Exploring Istanbul Airport: Things To Do And See

Istanbul Airport is a hub for many airlines, with tens of thousands of passengers passing through every day. The airport is well-equipped to handle layovers, offering a wide range of facilities and resources to keep travellers entertained and comfortable.

If you have a long layover, you can visit the airport's museum, explore the many shops and restaurants, or relax in one of the lounges. There are also spa treatments, prayer rooms, and fresh air terraces available. With impressive statistics, a colossal terminal building, and world-class amenities, Istanbul Airport is a great place to spend a layover.

Shopping: From duty-free shops to local Turkish stores, there's plenty of retail therapy to indulge in

Istanbul Airport offers a wide range of shopping options to suit all tastes and budgets. From duty-free shops to local Turkish stores, there's plenty of retail therapy to indulge in.

Duty-free shopping at Istanbul Airport is a unique experience, with a selective brand and modern retail concept. Unifree Duty-Free has a total sales area of 55,000 square meters, including elite boutique shops, classical duty-free stores, and a Bazaar area offering local products. The Duty-Free area consists of nine sections, including Fashion Garden, Family Palace, High&Lux Hills, and Style Beach, each welcoming passengers with concept-related selective brands. Here, you can find accessories, jewellery, watches, kids' wear, toys, home textiles, and electronics from luxurious, premium, local, and international brands. Unifree Duty-Free also offers the latest technologies in the travelling retail sector, such as 3-D Hologram systems, rechargeable smart shopping baskets, and mobile payment points.

In addition to duty-free shops, Istanbul Airport also has a variety of local and international fashion brand stores. These stores offer accessories, jewellery, watches, kids' wear, toys, home textiles, electronics, and more. Some of the brands you can find at the airport include Phablet Phone Accessories, Paşabahçe Mağazaları, Hempa Mobile Phone Accessories, and Altınbaş for watches and jewellery.

For those looking for local Turkish products, the Bazaar area within the Duty-Free zone is the perfect place to explore. Here, you can find local artisans and vendors offering unique, authentic Turkish goods. From traditional handicrafts to local delicacies, the Bazaar is a great place to immerse yourself in Turkish culture and pick up some memorable souvenirs.

Istanbul Airport also has a range of pharmacies and beauty centres, offering a variety of health and wellness products. These include Melike Sultan Pharmacy and Parisli Cemil Hair Dresser, conveniently located in the arrivals area for all your last-minute needs before you depart.

Dining: Sample local dishes like gözleme and dolma, or opt for international fast food and casual dining options

Istanbul Airport has a diverse culinary scene, with a wide range of dining options available to suit all preferences, tastes, and dietary requirements. Whether you're craving local Turkish dishes or international cuisine, the airport has something for everyone.

For those wanting to sample local dishes, there are several restaurants serving traditional Turkish cuisine. These include the Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge, which offers live-fire cooking stations and impressive buffets of mezze and dessert. Another great option is Cuisine Anatolia, located in the central hall near the A and B gates. Here, you'll find several restaurants in one, each dedicated to traditional Anatolian cuisine. There's a section for pide (Turkey's answer to pizza), beef and chicken döner kebab, grilled skewered kebabs, and slow-stewed dishes like rice-stuffed peppers and manti (Turkish raviolini in yoghurt sauce). If you're short on time, you can grab a tray from the cafeteria line, which offers a variety of salads and hot dishes, including serpme kahvalti, a proper Turkish breakfast of cheeses, sausages, breads, and egg dishes.

For a more upscale dining experience, try The Dubai Club or Marhaba Lounge. Mid-range options include Jack's Bar & Grill and The Daily.

If you're looking for international cuisine, the Food Court offers a diverse range of options. You'll find fast-food chains like Burger King, as well as casual dining options such as Gram, which serves salads and mezze made with seasonal ingredients. There are also several bars and coffee shops throughout the airport, including Çay Saati, where you can personalise your drink by choosing the amount of sugar in your Turkish coffee.

With over 100 dining options to choose from, you're sure to find something to suit your taste and budget at Istanbul Airport.

