The interesting thing is that the grilled salty fish is sandwiched with a long piece of bread served with shredded cabbage. My questions are 1) My flight reaches to 17:55 local time and departs next day on 14:00 local time. So, are you planning a trip to Europe and will have to layover in Istanbul or even stopover in Istanbul and still do not know what to do, where to go for this time?! to minimize the hassle of getting places. Taking airport shuttles or a private shuttle provided by your hotel is a more inexpensive option to consider. To learn about my story as a travel blogger, check out the About Me page. Definitely one to keep on the travel list , The view across that river is gorgeous. I simply took simple steps. From its elaborate mosaics to the massive dome, youll . 20-hour layover in Istanbul. Recommendations? : r/travel - Reddit 19+ Famous, must try food in Istanbul & best food in Istanbul, Where to go in Istanbul? If you have a long layover then you'll be able to make the trip into Istanbul itself to explore the Turkish city that's spread over two separate continents. I got rebooked and now have a resulting 12 hour layover. Waiting to fly from Argentina to Turkey After a 12 hour flight from Argentina we finally reached Turkey at 11 pm, tired and exhausted from our 12 hour flight. 20-hour layover at Istanbul Airport | Trip.com Istanbul After a long and arduous decision she decided on Love tea and Jasmine tea. If you're here for the travel inspiration, then I hope this article convinces you to add this enchanting city to your bucket list! Could you give me a little insight into how long does it take to pass through passport control, to travelling time (we plan to board on Havaist), and how much time should we put aside for travelling back to the airport and perhaps another passport control etc before our flight departure? An overnight layover in Istanbul does not do a justice to the endless list of historic, cultural, and entertainment attractions scattered around the city. As you may know, Istanbul was once known as Constantinople and served as the capital of the Byzantine Empire (which was the eastern half of the Roman Empire when it split into two). That was a very lucky find, though now I always check with Turkish Airlines whenever Im heading east. Made of goats milk and served with small Turkish pastries. Dont worry if youre a vegetarian or just not in the mood to try something new. Once you arrive at Istanbul I came upon an alley covered in colored umbrellas which led up to some stairs to a cluster of rooftop bars. But, my friend Nazli explained that it was a special decoration of Turkish, not a kite. Tickets to the Palace cost 30TL/person. 20 Hour layover in Istanbul - ideas sought. I once flew from London to Bangkok with them for just 360. A cup of tea costs from 3-4 TL depending on each shop. How long does it take to get through security Report inappropriate content 8 hours layover in istanbul - Istanbul Forum - Tripadvisor It also offers a 21 hours Layover in Istanbul Airport If you are a transit passenger and have a layover in istanbul airport for 21 hours, you may visit istanbul with a plenty of time. This is very convenient because with just one card you can take all means of public transport in Istanbul. is perched 220 feet (67 m) above the city, offering sweeping panoramic views of So I chose 3 dishes: Turkish tea, grilled fish sandwich and stretchy ice cream. They operate a very well-connected hub out of Istanbul that links between Europe, Africa, Central Asia, and beyond. $142.86. You can either carry them with you in a plastic container or leave To get around the city efficiently, we opted to use the metro between key hotspots. You may visit lots of lovely monuments, walk around the hot spots of city, have a nice meal, some fun and more Turkish taste. and improved palace be built further up the bank along the Bosphorus. and there was a special energy in the air. At a minimum, youll want to have at least a 7-hour layover in So we recommend quick meals thatll give you enough energy to discover the city without taking much of your time. Hello, I travelled with Turkish airlines in 2016 and had a 13 hour layover in Istanbul. Leave your suitcases in a luggage locker and stretch your legs by exploring the two terminals. If youre a history buff, foodie, or just about any other What impressed me the most was the ceiling decorated with fabric decorations like kites. Heres some popular Turkish cuisine you should to try during your Istanbul layover Istanbul: Topkapi Palace was the residence of Ottoman sultans and their families between the 15th and 19th centuries. Living Nomads celebrates and is inspired by explorers and their passion for travel, curiosity about the world and unique points of view. the four monuments are: To best enjoy the sunset we found a nice looking restaurant near the Blue Mosque with roof top seating. One of my tried-and-tested ways to explore a city is simply to walk towards whatever next landmark I can see off in the distance. A maximum of two nights' accommodation will be offered. Heres what youll want to see and do. We loved Istanbul and highly recommend it, we just wish that we had more time to explore. of the city. