensure safe rides, track your route, and see estimated fares. Always make sure the driver turns on the taximeter.

By car

It is best to use the GPS function on your phone with Google Maps or a similar app. Please note that traffic in Istanbul can be extremely heavy, and many streets in historic areas (like İstiklal Avenue and Sultanahmet) are pedestrian-only. The city center has paid parking spaces (İSPARK), but finding a spot can be challenging. We highly recommend using public transport.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Public transport (metro, trams, buses, and ferries) is efficient in Istanbul. You will find all the details here: https://iett.istanbul/en To use the network, you will need an Istanbulkart, which can be purchased and topped up at yellow or blue vending machines located at all transit stations (with English instructions). Alternatively, most turnstiles now accept contactless credit/debit cards (slightly more expensive than other cards). The map and schedules can be easily tracked via Google Maps or the "Moovit" app.

İTÜ TAŞKIŞLA – main conference venue

The ISAC 2026 will be hosted at the historic İTÜ Taşkışla (Istanbul Technical University, Faculty of Architecture). Its monumental stone facade and rectangular courtyard layout are easy to recognize. It is located in the Harbiye Mh. Taşkışla Cd. No:2 Şişli / İstanbul adress, very close to Taksim Square, right next to Gezi Park. The nearest metro station is Taksim (M2 line) – please use the Gezi Park exit. The Maçka-Taşkışla cable car line also stops directly next to the campus. There will be markings leading to the conference rooms inside this beautiful 19th-century building.

SIGHTSEEING

Nearby attractions İTÜ Taşkışla is located in a vibrant central hub. Less than 500 m away, you will find:

• Taksim Square and Gezi Park;
• İstiklal Avenue, a famous pedestrian street stretching down to Galata, filled with 19th-century architecture, historical arcades, and museums (such as the Pera Museum).

The Historical Peninsula is a short metro (to Vezneciler) or funicular + tram ride (F1 to Kabataş, then T1 Tram) away. There you can visit world-famous monuments such as:

• Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque;
• Topkapı Palace and the Basilica Cistern;
• The Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, etc.

Just a walk outside?

• Take a public ferry (vapur) across to Kadıköy or Üsküdar on the Asian side – the ferry ride itself is one of the best sightseeing experiences in Istanbul.
• Take a walk down to the Bosphorus shores at Beşiktaş or Kabataş;
• Visit Dolmabahçe Palace, located just down the hill from the conference venue.

HOTELS

Istanbul offers an exceptional range of accommodations tailored to every preference and budget. Because İTÜ Taşkışla is situated in the city’s most central and prestigious district, staying in the Taksim, Harbiye, Nişantaşı, or Şişli neighborhoods will allow you to enjoy a pleasant, short walk to the conference venue through green parks and historic streets.

• Premium & Corporate: The immediate vicinity of the campus (Harbiye) is home to world-renowned 5-star hotels, including the InterContinental, Divan Hotel, and Grand Hyatt, offering exceptional comfort right across from Gezi Park.
• Boutique & Cultural: If you prefer a more bohemian and historical atmosphere, the nearby neighborhoods of Talimhane, Cihangir, Pera, and Galata feature beautifully restored 19th-century buildings operating as hotels, boutique hotels and stylish Airbnb apartments.

RESTAURANTS & FOOD

Istanbul is a global gastronomic crossroads, and the area surrounding Taşkışla is a culinary heaven. From fine dining to authentic local bites, you will find endless options:

• Authentic Local Lunches: For a truly traditional experience, we may recommend trying an esnaf lokantası (tradesmen restaurant) in the side streets of Taksim or Beşiktaş. These establishments offer a daily changing buffet of slow-cooked stews, olive oil dishes, and fresh salads—perfect for a quick, healthy conference break.
• Fine Dining & Cafes: A 10-minute walk takes you to Taksim or Nişantaşı, Istanbul’s upscale fashion district, which boasts elegant cafes, international cuisine, and high-end restaurants.
• Street Food & Sweets: Don't miss out on Istanbul's iconic street food: grab a sesame-crusted simit on your way to the venue, or try roasted chestnuts. For dessert, a visit to historical confectioners like Karaköy Güllüoğlu for authentic, daily-baked baklava is an absolute must.

SAFETY

Istanbul is a dynamic, welcoming, and generally safe metropolis. As the central districts operate 24/7, the streets are well-lit and vibrant at all hours. However, since the public transport network and areas like İstiklal Avenue draw massive crowds, we advise taking standard metropolitan precautions.

In case of any emergency, dial 112. This single free number will connect you to an English-speaking dispatcher for police, ambulance, and fire services.