Istanbul Park Circuit Visitor Guide: Formula 1's Return, Getting There, Where to Eat and Stay
Quick answer: Istanbul Park is a 5.33 km circuit in Tuzla on Istanbul's Asian side, famous for its multi-apex Turn 8. It hosted nine Formula 1 Grands Prix between 2005 and 2021 and returns to the F1 calendar from 2027 under a five-year deal running to 2031. The nearest places to stay and eat are in Tuzla, Pendik and the Kurtköy area around Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
In April 2026, Formula 1 confirmed that the Turkish Grand Prix will return to Istanbul Park from 2027, on a five-year agreement through 2031. For fans, that means a chance to see one of the most admired circuits in modern F1, and to plan a trip to a side of Istanbul most visitors never see. This guide covers the circuit, getting there, and where to stay and eat nearby.
Istanbul Park at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Tuzla, Asian side of Istanbul |
| Length | 5.33 km |
| Signature corner | Turn 8, a long, multi-apex left-hander |
| F1 history | Nine Grands Prix: seven from 2005–2011, plus 2020 and 2021 |
| Return | From 2027, under a five-year deal to 2031 |
| Most wins | Felipe Massa, three in a row (2006–2008) |
The 2020 race is remembered as the day Lewis Hamilton clinched his seventh world title in wet, slippery conditions. Valtteri Bottas won the most recent race in 2021. The 2027 race date is set by the official F1 calendar; check formula1.com for confirmed dates and tickets.
Where is Istanbul Park?
The circuit is in Tuzla, the easternmost district of Istanbul's Asian side, inland from the Sea of Marmara coast. It is relatively close to Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) and a long way from the historic peninsula. Staying on the Asian side near the circuit can save hours of travel on race weekend compared with staying in Sultanahmet or Taksim.
Getting there
- Fly into Sabiha Gökçen (SAW): the closest airport to the circuit.
- By car: the circuit is reached via the motorway network on the Asian side. Race-day traffic will be heavy; follow the organisers' parking and access instructions.
- Shuttles and public transport: organisers typically announce shuttle services and transport plans closer to the event. Marmaray serves Tuzla's coastal area, but you will need onward transport to the circuit.
- Taxis and ride apps: useful outside peak times; expect long waits immediately after the race.
Where to stay
| Area | Why stay here | Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Tuzla | Closest to the circuit; seaside promenade, marinas, restaurants | Book early for race weekend |
| Kurtköy (near SAW) | Airport hotels, easy arrival | Fewer evening options |
| Pendik | More hotels and restaurants, marina | Slightly further |
| Kadıköy | Lively Asian side base for a longer trip | A long journey to the circuit on race day |
Where to eat and unwind in Tuzla
After a long day at the track, you will want somewhere close, with space and a kitchen that stays open late. Le Lion at Tuzla Port is a British-inspired gastropub that seats around 200–250 guests across its indoor room, garden and private areas, and is open daily until 02:00. It has screens indoors and outdoors, which are handy for qualifying replays and other sport, and an underground car park.
| Dish | Price |
|---|---|
| Classic Burger / Cheeseburger with fries | ₺650 / ₺675 |
| Steak fajita | ₺1,100 |
| Beef tenderloin | ₺1,500 |
| Party Basket for groups | ₺1,950 |
Prices are taken from the online menu as of October 2026 and may change. Groups and fan clubs can ask about private areas when booking (+90 532 449 45 88).
Race weekend tips
- Book accommodation and dinner tables early; demand around the circuit will be high.
- Plan your transport to and from the track before the weekend, and expect queues after the race.
- Bring sun protection, water and layers; weather on the Marmara coast can change quickly.
- Keep your ticket, ID and any shuttle passes easy to reach.
- Allow a buffer for flights home from SAW on the Sunday evening.
Making a trip of it
A race weekend is a good excuse to see more of the Asian side. Walk Tuzla's seafront and marinas, spend an evening in Kadıköy, or watch the sunset from Moda. See our Tuzla guide, our Asian side date night ideas and our guide to things to do near Sabiha Gökçen.
Other events at Istanbul Park
Beyond Formula 1, the circuit has hosted other international motorsport over the years, as well as track days, driving experiences and events. Check the circuit's official channels for the current calendar if you are visiting outside race weekend.
A short history of the circuit
Istanbul Park opened in 2005, designed to bring Formula 1 to Türkiye, and quickly won praise from drivers for its flowing layout and dramatic elevation changes. Its anticlockwise direction is unusual on the calendar, and Turn 8, a quadruple-apex left-hander taken at high speed, became one of the most demanding corners in the sport, testing both drivers and car setups. After 2011, Formula 1 left the calendar in Türkiye. It made a surprise return in 2020, when the pandemic reshaped the season, and again in 2021, with the freshly resurfaced, slippery track in 2020 producing one of the most memorable races of the era. The new deal from 2027 gives the circuit a long-term place on the calendar for the first time since its early years.
Getting around the Asian side
Outside race days, Marmaray is the backbone of travel along the Asian side coast, connecting Tuzla with Pendik, Kartal, Kadıköy and, under the Bosphorus, the European side. The M4 metro line links Kadıköy with Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Taxis are plentiful; using an app helps avoid misunderstandings over destinations. Always specify 'Tuzla, İstanbul' to avoid any confusion with Tuzla in Bosnia.
Le Lion Tuzla Port at a Glance
- Address: Postane Mah. Cumhuriyet Cad. Tuzla Port No:5 D:1B, Tuzla / İstanbul
- Hours: Daily, 10:00–02:00
- Weekly programme: Stand-up comedy on Thursdays (in Turkish), live music on Fridays and Saturdays
- Capacity: Around 200–250 guests across the indoor room, Garden By Le Lion and private event areas
- Sports: Screens both indoors and outdoors
- Parking: Underground car park at Tuzla Port shopping centre; İSPARK municipal parking at the front
- Bookings: Phone or WhatsApp +90 532 449 45 88
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Istanbul Park?
Istanbul Park is in Tuzla, on the Asian side of Istanbul, relatively close to Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
When does Formula 1 return to Istanbul Park?
From 2027, under a five-year agreement running to 2031. The race date is published on the official F1 calendar.
How long is the Istanbul Park circuit?
5.33 km.
What is Turn 8 at Istanbul Park?
A long, multi-apex left-hander and one of the most famous corners in modern F1.
Where should I stay for the Turkish Grand Prix?
Tuzla is closest to the circuit. Kurtköy near Sabiha Gökçen Airport and Pendik are also practical. Book early.
Related Reading
- Tuzla, Istanbul: a local's guide
- Where to eat near Sabiha Gökçen
- Where to watch football on the Asian side
Book Your Table
Reserve at Le Lion Tuzla Port by phone or WhatsApp: +90 532 449 45 88.