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Having lived in five different cities in Turkey and traveled to many others, Canan is a native Turkish citizen and a local nomad. Once its fully completed, The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The Bosphorus Strait, it will be the largest airport in the world. While I initially had no plans to have a layover in Istanbul, that quickly changed when I saw the airlines special offers for stopovers. can hit two birds with one stone on this trip. Fast forward to the 1950s: increased tourism caused Or if you have any travel related questions, drop us an email through our contact page, we are always happy to help out fellow travelers. Copyright 2023 Turkey Nomad, All Rights Reserved. I chose flights Add to it the fact that we would be back in Istanbul for 5 days after . 20 hour layover in Istanbul - Istanbul Forum - Tripadvisor Once youre in the city, however, public transportation is a We visited the city of Istanbul on a long layover and we fit so much into 24 hours. Five years ago, I heard about an older friends story about the Grand Bazaar, about endless carpet and lamp shops, at that time I hadnt even stepped out of Vietnam, never think of Turkey and the Grand Bazaar. That's an evening outing that's almost incomparable. He wasnt able to give me a good explanation and I was not able to understand him. We had asked to be close to the old city where all of the main tourist attractions are, we were assured we would be. Firstly, given that its an active mosque, youll need to wear appropriate attire to go inside. with an 8-hour layover each way. These are affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for TurkeyNomad.com to earn fees by linking to the aforementioned affiliate sites. I sat myself down on one of the roofs of the Bab- li Kahvesi cafe [map]. 9 must eat in Penang, Best areas to stay in Penang Top 5 best places, Where to stay in Chiang Mai? Like my trip to Amsterdam, there are 3 flights a day, morning, afternoon and night. Therefore, I had a 12 hour wonderful layover in Istanbul. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. coffee, then totally go for it). If youre planning to only take taxis and walk, then you We chose the Mediterranean Island of Malta and so far we are loving it. Greeks and Turks dispute where baklava came from, but many believe its modern Visited Istanbul once last year, just spent a few hours on a free city tour of Turkish Airlines, thus, on this trip, I wanted to discover the beauty of Istanbul on my own way. Today, Istanbul is a cultural, historic, and entertainment hub in the region. How to get a Free Turkish Airlines Stopover in Istanbul If you opt for that free tour, itll cover both transportation and sightseeing. If youre reading this, youre probably lucky enough to pay a quick visit to Turkeys gem, Istanbul. We promote a sustainable and inclusive form of tourism. it close could be tough with the heavy traffic getting in and out of the city. Located in Eminonu neighborhood, Spice Bazaar is small and beautiful and does not possess infinity like its brother Grand Bazaar. This 8-hour layover also gave us enough time to enjoy a taste of Istanbuls culinary scene. Throw in SEO experts and you will begin to get a good picture of who we are. Tower can get pretty long, so its advisable to arrive early in the morning All Right Reserved. another top sight you should include on your Istanbul layover itinerary. (For more @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-turkeynomad_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:600px!important;}}if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'turkeynomad_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_1',127,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-turkeynomad_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); You can enjoy a traditional Turkish meal, some snacks, or meze (Turkish tapas) with your alcoholic drink. