Roberta Aguirre
Istanbul Airport is fairly far out of town, but if you have a long layover, there are still plenty of things to do and see. If you want to leave the airport, there is a cheap and fast bus service to Sultanahmet or Taksim, where you can visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, and Galata Bridge. If you'd rather stay in the airport, you can indulge in a hammam bath experience at the Ambassador Spa and Beauty Salon, or enjoy a cup of Turkish tea or coffee.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transport to the city centre | Taxi, bus, Uber |
| Tourist attractions | Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Galata Bridge, Gülhane Park, Rustem Pasha Mosque, Egyptian Bazaar |
| Food and drink | Turkish tea, Turkish coffee |
| Airport facilities | Ambassador Spa and Beauty Salon, library, bookstores |
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What You'll Learn
Visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are two of Istanbul's most famous landmarks. They are critical to the city's history and stand across from each other in the Sultanahmet Square.
The Blue Mosque, officially the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is an Ottoman-era historical imperial mosque. It was constructed between 1609 and 1617 during the rule of Ahmed I and remains a functioning mosque today. The mosque has a classical Ottoman layout with a central dome surrounded by four semi-domes over the prayer hall. It is decorated with thousands of Iznik tiles and painted floral motifs in predominantly blue colours, which give the mosque its popular name. The mosque's külliye (religious complex) includes Ahmed's tomb, a madrasa, and several other buildings. The mosque was built next to the former Hippodrome, with its imperial box where the emperor once sat. During excavations in the early 20th century, some of the ancient seats were discovered in the mosque's courtyard.
Hagia Sophia, also called the Church of Divine Wisdom, is a site of significant symbolic significance. It is the most important mosque of the Ottoman Empire and allows for a dominating view of the city's skyline. It is now a museum and one of the best examples of Byzantine architecture. The enormous dome is a daring engineering feat, and the high ceilings make you feel insignificant in the presence of a deity. Inside, you can spot elements of both a mosque and a church standing side by side, with stunning domes and minarets, countless mosaics, paintings, and columns.
You can take a guided tour of both the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, which will enrich your visit with in-depth knowledge. The guides will explain the significance of the monuments with regard to Islam and Christianity and how the structure of Hagia Sophia was converted from a church into a mosque.
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$3.78 $12.01
$14.98
Wander the Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is one of the most visited places in Istanbul. This famous historical market is the largest in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. It was built on Sultan Fatih's orders in 1461 to boost the city's economy and is located between Nuruosmaniye and Beyazit Mosque.
The Grand Bazaar is a 45-minute drive from both Istanbul New Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport, with a distance of 21 miles (approximately 27 miles by road from Istanbul Airport). The fastest way to get there is by car, which takes around 40 minutes. However, the cheapest way is by metro, which costs $2 and takes 1 hour and 4 minutes. You can also take a bus or train, which takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, or a layover tour that provides a private transfer.
When visiting the Grand Bazaar, be prepared for a bustling and energetic atmosphere. One of the most common rituals you'll come across is bargaining, which is an enjoyable practice for both sellers and buyers. The bazaar has grown significantly since its construction, initially featuring only two warehouses: the Inner Bedesten and Sandal Bedesten.
You can easily spend a whole day exploring the Grand Bazaar, wandering through its many streets and discovering the variety of shops and sights it has to offer. Be sure to check out the brick-domed area in the centre and the treed courtyard in the diamond area, as recommended by one traveller. With so much to see and experience, the Grand Bazaar is a must-visit destination when in Istanbul, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and commerce.
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Explore the Galata Bridge area
The Galata Bridge is a must-see for anyone visiting Istanbul. The bridge is an iconic feature of the city, connecting the two European sides of Istanbul and linking the old city with the new. It is also the first bridge between the old town and the new town, so there is a restaurant district below serving various fish dishes. The bridge is unique because it connects two continents, Europe and Asia.
The bridge is a great spot for photographers, especially at sunset when the historic Galata Tower is surrounded by shrieking seagulls, and the mosques on the seven hills of the city are silhouetted against a soft red-pink sky. The scent of apple tobacco wafts out of the nargile cafes under the bridge, and the view of the illuminated mosques in Sultanahmet after nightfall is stunning.
