Istanbul is actively preparing for the UEFA Europa League Final, which will take place on May 20 at Beşiktaş Park. German club SC Freiburg and English side Aston Villa F.C. will face off in the decisive match. Fans from different countries are expected to arrive in the city, turning Istanbul into a large-scale fan zone, the Embassy of Türkiye in Turkmenistan said Friday.
In addition to football, visitors will have an opportunity to explore Istanbul’s cultural heritage. Among the city’s main landmarks are Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and Basilica Cistern. The Balat and Fener neighborhoods, Bosphorus cruises and trips to the Princes’ Islands also remain popular among tourists.
The city offers a wide range of shopping opportunities, from the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar to the modern shopping districts of Nişantaşı and Taksim Square.
Istanbul’s culinary scene ranges from street food to fine dining restaurants, while İstiklal Avenue and the Beşiktaş district are expected to become major centers of fan activity on match day.
