If you are visiting Istanbul during a Formula 1 weekend, you do not have to miss the race.
The city has several sports bars, pubs and F1-friendly venues where you can watch the Grand Prix
while still fitting the experience naturally into your Istanbul itinerary. The best place depends largely on where you are staying.
Visitors exploring Sultanahmet may prefer a venue close to Istanbul's historical attractions,
while travellers staying around Taksim, Galata or Kadıköy can usually find options without travelling across the city. Below, you can find some of the best places to watch Formula 1 in Istanbul this weekend,
divided between the European and Asian sides.
Where to Watch F1 on the European Side of Istanbul
The European Side has the widest choice of Formula 1 viewing spots in Istanbul.
It is particularly convenient for first-time visitors because many venues are close to popular tourist areas
such as Sultanahmet, Galata, Karaköy, Taksim and Beşiktaş.
Places Serving Alcohol
Rounders Irish Pub – Sultanahmet
Rounders is one of the easiest choices if you are visiting Istanbul mainly for its historical attractions.
The pub is located in Sultanahmet, meaning you can spend the day around
Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace
before heading to the pub for the race. This makes it particularly practical if you only have a weekend in Istanbul.
You can spend most of your day sightseeing without travelling to another district just to watch Formula 1. Rounders regularly promotes Formula 1 race screenings and has the familiar atmosphere
of an international sports pub.
- Choose Rounders if: You are staying in Sultanahmet or want to combine sightseeing with the race.
- Nearby: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace
- Alcohol: Served
Corner Irish Pub – Asmalımescit
Corner Irish Pub is a convenient option if your Istanbul weekend is centred around
Taksim, Istiklal Street and Beyoğlu. You can explore Istiklal Street, Galata and the surrounding neighbourhoods during the day,
then watch the Formula 1 race without leaving the area.
Its location also makes it easy to continue your evening around Beyoğlu after the Grand Prix. Major football matches can occasionally overlap with Formula 1 races,
so confirming the broadcast before visiting is recommended.
- Choose Corner Irish Pub if: You want to combine Formula 1 with Taksim, Istiklal Street and Istanbul nightlife.
- Nearby: Istiklal Street, Galata, Pera and Taksim Square
The Irish Pub – Karaköy
Karaköy is one of the most convenient areas for tourists because it sits between several of Istanbul's most visited neighbourhoods.
From here, you can walk towards Galata Tower, cross Galata Bridge towards Eminönü
or continue uphill towards Istiklal Street. This makes Karaköy a practical choice if your Formula 1 weekend itinerary already includes
Galata, the Historical Peninsula and the Bosphorus waterfront.
- Choose this area if: You want to spend the day between the Historical Peninsula, Galata and Karaköy.
- Nearby: Galata Tower, Galata Bridge, Eminönü and the Bosphorus
Planning a Weekend in Istanbul?
Formula 1 does not have to take over your entire day.
With Istanbul E-pass, you can visit many of the city's major attractions before or after the race
and build your sightseeing plans around your Formula 1 weekend.
See Istanbul Attractions
James Joyce Irish Pub – Taksim
James Joyce is another central option for visitors staying around Taksim and Beyoğlu.
Its biggest advantage is location. You can combine the race with shopping or sightseeing around Istiklal Street
and spend the rest of the evening in one of Istanbul's busiest entertainment districts. As it is primarily a general sports pub rather than a Formula 1-only venue,
checking the race schedule before visiting is a good idea.
- Choose James Joyce if: Your hotel is around Taksim or Beyoğlu.
- Nearby: Istiklal Street, Taksim Square and Pera
Winner Sports Pub
Winner Sports Pub offers a more traditional sports-bar experience
and may suit visitors who want to make the Grand Prix the main event of their afternoon or evening. Rather than choosing it mainly for nearby sightseeing,
this type of venue works better if you want to sit down, order food and drinks
and concentrate on the full race.
- Choose Winner Sports Pub if: Watching Formula 1 is the main plan for the day.
- Best for: Traditional sports-bar atmosphere
F1-Focused and Café-Style Options
Padok Club – Levent
Padok Club is one of the most interesting options in Istanbul for visitors who are genuinely interested in Formula 1.
Rather than simply being a pub showing the race on television,
the venue is designed around motorsports and has hosted dedicated Grand Prix watch parties. Depending on the event, the experience may include
large screens, F1 simulators, competitions and other motorsport activities. Levent is not one of Istanbul's main historical sightseeing districts,
so Padok Club makes the most sense if Formula 1 is an important part of your weekend.
The area is connected to central Istanbul by metro.
- Choose Padok Club if: You want a dedicated Formula 1 atmosphere rather than a normal sports pub.
