What could I do during a layover in Istambul?

Oscar P.

@OscarEPVIstambul, Istambul, Turquia

What could I do during a layover in Istambul?

Hello everyone, I guess the title says it all. I will be in Istanbul next week for a few hours between flights and I would like to see a bit of the city, as much as possible, actually.

I arrive on Thursday 18th July a little after 5am and my next flight leaves at 2pm, so that includes quite some time to kill, including time for meals! :-)

Here is what I would like to know:

Is it difficult to get from the airport to the city? Is there a non-expensive way?
How much money should I change?
What could I do in that period of time? If you had 6 hours in Istanbul what would you definitely see?
Probably even more important, what and where would you eat?
Is it easy to get around Istanbul? I speak English, Spanish and French, but not a word of Turkish. :-(

I know the times are tricky, being a morning in the middle of the week, but I cannot just stay in the airport and wait, so anyone who can help me?

Thanks in advance.

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yasin E.

@Y.ERKULIstambul, Istambul, Turquia

I m sorry pal, in a few hours you could only see the new huge istanbul airport otherwise you could miss your flight. Airport is far from city and istanbul is an enormous cosmopolit city. it will very hard for you to leave and return to airport on time

Angel T.

@angelina-tanIstambul, Istambul, Turquia

Sorry! If you’re arriving at the new Istanbul airport, it takes at least another half hour for the plane to get to the disembarkation after landing. And you can take a bus to the city but it is an hour or more ride. And if you’re at the other airport Sabiha Gökçen airport, That’s even further . Anyways, Istanbul is a beautiful city which you cannot see in a couple of hours. Come back again!

İlker P.

@ipeltekAtaşehir, Istanbul Province, Republic of Türkiye

If you are landing to Grand Istanbul Airport (IST) it is located outside city center where going to center and going back to airport takes around 4 hrs, in this case there is not enough time for productive sightseeing. If you will land in Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) again you can not arrive to Kadikoy and spend enough time around. You should allocate 2 days min for Istanbul, see you next time

Doğan B.

@doganbuyukbasIstambul, Istambul, Turquia

Which airport will you land on?

Oscar P.

@OscarEPVIstambul, Istambul, Turquia

IST, I asume that means the new one.

Oscar P.

@OscarEPVIstambul, Istambul, Turquia

As I explained before, I arrive at around 5am and leave again at 2pm. I went to the airline's website (Turkish airlines) and they actually offer a short tour, but I would prefer a bit more freedom, and maybe some local assistance. I'm not a big fan of organised tours, that's why I joined couchsurfing. Also, I would like to go to a bazaar or a museum, which is not an option with the airline. I know is hard, but I'm just asking if I could do it on my own, if I can go around with the airline, that means is not that hard.

Angel T.

@angelina-tanIstambul, Istambul, Turquia

If you go with the airline, perhaps they can make sure you get back in time for your flight. Really the new airport is quite a distance from the historical areas. And traffic is bad. Going on your own is not a good idea on a stopover. My advice is to play it by ear and see what time you actually arrive in Istanbul airport. Also remember if your flight leaves 2pm boarding time will be at least 1pm.

Doğan B.

@doganbuyukbasIstambul, Istambul, Turquia

You will make it difficult on your own in a short time. If you travel by bus, you will spend 10-20 dollars. If you need any help, I can help you for free.

Oscar P.

@OscarEPVIstambul, Istambul, Turquia

Thanks everybody for your replies, Angel Tan makes a very good point in mentioning that the airline will make sure I don't miss my flight. Doğan BÜYÜKBAŞ, your offer is very kind, and since you mention money, I realised I would need to exchange to Lira to have some money to move. I am very grateful, but I only worry it would be too much of a hassle. I think I will check at the airport desk and see what they offer and take it from there, hopefully I'll get a good enough view this time and will be able to plan a bit for a proper visit later. Lastly, I will have to eat something during my time in Istanbul, whether at the airport or in a quick visit/tour do you have any recommendations? It doesn't have to be something traditional, but perhaps something that you would find only in Turkey. (for example, someone once gave me a Japanese kit-kat chocolate that had green tea as its main flavour, I think that was quite interesting). Thanks again.

Angel T.

@angelina-tanIstambul, Istambul, Turquia

There’s lots of Turkish food at the new airport. There is a food court near Gates A and B which serves local Food so you can actually try some Turkish kofte(meatball) and other goodies. There’s lots to see in and around Istanbul. All the best on your journey.