Istanbul Jazz Festival

Every summer the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV) turns the city into a fortnight-long stage for jazz in its broadest, most generous sense. Now in its fourth decade, the Istanbul Jazz Festival spreads across parks, historic halls, waterfront terraces and open-air stages on both the European and Asian shores, mixing straight-ahead jazz with soul, funk, electronica and music from around the world. It is one of Europe's longest-running and best-loved jazz gatherings, and the setting — a city that has always straddled cultures — gives it a character all its own.

What to expect

The programme typically runs to roughly thirty concerts over two weeks in early to mid-July, presenting close to two hundred artists across an international line-up alongside leading Turkish musicians. Expect a spread of formats, from big headline shows in amphitheatres and concert halls to intimate club sets and the festival's much-loved free open-air events that spill music into public spaces. The atmosphere is relaxed and cosmopolitan, with warm summer evenings and Bosphorus backdrops adding to the appeal.

Because concerts are staged at multiple venues on both sides of the city, plan your evenings by location and allow time to cross town; popular headline shows sell out, so book through the official IKSV channels well ahead. Dates usually appear early in the year, and the full programme and tickets are published on the festival's site, usually in April or May.

The Istanbul Jazz Festival stages concerts across venues on both sides of the city, many clustered around Şişhane, Beyoğlu and the Bosphorus waterfront. Fly into Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side; the M11 metro links it toward the centre, or the Havaist airport bus runs to Taksim. For central venues, the M2 metro to Şişhane or Taksim puts you within walking distance of many stages. Check each concert's address in advance, as the festival spreads widely — some events are on the Asian side, reachable by ferry or the Marmaray rail tunnel.

• Before you go, read the UK government's FCDO travel advice for Turkey (entry requirements, safety and local laws).
• Flight delayed or cancelled on the way? See our Travel Disruption guide for your rights and live alerts.