Istanbul Layover Tours: Visit the city in 6, 8, 10, 12 or 24 hours!
Buy your Package and get Fast Track Entries to Top Activities in Istanbul for the time of your layover.
Don't stay at the airport for hours!
➙ Visit Istanbul with our carefree tours during your layover.
Enjoy various options according to your timing.
Get picked up at the airport and enjoy a carefree layover around Istanbul. Visit the Best-Of Istanbul in few hours, taste the best food available and visit the most important historical monuments, get on a cruise on the Bosphorus or do some shopping.
In other words, make of your layover an opportunity to discover a whole new world, between modernity and traditions, the old Constantinople inhabited by various civilisations through time: Istanbul.
With this tour, you get
A historical day, visiting Istanbul with a professional + a 2 option afternoon:
Included
Optional
Book your Best-Of Istanbul Tour and visit Istanbul during your layover!
8 Hours Layover Istanbul
Quick look at Istanbul Tour
$
129.99
/pers.
12 Hours layover
(most popular)
Best-Of Istanbul Tour
$
199.99
/pers.
24 hours layover
Best-of Istanbul Tour with 1 Night Hotel
$
259.99
/pers.
During this tour, skip the lines and experience the best things to do in Istanbul
Hagia Sophia
Admire the mesmerizing Hagia Sophia, which attracts millions of tourists from across the globe as the "eighth wonder of the world".
For almost a millennium it was the largest church in the Christian world, until it was converted into an Islamic place of worship after the Conquest of Constantinople. Today, this must-see captivates especially with its unique interior and its outstanding atmosphere.
Blue Mosque
This 17th-century Ottoman gem stands out for its six imposing minarets and the beautiful blue tiles that adorn the interior of the mosque, earning it the nickname Blue Mosque.
Dwelling inside the breathtaking structure and admiring the more than 20,000 blue and white flower-shaped tiles is an experience no visitor to Istanbul should miss.
Topkapi Palace (Optional)
During a visit to the magnificent Topkapi Palace, you can follow in the footsteps of the Ottoman rulers who lived and ruled here for four centuries.
Covering an area of 700,000 square meters, this palace-museum awaits you with impressive collections from the Ottoman Empire, including weapons, sacred relics, and the Topkapi Treasury with the famous Topkapi Dagger and the 86-carat Spoonmaker's Diamond. Be sure to visit the Harem, a mysterious world full of incredible stories...
Grand Bazaar (Optional)
Enter the colorful and bustling Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest bazaars in the world. Built in 1461 after the conquest of Istanbul by Sultan Mehmet, the market still exudes the old Ottoman atmosphere.
More than 4,000 stores welcome you to this shopping mecca. Not only can you buy souvenirs and all kinds of goods, but you can also experience the oriental magic and Turkish culture with all the trimmings.
Galata Tower (Optional)
The Galata Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul, with a conical roof that pops out above its neighbors. Overlooking the north of the Golden Horn, the structure is a remnant of the Genoese colony in Istanbul.
It is not for nothing that the Galata Tower is on the itinerary of almost all visitors to Istanbul. The tower not only offers one of the best 360-degree views of the city, but also impresses with its cylindrical structure, unique flair and interesting exhibitions.
The Bosphorus (Optional)
The 31 km long waterway that separates the European and Asian sides of Istanbul is truly the lifeline of the city. That's why no trip to Istanbul is complete without a Bosphorus tour.
Cruising along the legendary Bosphorus strait gives visitors the unique chance to experience Istanbul and its many sights from the water. The Bosphorus is also sought-out for postcard worthy photographs, as it offers a number of epic shots of the city.
Optional Activities
Istanbul Welcome Card offers a 20 % discount coupon for all these optional activities to anyone purchasing this program! Prices mentioned below are for one person.
Dinner Cruise on Bosphorus
- What you see? Get on a yacht and eat a 3 meal dinner while watching 6 different traditional shows.
- Duration: 3 hours.
- Price without the discount: 40 €
- Price with the discount: 38 €
Traditional Turkish Bath Session
- What you do? Relax in a traditional ottoman hammam and get cleaned and scrubbed.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Price without the discount: 45 €
- Price with the discount: 39 €
Authentic Soufie Dervish Show
- What you see? Watch an amazing traditional dervish whirling show.
- Duration: 1 hour.
- Price without the discount: 20 €
- Price with the discount: 16 €
Bosphorus Day & Sunset Cruises
- What you see? Get on a yacht and experience the city from the Bosphorus during day or sunset.
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours.
- Various Cruises available on the shop.
Extra Guided Tours with Historian Guides
- What you see? Emblematic monuments of Istanbul with an Historian guide.
- Price: depends on the tour.
Extra Fast Track Museum Tickets
- What you see? Visit the most important museums of Istanbul without waiting in line.
- Price: depends on the tour.
FAQ: Layover Airport Tour
Depending on how much time you have, you can take the chance to visit some of the most important attractions of this extraordinary city and/or go shopping. Since the historic heart of Sultanahmet is home to the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar, you can easily visit several historical sites, experience the culinary side of Turkey and soak up the unique flair of Istanbul. A great option is a Bosphorus cruise, where you can discover the city's highlights from the legendary waterway while enjoying a relaxing, memorable cruise with plenty of photo opportunities.
Yes, it is allowed to leave Istanbul Airport during a layover. In fact, it is highly recommended to make the most of your waiting time (if you have at least 6 hours) and get an overview of the City on Two Continents.
On average, it takes about 1.5 hours to get from Istanbul Airport in the Arnavutköy district to Istanbul city center, Taksim. Depending on the traffic situation, it can also take 2 hours.
Yes, 9 hours is a great time to get a brief taste of this magical city. Our recommendation is to take advantage of the 9 hours and venture out of the airport to discover the unique sides of Istanbul! You can experience an eventful day full of cultural and fun activities. Explore the iconic landmarks, sample Istanbul cuisine, and even go shopping. An organized tour with airport transfers and guided tours with a professional, local tour guide is a great option to make the most of your layover while avoiding the stress. Please do not hesitate to use our form if you have any questions.
Yes, Istanbul Airport is considered a very safe airport thanks to its extensive security system. Whether you have a regular flight, a short layover, or a long layover where you decide to spend time in the airport, sleep, or explore the city, Istanbul Airport offers a safe environment with its two very strict security checkpoints, as well as a comprehensive network of security cameras that monitor the airport.
Reviews for users
“
I had a 10 hours layover to Istanbul before flying to Dubai. This tour was perfect to discover the city without worrying about the timing. Everything was taking care of. Loved it!
Paul K.
“
I had the chance to see all the important places in Istanbul during my layover in Istanbul thanks to this tour. It made me save time and money. Very convenient. Thanks!
Annie S.
“
Thank you for this amazing 12 hours. Istanbul is a complicated city for a newbie. But thanks to this tour, I didn't have to worry about anything. Great food and visits with helpful guides. Really enjoyed it!
Amed B.
“
Istanbul is so amazing! Buying this tour was a great idea. They picked me up from the airport and made me discover the best-of the city. I recommend!
Francesca O.
Special Inquiries
We can also make custom-maid offers. Please reach us through this form and give us more details about your Layover in Istanbul.
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