The bridge has a rich history, with the first recorded bridge over the Golden Horn built during the reign of Justinian the Great in the 6th century. The current bridge is the fifth structure to connect the two sides, completed in 1994, and is unfortunately considered quite ugly. However, it is still worth visiting for its historical and geographical significance.
Under the bridge, there are rows of restaurants and bars serving drinks and food all day and night. Tourists can enjoy a beer and nargile while watching the ferries making their way to and from the Eminönü and Karaköy ferry docks. Above the bridge, locals can be seen fishing in the afternoon.
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Take a taxi to Beyazit Square
If you're looking for things to do around Istanbul Airport, one option is to take a taxi to Beyazit Square. Located 21 miles from the airport, the square is a great starting point for exploring the city. From there, you can walk east through the Grand Bazaar, taking in the brick-domed area in the centre and the treed courtyard in the diamond area. Be aware that the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
After exploring the Grand Bazaar, you can continue your walk down the hill to the Obelisk of Theodosius and see the three columns. From there, you can visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia, two popular tourist destinations in the area. Just be cautious of people trying to exploit tourists, as this area is known for hustling.
Another option for getting to Beyazit Square from Istanbul Airport is to take the bus to Aksaray and then take a short tram ride. However, taking a taxi is the fastest and most convenient option, with the journey taking around 32-33 minutes and costing $8-11. Keep in mind that if you're travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may need to follow certain control measures and have a health pass for long-distance travel.
Once you've explored Beyazit Square and the surrounding attractions, you can easily find accommodation in the area, with hotels starting at $100 USD per night. So, taking a taxi to Beyazit Square from Istanbul Airport can be a great way to begin your exploration of Istanbul and experience some of the city's highlights.
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Relax in the Ambassador Spa
If you're looking to unwind and rejuvenate during your layover at Istanbul Airport, the Ambassador Spa & Beauty Salon is the perfect destination. Conveniently located on the Lounge Floor, just behind passport control, this transit spa offers a range of services to enhance your travel experience.
The Ambassador Spa is designed with your relaxation and comfort in mind. They offer a variety of treatments, from express 30-minute sessions to full-day spa packages, ensuring that you can find an option that fits your schedule. The spa provides a soothing environment, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport and find a moment of tranquility.
Indulge in a soothing massage to ease away your travel tensions. The professional massage therapists at Ambassador Spa will help you relax and rejuvenate your body. If you're short on time, their express massages are an excellent way to refresh yourself before your next flight. For a more comprehensive experience, opt for their 90-minute deep tissue massage, which will leave you feeling completely revitalized.
In addition to massages, the spa offers a selection of beauty services. Treat yourself to a professional manicure and pedicure, enhancing your overall well-being and leaving you feeling polished and confident. If you're seeking a more extensive beauty routine, they also provide hairstyling and makeup services. Whether you want a quick touch-up or a full glam look, their friendly and talented staff will accommodate your needs.
For the ultimate relaxation experience, the Ambassador Spa offers the Ottoman Hammam bath. This traditional Turkish bath is a rejuvenating ritual that will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated. Start your journey with a 15-20 minute steam and sauna session to open your pores and prepare your body for the Hammam. The Hammam bath experience is a traveller's favourite, providing a deep sense of relaxation and cleanliness.
The Ambassador Spa is more than just a spa; it's an oasis of peace and serenity within the bustling airport. With affordable prices and a range of services, it's no surprise that travellers consider it one of the best parts of their journey. So, if you're looking to turn your layover into a spa day, the Ambassador Spa is the perfect place to relax, renew, and revive.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many things to do in Istanbul if you have a long layover. You can visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, and Galata Bridge. You can also wander around the Egyptian Bazaar and the streets of Sultanahmet and Galata. If you're looking for a longer walk, you can start at Beyazit Square, head east through the Grand Bazaar, and then walk down to the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Gulhane Park.
There are plenty of things to do at the Istanbul airport. You can visit the Ambassador Spa and Beauty Salon, which offers massages, hammam bath experiences, facials, body scrubs, manicures, pedicures, and more. You can also try the iconic Turkish tea and coffee, and if you're a bookworm, you can visit the bookstore D & R or borrow a book from the airport library.
You can take a taxi, which is the most time-efficient but can be expensive (~850 TL each way). Alternatively, you can take the Havaist bus, which has multiple lines that travel all over the city. There is also a bus from the airport to either Sultanahmet or Taksim, which is cheap, fast, and comfortable.