- Best for: F1 fans, groups and organised watch parties
- Alcohol-free environment: Check the specific event before visiting.
Where to Watch F1 on the Asian Side of Istanbul
If you are staying in Kadıköy, Moda or Üsküdar,
you do not necessarily need to cross to the European Side just to watch the Grand Prix. Kadıköy is the main nightlife and entertainment district on Istanbul's Asian Side
and has several sports pubs where international sporting events are shown.
Regular Formula 1 screenings are less predictable here, so confirming the race beforehand is particularly important.
Places Serving Alcohol
Play Sports Pub – Kadıköy
Play Sports Pub is one of the more convenient choices for travellers staying in Kadıköy.
Its main advantage is that you can combine the Grand Prix with a full day on the Asian Side. Before or after the race, you can walk through Kadıköy Market,
spend time around Moda or take one of Istanbul's ferries across the Bosphorus.
- Choose Play Sports Pub if: You are staying on the Asian Side and do not want to cross the Bosphorus for the race.
- Nearby: Kadıköy Market, Moda and Kadıköy waterfront
Belfast Irish Pub – Kadıköy
Belfast Irish Pub offers another familiar pub-style option in central Kadıköy.
It can work particularly well if you want to watch the race
and then continue exploring Kadıköy's restaurants and nightlife afterwards. Formula 1 is not guaranteed for every race weekend,
so checking the venue's sports schedule before visiting is recommended.
- Choose Belfast if: You want an Irish pub atmosphere in central Kadıköy.
- Nearby: Kadıköy Market and nightlife streets
Pubstation – Kadıköy
Pubstation can also be considered if you are looking for a sports bar around Kadıköy.
Its central location makes it easy to combine the race with local restaurants,
cafés and the waterfront without planning an additional journey across Istanbul.
- Choose Pubstation if: You are already spending your weekend around Kadıköy.
- Nearby: Kadıköy centre, ferry terminals and local restaurants
See Both Sides of Istanbul
Staying in Kadıköy does not mean you have to choose between Formula 1 and sightseeing.
Ferries make it easy to experience both sides of Istanbul and add attractions,
neighbourhoods and Bosphorus views to your weekend.
Discover Istanbul E-pass
Alcohol-Free Options
Finding a dedicated alcohol-free Formula 1 venue in Istanbul is more difficult.
There are many cafés and restaurants with televisions,
especially around Kadıköy, but Formula 1 may not be part of their regular sports schedule. If you prefer a venue where alcohol is not served at all,
contact cafés before the race and ask whether they will show the Grand Prix. You can ask:
“Formula 1 yarışını yayınlıyor musunuz?”
which means “Are you showing the Formula 1 race?”
Which Area Is Best for Watching F1 in Istanbul?
Your location should play a major role in choosing where to watch Formula 1,
especially if you only have a weekend in Istanbul. If you are visiting the Old City,
Sultanahmet is the easiest option because you can visit Hagia Sophia,
the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace before the race. If your plans focus on Galata, Karaköy and Taksim,
choosing a venue around Beyoğlu will save time and keep you close to restaurants,
nightlife and several popular sightseeing areas. For a more dedicated motorsport experience,
Padok Club in Levent may be worth travelling to. If you are staying on the Asian Side,
Kadıköy is the most practical choice.
You can combine the race with Moda, Kadıköy Market and a ferry trip across the Bosphorus.
Can You Watch F1 in Istanbul Without Drinking Alcohol?
Yes. You do not need to drink alcohol just because a Formula 1 screening takes place in a pub.
Most venues also serve soft drinks, coffee, tea and alcohol-free beverages. However, if you specifically want a venue where no alcohol is served at all,
your options are more limited and it is best to check directly with cafés before visiting.
Make the Most of Your Istanbul Weekend
If you are only in Istanbul for a few days, plan the race around the part of the city you already want to explore. This can save time and leave more room for Istanbul's museums, palaces, cruises and historical attractions.
Explore Attractions with Istanbul E-pass
Tips for Watching Formula 1 in Istanbul This Weekend
Formula 1 can overlap with Turkish or European football matches, and football often attracts a much larger local audience. For this reason, contact the venue before heading there and confirm that they are showing the specific Grand Prix you want to watch. For popular races such as Monaco, Silverstone or Monza, arriving early or reserving a table can also be a good idea. Most importantly, avoid crossing the entire city purely for a sports bar if there is a suitable option near you. Istanbul is large, and travelling between the European and Asian sides can take longer than it appears on the map. The easiest Formula 1 weekend is usually the one where the race fits naturally into the part of Istanbul you already plan to explore.