One Of The World's Best Airports For Layovers Is In An Iconic European City

Istanbul, Turkey, definitely qualifies as a once-in-a-lifetime vacation destination you don't want to miss out on. The ancient city, the largest in the country, is culturally rich and historically significant, and this European destination is also ideal for food lovers. Given its distinct position in Europe and Asia, it's not uncommon for travelers to have a layover in Istanbul, specifically at Istanbul International Airport (IST), and while Europe has some stressful airports, IST, which opened in 2018, is also considered one of the world's best airports.

Travelers who have a layover at this distinguished airport can enjoy top-notch amenities. For example, IST is home to the Ambassador Spa & Beauty Salon, where travelers can get a massage, shower, and more. Likewise, Napzone areas exist for those who want to lie down and relax. IST also has an on-site hotel, YOTELAIR, that can conveniently be booked for at least four hours. And, of course, IST has a variety of stores where travelers can shop until they drop.

However, travelers flying with Turkish Airlines have another option. If they have a 6- to 24-hour layover at IST, they can opt for Touristanbul. This takes passengers to Istanbul's top sites, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, and more. Best of all, it's completely free. Interested? Here's what you need to know about Touristanbul.

Turkish Airlines' Touristanbul offers nine different tours of Istanbul at the time of this writing. Tours occur daily via a shuttle that departs and returns to Istanbul International Airport (IST). They vary in length, so travelers can choose what's right for them depending on their layover. The shortest, the sightseeing tour, is three and a half hours, while the longest, the full-day tour, is nine and a half hours long. So, what experiences can be expected on Touristanbul? Take, for example, the sightseeing tour. The itinerary is jam-packed but includes stops at Dolmabahçe Palace (pictured) and the Bulgarian St. Stephen Church, both dating back to the 1800s.

Likewise, travelers will enjoy a Turkish breakfast — note that all meals and transportation are included with Touristanbul — and each tour will also have a guide. On Tripadvisor, one reviewer from November 2023 wrote: "We had a great experience overall with Touristanbul. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly and showed us many places in Istanbul. We took many photos and saw many sights worth seeing! We highly recommend!"

If you meet the layover qualifications for Touristanbul, you can book a tour at IST at the Touristanbul desk found at international arrivals. If you plan on doing this, apply for a tourist visa for Turkey online beforehand. Kids and solo travelers are welcome on Touristanbul, too. But this isn't the only option you should consider.

For those unfamiliar with a stopover, think of it as an overnight excursion for your layover. With that in mind, Turkish Airlines' Stopover in Istanbul is for travelers with a layover of 20 hours or longer at IST. Economy passengers are provided a complimentary stay at a 4-star hotel; however, if they fly in from the United States, they are entitled to a 2-night stay. On the other hand, business class passengers can stay at a 5-star hotel for two or three nights if they are traveling from the U.S. Undoubtedly, this provides the perfect opportunity to explore Istanbul in a limited time frame.

Condé Nast Traveler writer Iona Brannon described her positive experience with the stopover in Istanbul program, for which she opted to stay at the 5-star Pullman İstanbul Hotel and Convention Center. Likewise, Brannon booked Airbnb Experiences, including a food and coffee tour, to fill her Istanbul itinerary. 

To experience your own Stopover in Istanbul, go online and email the address listed for the country you are departing from with your flight and contact info at least 72 hours before departure. Keep in mind that this is not available to passengers from all countries, so make sure to check. Also remember to apply for a tourist visa beforehand as well. Overall, it would be an understatement to say that layovers at IST are anything but boring.