How to Get from Istanbul Airport to the Istanbul City Center

There are several ways to get from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to the Istanbul city center. They vary by speed and price, so you can decide which is best for you depending on what you care about more.

Below are some of the most common ways to get from the airport to the city center:

Metro from Istanbul Airport to Istanbul City Center
From Istanbul airport, take the metro to Zeytinburnu. At Zeytinburnu, you can take a tram to Sultanahmet and other locations in the Istanbul city center. The metro to the city center takes less than an hour and costs 3 TL.

Taxi from Istanbul Airport to Istanbul City Center
You can also take a taxi to the city, which is more expensive but very convenient. The cost of an airport taxi varies depending on your destination, as all taxis are metered. Taxi fares are approximately 40 to 50 TL.

Alternatively, you can pre-book a private car for slightly more than a taxi. This is a good idea, as Istanbul taxi drivers are notorious for cheating their customers.

Shuttle from Istanbul Airport to Istanbul City Center

Shuttles are another option for airport transfers, and most passengers exiting baggage claim will be approached by someone offering them a shuttle ride. While they are is slightly more convenient than taking the metro and less expensive than a taxi, shuttles make many stops in the city and can end up taking a lot longer than either of the other two options.

European Capital of Culture: Istanbul

Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
Lamps in Istanbul

Istanbul was chosen as the European Capital of Culture in 2010.

As the European Capital of Culture, Istanbul featured special art, music, performances, literature, cinema, and other events to celebrate its place at the center of the continent.

The legacy is still alive today, and visitors can explore the city’s many artistic and cultural highlights when they are in Turkey.

Best Restaurants in Istanbul

Leb-i Derya Sign
Leb-i Derya

Istanbul has no shortage of great food and hip restaurants. Based on my dining experiences in the city, here is my list of the best restaurants in Istanbul:

Mikla Restaurant
Mikla is one of the best fine dining restaurants in the city. The chef, who is half Turkish and half Swedish, comes up with creative dishes and inventive cuisine, and the dining room has a sleek, retro atmosphere.

Ulus 29 Restaurant
Ulus 29 is the perfect place for trendsetters. The chic dining room and great terrace offer a stylish environment, and on Saturday nights there is a club for the party types.

Refik Restaurant
Refik is about as traditional as Turkish restaurants get. It is one of the best restaurants in Istanbul for classic meze dishes.

Galata House Restaurant
Galata House is a quirky, non-traditional restaurant housed in a former prison. The owners serve Russian and Georgian food while chatting to guests and playing the piano for them. It is a must for those looking for something different.

Lebi Derya Restaurant
Leb-i Derya is a hip bar and restaurant that is packed from morning until night with people enjoying food, drinks, and beautiful views over Istanbul.

Istanbul Modern Cafe
For art lovers, there is no better place to have lunch than the cafe at the Istanbul Modern Art Museum. The restaurant is located right on the Bosphorus and is great for light meals and snacks.