Things to do During a Long Layover at Istanbul Airport

Istanbul Airport (IST) is a large airport with modern amenities and many things to do at the airport and in Türkiye.

Istanbul Airport (IST) is the newest and main international airport in Istanbul, Türkiye. Located in Arnavutköy, Türkiye, the European side of Istanbul (there is another airport serving the Asian side of Türkiye called Sabiha Gokcen Airport), this airport has many shops, bright lights, eateries and various state of the art amenities for passengers traveling through the airport.

Truths

• Türkiye is unique as its territories cover 2 continents, Asia and Europe.

• IST is the biggest and most active airport in Türkiye and is one of the top 10 largest and busiest airports in the world.

• Istanbul Airport is home to Turkish Airlines, an incredible airline that has its own chef on each flight providing fresh meals as well as comfortable amenities including slippers, socks, headphones and blankets and a large variety of in-flight entertainment including movies, television shows and music for all passengers.

• IST has 1 terminal for domestic and international flights that's considered the largest terminal in the entire world!

Have a layover coming up in Istanbul Airport...here are things you can do while waiting for your next flight:

Turkish Airlines offers Istanbul tours to international passengers with certain criteria.

Tour Istanbul

If you have a lengthy 6+ hour layover at Istanbul Airport, you can use the time to tour Istanbul. Check out famous landmarks Taksim Square, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern. A perk Turkish Airlines provides to international passengers is Touristanbul, a complimentary tour service for passengers with layovers between 6-24 hours with Turkish Airlines identification ticket number.

Check this out: Ensure you get a visa prior to your flight to make sure there are no issues leaving the airport.

Airport lounges are always a great option to visit during a layover.

Eat and Refresh at an Airport Lounge

Istanbul Airport has multiple lounges you can dine, shower and unwind during your layover. Revolve Lounge is one of its lounges I booked for my upcoming 15-hour layover at IST. For €65/person, or €55/person when booked with a cabin, Revolve offers a cutting-edge atmosphere with lavender lights and contemporary furniture. Rain shower cabins provide Urban Jungle shampoo, conditioner and shower gel as well as hairdryers and cozy towels. Food and beverages are available all day and all night including continental breakfast from 5-10AM and refreshments 24/7. There are other lounges at the airport include Pop Up Lounge and IGA Lounge located in the international terminal. Most of the lounges provide food buffets, comfy seating, unlimited beverages and snacks. Reservations range from €30-€59.

Tip: Reduce stress and reserve your lounge pass prior to your flight.

Pleasure your senses with an unobstructed view of Istanbul's highlights on a sunset cruise.

Go on a Sunset Cruise

Have a layover when the sun is setting, enjoy the beauty of Istanbul on a cruise of the Bosphorus, a natural strait that divides Türkiye on its European and Asian parts. Options include private and luxury yachts with prices starting around €6. These cruises offer many things including beverages, snacks, live and audio guides. Some cruises offer dinner and shows where you can enjoy beautiful dances from various cultures such as Folk, Latin-Flamenco and Turkish Belly dances, multiple dinner courses and dancing under moonlight with live DJ performances.

Something Sweet: Cruises are a great way to get to know Istanbul's highlights in a short period of time with cruises typically lasting 2-3 hours.

Lay your head and get some rest at IST sleep options.

Rest, Sleep, Rejuvenate

If you have a layover at night, there are various options at Istanbul Airport where you can rest, charge your devices, catch some ZZ's and shower. YOTEL is a hotel chain that provides luxurious sleeping accommodations. Located at IST's Departure area (YOTEL Landside) and Duty-Free area (YOTELAIR), YOTEL offers cabins that accept reservations and walk-ins and provide clean private beds, TV, desk and access to shared shower and bathrooms. Reservations can be made online prior to your layover at this link for larger cabins that include private rain showers, Smart TV, wireless charging, hairdryers and safes.

Choices: IST has 6 designated "Napzone Areas" and 44 sleep cabins called Sleepods. All 6 napzones are complimentary and IGA Sleepods range from €10-€15 and include blankets, pillows, pillowcases for €5 with an option to upgrade to orthopedic pillow for €7.