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Stretchy ice cream, oh, this is classic and wonderful ice cream. This wonder was once a Church, then a Mosque and now today it is one Istanbuls most visited tourist attractions. Travel is eye-opening. during your layover in Istanbul, the last thing youll want to do is wait in a However, this airport was replaced by Istanbul Airport (IST) on April 6, 2019. guide for some great currency conversion apps.). The Europe and Asian sides are totally different, so you traffic and have to pay a premium. hours from the airport to the center of all the action, so 8 hours offers a Pattaya nightlife guide 11+ best rooftop bars in Pattaya & best bars in Pattaya, Bangkok Pattaya itinerary 3 days Suggested Thailand itinerary 3 days 2 nights to visit Bangkok and Pattaya, Keelung travel blog The fullest Keelung travel guide for first-timers. They have pretty much everything from spices to clothes to food to souvenirs and more. Who would have thought that just going to the market would be so beautiful and sparkling. This post is about our layover in Istanbul where we got to stay in a 5 Star Hotel. Thank you! I followed the Galata Bridge which, somewhat oddly, encompasses numerous restaurants on its lower level. Phnom Penh itinerary 2 days How to spend & what to do in Phnom Penh in 2 days? Different sightseeing options are available depending on the time you have. Were here to help you plan your 24-hour layover in Istanbul effectively. The Sultan Ahmed Living + Nomads Travel tips, Guides, News & Information! Hopefully it 5 Things to Do on a Layover in Istanbul - Culture Trip Once you arrive at the airport, go straight to an ATM to withdraw The Tea shops in Istanbul are an incredible display of colour and taste. And My trip to Istanbul Explore the bridge city of Asia and Europe. Visiting Sultanahmet, youll see that theres a lot to discover. sellers at these shops, the more difficult theyll make it for you to walk Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Istanbul Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. The museum is open at the following times: TheHippodrome of Constantinople no longer exists, but is now a large square with four monuments in it. Secondly, youll need to take off your shoes to go inside the The Grand Bazaar is something you mustexperiencein Turkey. We had the option of a 12 hour layover or a 20 hour layover. When booking my flights for a trip to Tbilisi, Georgia, I noticed a special promotion on the Turkish Airlines website. I hope my content sparks your inner explorer and makes you a smarter traveler! First-time poster here! The neighborhood is home to some of the most famous historical attractions and offers various accommodation options. For nearly a thousand years, the Hagia Sophia was in fact the largest cathedral in the entire world. @2017 - Forever Roaming The Roads. However, youll still find smaller authentic Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport Layover Ideas - This Life in Trips Passport control can be a quick ordeal, or a much longer one, depending on a variety of circumstances. Turkish coffee beans are no different than regular coffee beans. We have traveled to over 80 countries sharing our experiences with you. The best of all however, was that we would be staying in a 5 Star Hotel for free. over 100 soldiers every night. Salt Galata. Of course, this is only enough time to catch a glimpse of If your layover is longer than 6 hours you can get a free tour of Istanbul, or get a hotel for free if your layover is the shortest among the available flights. Turkish Airlines provides a Stopover Free Accommodation Service, where travelers can receive free accommodations for 1-2 nights in Istanbul. In 2014, the Grand Bazaar was the most visited place in the world with over 91 million visitors. Looking for something quick but authentic for breakfast? Theres another way to absorb this ancient citys historical scenes. Both services are complimentary. But I always knew there were more reasons to love Turkey than just some boozy fun in the sun, so I was keen to see it again, this time with different eyes. Istanbul airport is almost 1 hour away from city center. It is also lined with fishermen trying to catch fish in the river and sell them on the spot. The Grand Bazaar Re: 20 Hour Layover in Istanbul Mar 15, 2023, 10:34 AM shop or caf will do it for free. Tips for using Turkish Airlines' stopover benefits plus what to see in Istanbul in one day. But if youre interested in exploring the museums, you need to make time for it as the quickest visit will take at least two hours. However, the downside of taking a taxi is that its the most Its known to be one of the most authentic among locals. The cuisine is as diverse as its people, influenced by Eastern European, Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Balkan cuisines. The taste will be a bit bland but the fresh fish makes the dish perfect. I've done the latter after missing a connection. Passengers with a connecting international flight in Istanbul with a layover between 6-24 hours can use the free Touristanbul service. type of person, youll find plenty of incredible things to see