Layover in Istanbul
Jun 27, 2016, 9:35 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Ohio
Programs: Delta, American, Air Canada, Qantas, Air France, Aer Lingus, British Airways
Posts: 7
Layover in Istanbul
Hello,
I have a 10 hour layover in Istanbul from 9:30 am. I definitely want to do a little sightseeing but would also like to get back to the airport in time to freshen up and rest before the next flight.
Should I do a day tour or hop on try to do it myself? After the sightseeing and I'm back at the airport, do you have any suggestions on where I can relax until my next flight?
I have a 10 hour layover in Istanbul from 9:30 am. I definitely want to do a little sightseeing but would also like to get back to the airport in time to freshen up and rest before the next flight.
Should I do a day tour or hop on try to do it myself? After the sightseeing and I'm back at the airport, do you have any suggestions on where I can relax until my next flight?
Jun 28, 2016, 2:59 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: PEK
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If the tour fits and you feel like not doing something on your own - go ahead and do the tour. Otherwise, take the metro to the center and walk around a bit on your own. Istanbul has a lot of history, so the tour may be interesting from that point of view
Jun 28, 2016, 4:20 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2013
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Jun 29, 2016, 4:12 am
#6
Join Date: Mar 2014
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Sad about the tragedy, prayers for the victims and their families.
If you are still planning it, I suggest you do it yourself using the public transit(and depending on which sites you plan to visit, get a museumkard, will save you time at entrances of the sites).
But do give yourself sufficient time to get back. If you have access to the TK flagship lounge, it has (or had) its own security entrance which will save you time going back.
If you are still planning it, I suggest you do it yourself using the public transit(and depending on which sites you plan to visit, get a museumkard, will save you time at entrances of the sites).
But do give yourself sufficient time to get back. If you have access to the TK flagship lounge, it has (or had) its own security entrance which will save you time going back.
Jun 29, 2016, 4:24 am
#7
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: London
Posts: 517
I don't think there is a separate security entrance to the lounge any more, but there is definitely a fast track security line which is very efficient.
Jun 29, 2016, 8:18 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Ohio
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I'm going the end of October. Thank you for the information.
It is a very sad situation. My thoughts and prayers go to the victims and families.
It is a very sad situation. My thoughts and prayers go to the victims and families.
Jul 4, 2016, 4:33 pm
#9
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 240
My experience is if you go in high season the tour may take you places you can't even enter because the lines are so long. The bus back, won't arrive earlier because your tour got shortend 
if you're a bit of a traveler, i would advise going your own way.
if you're a bit of a traveler, i would advise going your own way.
Jul 4, 2016, 10:54 pm
#10
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: UA/AA
Posts: 1,741
"Istanbul nearly a ghost town as tourists stay away"
https://www.yahoo.com/news/istanbul-...62.html?ref=gs
Last edited by jaymar01; Jul 4, 2016 at 10:59 pm
Jul 4, 2016, 11:01 pm
#11
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Brisbane Australia
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Posts: 429
Really depends on the time of day. Istanbul's traffic most of the time is truly appalling. So, if you are travelling back from the Old City to the airport at peak hour or thereabouts, you may need to allow a couple of hours just for that trip! Same inbound. Seriously with 10 hours to spare, it could be tight. You'd need 4 hours to do the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia and (say) the Cistern (they are all within easy walking distance of each other), but if you wanted to do Topkapi Palace or the Spice Market or Grand Bazaar as well...your time is very tight.
Jul 6, 2016, 2:50 pm
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Ohio
Programs: Delta, American, Air Canada, Qantas, Air France, Aer Lingus, British Airways
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I arrive at 9:30AM on Saturday, October 29 and my connecting flight is at 10:30PM.
I saw that Turkish Air has day tours but the only one I can do is the noon to 6pm.
I was also wondering if it would be better to take the train from the airport and do my own sightseeing or try to hire a guide.
I'd like to see the main sights, visit the Grand Bazaar and try a decent restaurant.
I saw that Turkish Air has day tours but the only one I can do is the noon to 6pm.
I was also wondering if it would be better to take the train from the airport and do my own sightseeing or try to hire a guide.
I'd like to see the main sights, visit the Grand Bazaar and try a decent restaurant.
Nov 17, 2016, 10:32 am
#13
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: UK - the nearest airport is named after a motorway !
Posts: 4,235
afternoon free, Asia side - suggestions?
Will be in IST next week, with an afternoon free on the Asian side (morning meetings in Umraniye); planning to take the ferry back from Kadikoy to Bakirkoy and then taxi to IST for a late evening flight. Any suggestions for things to do Asia side, or should I just head down to Kadikoy and find somewhere for a long lunch?
Nov 19, 2016, 1:49 pm
#14
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: K+K
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Posts: 4,871
Will be in IST next week, with an afternoon free on the Asian side (morning meetings in Umraniye); planning to take the ferry back from Kadikoy to Bakirkoy and then taxi to IST for a late evening flight. Any suggestions for things to do Asia side, or should I just head down to Kadikoy and find somewhere for a long lunch?
Nov 21, 2016, 7:13 am
#15
Join Date: Sep 2014
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WARNING-beware taking ferries to the Princes Islands (Prens Adaları) as there is a limited service and you don't want to get stuck there when your flight takes off (if you do there are Water Taxis).
Kadikoy is nice but if it's your first time in Istanbul, you may want to head to the European side as there is more things to see.