Fifteen Hours in Istanbul

With Turkish Airlines pretty much flying to more destinations than any other global airline, chances are international travellers will find themselves transiting through its Istanbul hub at some point. So we have good and bad news to share.

First off - the new Istanbul (IST) airport is well over an hour away from the city centre, much longer in rush hour traffic. And with no rapid transit link that means short transits rule out a skip into the city. Fortunately there’s plenty to stay occupied with at the airport, from high-end shops and duty free to eateries and rest areas. The two Turkish Airlines lounges (one for TK frequent fliers and Star Alliance Gold members and the other for Business Class and premium elite TK) are among the best anywhere - with excellent Turkish cuisines and wines. There’s hidden away rest cabanas as well as beds if you’re travelling on a qualifying TK ticket. Other lounges are available for a fee and there’s also an airside transit hotel.

If your transit is limited to the airport, be sure to leave enough time to for reaching your departure gate as this is one of the largest airports in the world - with gate-to-gate walking times reaching up to 15 minutes (not including security clearance).

*Glorious Istanbul. Credit: Turkish Airlines*

*Food preparation in the Turkish Airlines lounge at the New Istanbul Airport*

If you do find yourself with sufficient time to leave the airport - be sure to calculate travel times and security/immigration clearance into your schedule - the city airport bus (Havaist) is the best way to travel to and from the city and a great deal at just US$4 one way. The last stop lands you right in Taksim Square and close to hotels of all budget ranges. Avoid at all costs the taxi sharks at the airport as they won’t be much faster than the bus. (Passengers travelling on round trip Turkish Airlines tickets may qualify for a free stopover in Istanbul however this has been temporarily suspended due to Covid-19).

Once in Taksim you should be able to stroll to your hotel. In addition there are several food and beverage options available - including roadside food stalls serving kebabs and all sort of other Turkish dishes and sweets.

As we are writing about Istanbul and Turkey, be advised that many of our favourite eateries - and especially watering holes - have been shuttered over the past 2-3 years. It’s hard to tell whether it’s the result of the conservative government's regulations on alcohol consumption, economic difficulties, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic - or a combination of all three. For example, one of our favourite pubs in the Cihangar district near Taksim is now closed.

*An affordable and quick snack is never far away in and around Taksim Square*

Our advice, pick a mid-range hotel near Taksim (see our recommendation below) and stroll around for eating, drinking and shopping options. We’ve listed some of our favourite below that are frequented by locals.

Of course, if your transit stay permits, be sure to pop into some of Istanbul’s iconic historical sites. For more than 1,500 years İstanbul was the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires so one is absolutely spoiled for choice! Among them: the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, which is referred to as the “8th Wonder of the World” and Topkapi Palace. The most magnificent of İstanbul's monuments are clustered on the Historical Peninsula, the triangular piece of land surrounded by the Sea of Marmara to the east and south, by the Golden Horn to the north, and by the city walls to the west. This group of sites, known as the Historic Areas of İstanbul, were included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.

*Old world charm at Germir Palas, Istanbul*

For longer transits try to leave time to visit the Bestikas district along the water channel. Plenty of cafes, views of ships and fishermen, and charming places to load up on mouth-watering Turkish deserts.

On a final note, citizens of some countries such as Canada require a visa to enter Turkey. Be sure to include this cost and time into your plans (the process can be quickened by applying online in advance of arrival).

If you go…

Cafe 21 Restaurant and Bar
Akarsu Yokuşu Caddesi, Coşkun Sk. No:2/1, 34433 Beyoğlu
(0212) 251 16 26

Germir Palas Hotel
Cumhuriyet Caddesi No:7 34437 Taksim - ISTANBUL
Tel : +90 212 361 11 10
Fax : +90 212 361 10 70
hotel@germirpalas.com
reservation@germirpalas.com
€50-€112

I’zaz Lofts
Kamerhatun Mah. Balik Sokak No:12 Beyoglu
(0212) 2521382
€78-€120