Travel & Accommodation

Getting to Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the world’s major international hubs, with excellent global connectivity.

  • Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen International Airports are located in Istanbul, making it well accessible from all around the world.
  • Use the Istanbulkart for metro, bus, and ferry travel. (available at airport kiosks or metro stations).
  • Metro lines operate from 06:00 to 00:00 on workdays and 24 hours on weekends.
  • Download Istanbulkart app for route planning and QR payments.
  • Download and use Uber for taxi and reliable fares.
WAITRO Summit 2026

Be Part of WAITRO SUMMIT 2026

Join us in Istanbul from 26–28 October 2026 and help turn ideas into impact.
Connect, co-create, and contribute to climate solutions with global innovation leaders.

Accommodation

A range of accommodation options will be available to suit different budgets and preferences.

  • Hotels near the Summit venue
  • Budget-friendly accommodation

We are currently working to secure recommended hotels and preferential rates for participants. A list of suggested hotels will be published soon.

Getting to the Venue

The WAITRO Summit 2026 will be hosted by Istanbul Technical University.
The campus is centrally located and accessible via:

  • Public transportation

  • Taxi

Further directions and maps will be provided ahead of the Summit.

Need Assistance?

If you have questions regarding travel or accommodation, please contact us at

Recommendations

  • Book your accommodation early, as October is a busy season in Istanbul
  • Choose hotels with good access to public transport or near the venue
  • Check cancellation policies when booking

Sustainable Travel

We encourage participants to consider more sustainable travel options where possible:

  • Use public transport within the city
  • Share transport when feasible
  • Choose environmentally responsible accommodation

Visas & Entry

Participants may require a visa to enter Türkiye.
Please visit the Visa Information page for full details and application guidance.

About the City

Istanbul is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world as a meeting point between East and West. Istanbul also served as a capital city for hundreds of years; hence, Istanbul has become a cultural and historical centre. With its numerous beauties, the cityhas influenced countless artists, it has become the subject of many poems and novels, coloured so many painters’ works with its amazing views and still Istanbul continues to impress people to this day.

WAITRO Summit 2026

Top Venues

WAITRO Summit 2026
  • Istanbul Museum of Modern Art in Beyoglu (art, exhibition, film)
  • Pera Museum in Taksim (art, exhibition, film)
  • Sakip Sabanci Museum in Emirgan (art, exhibition, film)
  • Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camisi)
  • Hippodrome of Constantinople (Sultanahmet Meydanı), 203 AD (Septimius Severus), 324 AD (Constantine the Great)
  • Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) Orthodox patriarchal basilica, 360 AD (Constantius II), 415 AD by Rufinus (Theodosius II), 532-537 AD by Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles. Mosque since 1453 (Mehmed II)
  • Column of Constantine (Çemberlitaş sütunu) 330 AD (Constantine the Great)
  • Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı, Covered Bazaar)
  • Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayı) 6th century (Justinian I)
  • Galata Bridge (Turkish Galata Köprüsü)
  • Topkapı Palace (Topkapı Sarayı)
  • Church of St. Savior in Chora (Kariye Müzesi, Kariye Camii) Church since 5th century, mosque in 16th century
  • Walls of Constantinople
  • Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii) constructed by Architect Sinan, 1550-1558 (Sultan Suleyman I)
  • Dolmabahçe Palace, Architects Balyan Family, 1856, Neo-Baroque / Neo-Classic Style
  • Tünel (The First Metro Lane in the World)