and do here. When you're on a twenty-four hour overnight layover in Istanbul, you'll want to spend it in the city that gives the airport its name. *As an Amazon Associate and CJ Affiliate, I may earn from qualifying purchases from the affiliate links in this article. But you can watch the promotion at the end of February every year to get a good price. It was a nice read thank you! How would you spend a layover in Istanbul? Yes Istanbul is a quite safe city. 12 hour Layover in Istanbul Airport. After a 12 hour flight from Argentina we finally reached Turkey at 11 pm, tired and exhausted from our 12 hour flight. Another popular restaurant among locals is Nomads, which offers a delightful mix of Turkish and Arabic cuisine, as well as live entertainment. On my second night, I switched to staying in a 10 EUR a night hostel. 1 post 20 Hours Layover in Istanbul 7 years ago Save Hello, Can anyone please help me plan 20 hours layover in Istanbul? Also called the Hippodrome or the Old City, it was the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. After that, if you choose to fly to other European cities, it only takes 1 and a half to 2 hours to come. Note: All proceeds go to the Turkish Educational Foundation which helps to provide educational opportunities and support the school system in Turkey. The lines at Galata Our aim is to share the beauty of traveling in Turkey and all the best it has to offer. This ancient underground reservoir and filtration system once provided water to the Great Palace of Constantinople and other nearby buildings. It sits right across the park from the Hagia Sophia, so at the very least, you The Blue Mosque official website gives some guidance on the dress code. All in all we walked almost 18 miles around the city of Istanbul in under 20 hours. which now comprise much of the bazaar. But with only 20 hours in Istanbul, museums would take a huge chunk of time. October 26th to April 15th:9:00 AM to 4:45 PM, April 15th to October 26th: 9:00 AM to 6:45 PM. Lastly, it was a no-brainer to visit Istanbul given that all Turkish Airlines flights connect through there. When you only have 24 hours to spend in Istanbul, you must spend the night on Istiklal Street. On our way to Turkey we opened our window shade to this view. Take your beach things with you as this town is a quiet seaside resort on the Black Sea coast of the country with three super beaches. Asmalmescit and Nevizade Streets, the Flower Passage, and French Street offer a fine dining experience with entertainment. link to 7 Best Ways to Explore Istanbul Like a Local, link to 10 Must-Eat Street Foods in Istanbul, the dress code to enter is strictly enforced. We arrived at the Istanbul airport at 5AM. Next . If you have a long layover here, a lot can be done in 24 hours. Do you wish you could travel more but can never find the time or money? Better safe than sorry! Istanbulkart can be used for metro, tram and even ferries. and didn't waste a moment to get a subway from the airport to the Galata Bridge area, even though it was just for dinner and a quick drink, it was well worth it. line to catch the sunset from here! Only Istanbul Airport (IST) receives international passenger flights at present so that's where you'll have your Istanbul layover. :D. Subscribe to our shout-out for all of the latest travel news, stay updated! The However, the light and warm colors from the ingredients and spices here give us a different atmosphere and space. great way to get around. Then read on to the next section! It was a quick and tiering visit, but just goes to show how much of a citys highlights you can see in one day! Theres no shortage of dinner cruises and boat tours that All rights reserved. A couple of my friends have been pickpocketed here while using public transportation and walking amid large crowds. We are here to help you travel better, cheaper & longer! . It was very stressful and I dont recommend anyone flying with Turkish Airlines if you dont want to pay at least $100 or more for that unnecessary night in Istanbul. Discover more about Istanbul's mixed European Asian cuisine by taking a food tour or go on a nighttime walking tour with ten street food tastings included. are all close to one another, making logistics a breeze. to check the status of this renovation work beforehand, as it could limit how A six-hour layover at Istanbul Airport won't give you time to do much at all, so try to treat it as a chill-out moment between flights. However, its prepared differently, with the unfiltered coffee grounds floating freely in the cup. Still, you may wish to read this article on how to bargain like a pro at the Grand Bazaar. I wonder if I go to work in the European part while my home is in the Asian part, wouldnt I cross two continents every day in just 20 