If you have a transit stop over connecting flight in Magical city of Istanbul for more than 8 hours, you will think about a layover in the city but you have no idea about how. Which places you can go ? Visa procedure ? Transit in airport and transportation. Timing and safety.
Is 8 hour enough to have a layover ?
Yes it will be enough for a short layover. If you have a long layover that means you are lucky to see a lot in the town.
Could you leave airport ? Do we need visa ?
Yes we can leave airport but we may need a transit visa (depends country)which we can get online web page evisa.gov
Is city far from airport ?
Istanbul airport is about 50 minutes away from old city and Sabiha Gokcen airport is away 1 hour 15 minutes from city center.
Is it safe to travel ?
Most part of the city is safe but do not forget, it is a big city with a population of 20 million.
Is a night layover possible in İstanbul ?
Surely it is possible as many places are open till 10 or 11 pm. And lots of shops, restaurants, cafe etc are open almost 24 hours. So you may visit till very late time.
Are there transit hotels near airport for overnight layover ?
Yes there are a few hotels for overnight layover.
What to do in layover İstanbul, which places we can see ?
It is one of the oldest and historical cities in the World. So there are lots of places to visit. You may visit museums, mosques, monuments, towers, palaces and more.
Bosphorus cruise will be one of the most popular attractions if you have enough time. You may see two sides of İstanbul, europe and asia by the sea and have a chance to learn about İstanbul. You will see bosphorus, bridges, palaces, towers, castles, pavillons, houses, and more.
Hagia Sophia, is one of the oldest and famous monuments in İstanbul as a church and mosque with its wonderful architecture.
Blue mosque will be anouther lovely point to see with its Ottoman arcitecture, tiles, minarets and you will learn about Turkish culture.
Topkapi Palace Museum, is the main imperial palace of Ottoman empire and today used as a museum which is the biggest and most famous one in Istanbul. It may take more than 1 hour to visit so if you have a long layover you may visit.
Basilica cistern, which is undergroung water supply pool of Rome empire with a perfect athmosphere of Roman columns.
Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest malls in the World as a covered bazaar with 5000 small shops of souveniers, gifts, spice, gold, jewellery, leather, textile, accessories, and more.
Galata Tower which was a watch tower of Rome empire fort he ships, is the best place you can have a panaromic view of İstanbul and the area is one of the best spots in the city for some snacks or coffee.
Istiklal Street is the center of life in İstanbul for locals with shops, cafe, bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants, Street food, museums, mosques, churches, synagogs, embassies, art galleries, Taksim square and more .
What to do in İstanbul ?
In your short layover time in İstanbul, you may enjoy with local tastes, culture of Rome, Ottoman and Turks, join of locals life. If you get hungry, you may have a look of Turkish kebhaps, seafood fresh fish, mezes, Street food, Doner kebhap, local food. You may try some Turkish coffee before your ice cream and taste some Turkish delight lokum and baklava. Of course, in this cultural center of civilizations, there are lots of options more.
How to travel and have some sightseeing for a layover in Istanbul ?
We have special layover programs for your transit flights in İstanbul according to your timing. We welcome you on your arrival and operate your transfers to the city center. We visit the best places in the city for your stopover period and see most places.
We pass through bosphorus, golden horn and old city. Visit some of the mosques and museums as you prefer. Our programs are totally flexible for you. You will also have a chance for some shopping and try some local taste.
We will enjoy with the history, join the local life, learn about culture and daily life, by having a fantastic time between two continents.
At the end of your layover, we will transfer you back to airport safely on time for your check in to connecting flight.
You may get more information through whatsapp or online by our webpage;
You may see some of the places in your layover;
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