I recently had a 19-hour layover in Istanbul, Turkey, on my way back to JFK from India. While I couldn’t explore everything I wanted, I still managed to pack in some unforgettable experiences. Istanbul is such a beautiful city with breathtaking views from every single angle. Here are some suggestions for a day in city.
Stay in a Boutique Hotel
I landed in Istanbul during the daytime and grabbed a taxi straight from the airport to my hotel which was a 30 minute drive. I could’ve taken the train or even booked an Uber (both of which are available and affordable in the city), but at this point I was more focused on saving time than money. I stayed at the Hubi Hotel—a quirky little boutique hotel tucked away in the city. The room was small which is typical for Europe, but it was perfect for a short stay. The hotel staff was friendly and helpful with directions and suggestions. The location was good and just a 10 minute walk to the train. The best part was the price of €60 (about $70 USD)!
Explore Istanbul via Train and Foot
After dropping off my bags, I walked to the nearest train and rode into the city toward the waterfront. I ended up in the lively Eminönü district (close to the Rüstem Pasha Mosque), a busy area full of locals, street vendors, and food shops. It was the perfect place to get my first real feel for Istanbul. I walked along the waterfront, and then walked further into the city stumbling upon more shops, food etc…. The Blue Mosque was a highlight—I didn’t go inside, but I stood outside admiring its iconic minarets and took plenty of photos. Even before reaching the Blue Mosque, I stumbled upon some incredible sights. The views of Istanbul from the train station were stunning, especially the city’s iconic skyline. I spent the day snapping pictures of the scenery, the views, and the unexpected gems I found along the way.
Navigating Istanbul was easy. Despite the language barrier I managed to get the hang of it quickly. Initially, I faced some challenges purchasing tickets and understanding the routes, but there were English-speaking people at stations who stopped to help. The trains cover a vast network, reaching all corners of the city, which made exploring different areas convenient and affordable. The fares were quite reasonable; for instance, a single fare for the metro costs ₺9.90. Tunnel Time I loaded my Istanbulkart with a modest amount, and it lasted throughout my stay, with some credit remaining.
Have Lunch on a Rooftop
One of the highlights of my layover in Istanbul was having lunch at the beautiful rooftop at Nova Cafe with stunning views of the city. From this vantage point, I could see Istanbul’s skyline and even far-off landscapes in the distance. The scenery alone made the experience unforgettable. For lunch, I ordered a Mediterranean sea bass served with fries and fresh veggies. The fish was perfectly cooked, incredibly fresh, and delicious. The entire meal was quite reasonable, costing about $20 USD for the fish, sides, and a refreshing mocktail mojito. If you’re visiting Istanbul, even for a short time, I highly recommend finding a rooftop spot for a meal or just to take in the views. The city is full of rooftops, many of them lined up next to one another, offering similar breathtaking panoramas. Another unique perk is that many of these rooftops have photographers available. For around €30 (roughly $40 USD), they’ll use your phone to take stunning photos of you with the incredible backdrop. If you prefer professional photos taken with their camera, there’s an additional fee. Either way, it’s a great way to capture the moment and create lasting memories.
Visit a Traditional Turkish Bath-Hamam
If you only have time for one thing in Istanbul, make it a visit to a Turkish bath. This unique cultural experience is both relaxing and rejuvenating, offering a glimpse into the traditions of Turkish wellness. I went to Tarihi Vezneciler Hamami This was, without a doubt, the best spa experience I’ve ever had. After checking in, I was directed to a private changing room where I was given a blanket-like towel and instructed to leave everything else behind. I was also handed a key on a wristband to keep my belongings secure. The experience began with a heated marble slabin the hamam room where I lay on the warm stone for about 20 minutes. The heat of the marble, relaxers the muscles and put me in a deep state of relaxation. From there, I moved to a dry sauna for 10 minutes, where the dry heat further loosened my muscles and prepared my body for the next stage. The bath area was the highlight. I lay on another marble slab while the therapist performed a full-body foam scrub from head to toe. At first, I thought I might feel cold, but they poured warm buckets of water over me throughout the process. After the scrub, I headed upstairs to a massage room for an hour-and-20-minute deep tissue massage. The therapist allowed me to customize the pressure, ensuring it was exactly what I needed. It was thorough and perfect after the busy trip I had in India. But the experience didn’t stop there. After the massage, the therapist grabbed a bag of coffee from the retail display and took me back to the bath area. I was laid on the marble slab again for a full-body coffee scrub. The scrub was followed by a brief wait to let the coffee work its magic, and then a moisturizing polish. They also washed and scrubbed my hair thoroughly, leaving me feeling refreshed from head to toe, literally. The entire experience lasted over three hours and cost only about $100 USD—a remarkable value for such exceptional service. At the end, I was served a cup of Turkish tea and invited to sit and relax before heading out. I left feeling rejuvenated, relaxed, and deeply grateful for this unforgettable experience. From there, I walked back to the train station to return to my hotel, completely refreshed and ready for a restful night.
Visit the Grand Bazaar
Of course, no trip to Istanbul is complete without a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Walking into the Bazaar was a bit chaotic. There were vendors competing for customers and people were everywhere! Most stores carried the same products. All of the spice markets had the same spices, jewelry stores had similar jewelry etc… There were a lot of options from textiles, ceramics, spices, and souvenirs, teas and desserts. Even though it was crowded, I recommend visiting due its rich history in Istanbul.
Helpful Information
- Language: Turkish, Kurdish
- Currency: Turkish lira 1 USD = about 39 Turkish lira. The US dollar is not accepted so I strongly recommend exchanging USD to Turkish lira. This can be done at the airport in US or Turkey or at a bank on the way to hotel. (I suggest planning an itinerary in advance to ensure you bring enough currency for street food and vendors) Credit cards are accepted but not by all vendors. Be sure to contact your credit card company/bank regarding fees and limitations prior to traveling.
- Climate: Mediterranean Climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters
- Best time to visit: March-May or September- November. Pricing is usually cheaper during these months and less crowded with tourists **
- Time Zone: (GMT+3) 7 hours ahead of EST
- Transportation: Taxi, Uber, train, private car service, walking, bicycle
- Plan to stay for at least 3 days.
- Safety– I never once felt unsafe. This does not change the fact that there still may be some crime. I advise to always travel in groups. Be aware of surroundings and pay attention to people. Try not to get too intoxicated as this can hinder ability to notice any potential threat or problem. Always check the travel advisory info on the US Embassy website.