Relaxation: Unwind in a spa, take a nap in a dedicated \nap zone\, or simply relax in one of the many comfortable lounges

If you're looking to unwind and relax during your time at Istanbul Airport, there are several options available to you. The Ambassador Spa and Beauty Salon is conveniently located on the Lounge Floor, offering a range of express 30-minute treatments, full-day spa services, and a place to nap. You can enjoy a soothing massage, a professional manicure or pedicure, a quick touch-up to your makeup, or a facial treatment. The spa also has a steam room and shower facilities, providing the perfect opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate.

For those seeking a place to rest, Istanbul Airport offers complimentary Napzone areas throughout the terminal. These dedicated rest areas can accommodate up to 278 individuals, ensuring you can relax comfortably until your flight. You can find these Napzones opposite Check-in Areas A and S, opposite the Security Checkpoint, and opposite the Gourmet Trilogy in Area A-B.

Additionally, several lounges are scattered throughout the airport, offering a tranquil environment to relax and recharge. If you're travelling business or first-class, you may have free access to these lounges, but paid options are also available for all passengers.

The YOTEL Istanbul Airport Hotel, located both landside and airside, provides another excellent option for relaxation. With 4-hour check-in options, you can enjoy a comfortable sleep, freshen up with a shower, and relax without worrying about missing your flight.

Entertainment: Make use of the free Wi-Fi, visit the airport's art installations and exhibitions, or download movies and games in advance to stay entertained

Entertainment at Istanbul Airport

Istanbul Airport has a range of entertainment options to keep travellers occupied during layovers. The airport offers free Wi-Fi, allowing passengers to surf the net, check social media, or finish pending projects. Numerous charging points are available to ensure your devices stay powered up.

For art enthusiasts, the airport hosts a variety of exhibitions and art installations. The "Visions Under the Viaduct" exhibition, located at the subway exit area, showcases the cultural richness of Istanbul. Additionally, two IGA photo exhibitions offer a unique cultural experience: the Ara Güler Exhibition, featuring the work of renowned photographer and journalist Ara Güler, and "A Victory Monument Exhibition," which narrates the story of the airport's construction. Istanbul Airport also houses a museum with an array of modern and traditional artworks. Located in the international departure terminal, next to the Premium Lounge, the museum is open daily from 9 am to 9 pm, with an admission fee of 10 Euros (free for visitors under 8 years old).

The airport also provides various periodical events and exhibitions, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for travellers. Additionally, Istanbul Airport has a library with over 2000 books, audiobooks, and ebooks, located near Gates F of the Domestic area. It is open from 7 am to 11 pm and hosts different events from time to time.

If you're looking for more interactive entertainment, Istanbul Airport has you covered with its array of shops, restaurants, and lounges. You can indulge in some retail therapy at the countless shops and the extensive Duty-Free area. When hunger strikes, an impressive array of restaurants and coffee shops offer local flavours and international cuisine to satisfy any craving.

Explore: Discover hidden gems within the airport, from unique art installations to observation decks offering stunning views of the tarmac

Istanbul Airport is a hub for artistic expression, with a multitude of exhibitions, workshops, and live music performances. The airport has its own art initiative, İGA ART, which aims to connect Istanbul's culturally rich identity and Anatolia's cultural memory with the world.

One of the art projects under the İGA ART initiative is the "Visions Under the Viaduct" exhibition, located at the airport's subway exit area. The exhibition is just one of the many art projects that travellers can explore within the airport.

In addition to art installations, Istanbul Airport also offers observation decks that provide stunning views of the tarmac and the surrounding area. The airport is located in the Arnavutkoy Area, almost 50km away from the city centre. While there is no information on observation decks within the airport, travellers can visit nearby observation decks in Istanbul, such as the Sapphire Observation Deck, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The Sapphire Observation Deck is located on the top floor of the Sapphire Shopping Mall, one of the tallest buildings in Istanbul, and provides a 360-degree view of the city, including famous landmarks like the Bosphorus Bridge and the historic old town.

So, if you're looking for hidden gems within Istanbul Airport, keep an eye out for the various art installations and exhibitions as part of the İGA ART initiative. And if you're interested in observation decks, while there may not be any within the airport itself, you can easily access nearby observation decks in Istanbul that offer stunning views of the city and its surroundings.

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