Istanbul Layover: Guided Tour or Wander by self? [closed]

I am heading back to Europe from India in November and I have a day worth of a layover in Istanbul. I have got my e-Visa for a single entry and really looking forward for spending a day there. I am going to check myself in at the HOTEL DESK by Turkish Airlines where they offer complimentary stay since I have a flight the next day (approx. 23 hours).

I did some research as to which hotels they usually check the travelers into. The comprehensive list is as below (Source):

Marriott Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel (72% TripAdvisor–most common)
Akgün Istanbul Hotel (44% TripAdvisor–common–far from the airport)
Wow Airport Hotel (56% TripAdvisor–common)
DoubleTree
Wyndham İstanbul Petek (92% TripAdvisor)
Radisson Blu Conference & Airport Hotel (53% TripAdvisor)
Hilton Garden Inn
Courtyard by Marriott Istanbul International Airport
Gonen Hotel Istanbul

Should I ask at the Front Desk if they provide tours into the city or should I go about on my own? Are there reliable public transport services in Istanbul since I am a low budget traveler and Taxis might be expensive.

P.S.: Also since 1 day isn't enough, but any travel tips and suggestions would be appreciated along with the answers.

Best Answer

I can only answer part of the question. I enjoyed just wandering around for a few days, walking along the waterfront, along the top of the old wall, wandering through a huge cemetery, etc. I took a tram easily when something was too far to walk. And subway from airport to golden horn, and bus from there to the other airport. BUT, I recommend a good GPS or map (preferably both), as a couple of times I had trouble finding my way back to where I was staying!

But I can't comment on the hotels you mentioned. I stayed in some guy's AirBNB place near the IST airport the first night, in hotel "Butik Pendik" near the Sabiha Gokcen airport the second night before going to Van. Stayed in a cheap hotel when I came back to ?stanbul.

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Can you leave the airport during a layover in Istanbul?

If you leave the airport, you will need an e-Visa. It's a quick and easy online process, which involves filling out this online application, paying the $50 fee (for US citizens), and printing your confirmed e-visa, and Be sure to apply at least 48 hours before the departure time from your original destination.

What can you do with an 8 hour layover in Turkey?

Start your 8 hours trip with a visit to the famous SultanAhmet area which has all the famous sites like Grand Bazaar, Beyazit Mosque, the old Blue Mosque, ancient Hagia Sophia museum, and famous Topkapi Palace.

What is there to do in Istanbul airport for 4 hours?

You can purchase a pass for the IGA Lounge at Istanbul Airport that's valid for four hours. During that time you can use all the facilities the lounge has to offer including showers and food. There are IGA Lounges located in both domestic and international departures.

What is the best way to explore Istanbul?

1. Get an Istanbulkart, Istanbul's public transport card. It is the cheapest and the most efficient way to get around Istanbul. You may access the whole public transportation network of the city via this single transportation card.

10 Hours Layover at Istanbul Turkey | What to Do?

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