Originally Posted by
Stgermainparis
Going on a visa run this summer on a Sunday with 23 year old son for 12-15 hours in IST. Arriving about noon, departing that night 1am. Sunday may not be ideal but it has to be that day.
Can you all offer suggestions for the best way to do Istanbul in a day? Any private car companies with guides? I was thinking of having a car for the day to take us around efficiently. Hit the main sites, bazaar, good dinner, etc. Neither of us has ever been there, so no clue what would be the best plan.
Flying economy but have PriorityPass and I see there’s an IGA lounge in international terminal open 24 hours. Does it make sense to have a nice dinner out then return to airport 10ish?
Definitely don't bother with a car, it would be way more hassle than it's worth. Public transport is good and easy plus with limited time you won't need to travel distances where a car would be useful. 12-15 hours is perfect time to be able to explore the main sights and try out the local food (FYI the IGA lounge is fine but not a destination to turn up early for in my experience).
I'd take a taxi to Sultanahmet (or could do the Havaist bus to Aksaray and change onto the tram from there) and spend the afternoon at Tokapi Palace and Haiga Sofya Mosque. Take the tram a few stops to Beyazit and explore the Grand Bazaar as you make your way down the hill towards Eminonu to enjoy views of the city across the water. Stop for a fish sandwich, tea etc near Galata Bridge if you want, and call into the Spice Bazaar.
Walk over Galata Bridge and take the furnicular up the hill to Begolu, passing by the Galata Tower and enjoy the atmosphere. Now in Begolu, in the evening you can find one of the many meyhanes to have an evening meal of mezze and raki. After a leisurely meal continue walking up Istiklal Street towards Taksim Square, enjoying the hustle and bustle. From Taksim Square find the Havaist airport coach stop and transfer back to the airport in the evening.