minutes?! visit in April 2019, it had already been going on for several months. So go and return will be 2 hours duration. was initially built as a lighthouse and watchtower during Byzantine times, but later became a dungeon under Ottoman rule. This offer is open to any economy or business class customers. So it is home to the most popular tourist attractions and historical landmarks in Istanbul: old churches, mosques, palaces, bazaars, city walls, and museums, all standing up to the test of time. Dates vary from year to year so check them out before you go. We purchased the IstanbulKart, a rechargeable metro card, for 10TL(Turkish Lira), which only comes with 4TL on it. The largest city in Turkey, Istanbul is also know as the 'city of mosques'. Are you ready to take a little journey to the We are a team that shares a love for Travel, Food, and Culture in Turkey. Shopping Tour Extra activities Book your Best-Of Istanbul Tour and visit Istanbul during your layover! wrong way. There will be a ferry every 15 minutes for you to experience, crossing the Bosphorus strait. Unique Treehouse Rentals in Arkansas: Cabins for Rent 30+ Coolest Airbnbs in the US (2023): Top USA Vacation Rentals, How to Start a Travel Blog: Become a Travel Blogger + Make Money, 20 Best Airbnbs in the Berkshires: Treehouses, Cabins + Vacation Rentals, 37 Unique Airbnbs in New England: Cabins + Treehouse Vacation Rentals. will ramp up the price. Travel 10 Things To Do On a 24-Hour Layover In Istanbul, Turkey By Kaitlyn Rosati Published Sep 12, 2022 Istanbul, Turkey is a city full of delicious eats, historical sites, and things to do. This modest list is definitely shortage and I skipped Kebab because it is a very popular dish and everyone also has ever tried it once. 20 hour layover in istanbul - Istanbul Forum - Tripadvisor Enjoy your evening in the Beyolu district. Hippodrome Topkapi Palace Grand Bazaar Dolmabahce Palace Galata Tower Bosphorus Taksim Square Istiklal street Miniaturk Camlica Mosque Camlica Hill Our tour is private and flexible. No:24, 34110 Fatih/stanbul, Turkey/Hours: 8AM12AM). Whether you like to shop or simply would like check out the lively ambiance, the Grand Bazaar should be high on your to-do list in Istanbul. Things To Do In Segovia In One Day: A Day Trip From Madrid To Segovia, Istanbul is such a great walking city. A quick search informed me this was in fact built by the Genoans in the 14th century. to buy a water bottle to break up the change, but its worth trying to see if a the city, and youll definitely want to return to see more! From the old Istanbul Atatrk Airport, I took an only metro M1A to get to the central city, then change to the T1 tram to get to Sultanahmet district the Istanbul Old Quarter. There was a huge queue to go up the tower which I wasnt too motivated to join. Dating back more than 2,500 years, its incredibly well-preserved and sprawling with life. You can purchase a pass for the IGA Lounge at Istanbul Airport that's valid for four hours. Here, you'll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport - including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between. Shutterstock Istanbul, Turkey, airport With its long history at the heart of multiple empires, Istanbul offers a wealth of historic and religious places to take in, and I highly enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere on the streets of Istanbul. I was tempted but the hotel was well out of town, so I went with a smaller hotel in the historical center, the Orka Royal. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Turkish tea is my passion drink, strong tea flavor comes in a small cup with a very standard waist. Hope this is helpful! Don't leave your phone or camera in your Istanbul luggage locker, you'll regret it if you do as you'll definitely want photos of Arnavutkoy to post on your social media. Airport, here are a few helpful tips you should consider: The Turkish Lira (TL) And since Istanbul is a big and crowded city, well start with transportation. Sampling is encouraged by the vendors in an effort for you to chose their products. Similar to other stopover deals offered by countries like Iceland or Portugal, Turkish Airlines will offer you a free hotel if you connect via Istanbul and decide to stay in the city. from my recent layover in Istanbul. It is a coin toss! Brewed from Arabica beans, Turkish coffee has a very fine grind to it. The Sultanahmet area is 25 miles (40 km) from the new Istanbul Airport, which is the main international airport in the city. At least three hours of your layover will be consumed by getting through passport control, checking in for your next flight and going through the whole rigmarole of passport control and security all over again so basically, you'll only have three hours to fill.