Istanbul is one of those cities that deserves much more than a few hours. But that's exactly how much time we got when I was invited by Turkish Airlines on a one-day study trip from Oslo to Istanbul.
Our day included exploring the impressive Istanbul Airport, visiting one of my favourite airport lounges, enjoying delicious Turkish food and seeing the beautiful Blue Mosque.
We also learned about some great benefits Turkish Airlines offers its passengers, including free guided city tours and complimentary hotel stays during eligible stopovers.
So, would I recommend flying from Oslo to Istanbul and back in one day? Absolutely not 😂! But we had a wonderful day, and I'd love to share some of our experiences and travel tips.
Istanbul Airport – Huge and Impressive!
Istanbul Airport (IST) opened in October 2018 and has become one of the world's major aviation hubs.The entire airport site covers an incredible 76.5 km² – more than 35 times the size of Monaco! Of course, that's the entire airport area, not just the terminal building.
It's a modern and impressive airport with a huge selection of shops, restaurants, cafés, lounges and other facilities. We spent quite some time exploring the airport, and I was reminded that a long layover doesn't necessarily have to be boring.
One practical tip: Istanbul Airport is enormous, so make sure you allow enough time to reach your departure gate. Some of the walking distances are quite long.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge – One of My Favourites!
It's still one of the nicest airport lounges I've experienced! The food selection is fantastic, with freshly prepared Turkish specialities alongside international dishes, desserts and drinks. But there's much more than food. The lounge also offers showers, private suites for eligible passengers, meeting rooms, comfortable seating areas and even a museum. It's the kind of lounge where you can easily spend several hours.
Can you pay to enter an airport lounge in Istanbul? Yes! There are several lounges at Istanbul airport, although access conditions vary. The Turkish Airlines Business Lounge is primarily for eligible Business Class passengers, while other lounges offer access through qualifying airline stauts or membership programmes.
If lounges aren't your thing, the airport has plenty of restaurants, cafés and shops to keep you occupied.
Need Some Sleep Between Flights? YOTEL and YOTELAIR
YOTEL Istanbul Airport (Landside)
Located before passport control and security, this hotel is accessible without an international boarding pass. It's a convenient option if you're arriving from the city or planning to leave the airport during your stay.
YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport (Airside)
Located inside the international transit area, this hotel is particularly convenient for passengers connecting between international flights.
We visited YOTELAIR and had a look at the rooms, which were modern and comfortable. One of the things I like about this concept is that you don't necessarily have to book an entire night. Rooms can be booked for shorter stays, with a minimum of four hours.
Sleep Cabins by YOTELAIR
There's also a separate concept called Sleep Cabins by YOTELAIR, designed for travellers who simply want somewhere private to rest. These compact cabins are just 4 m2 and accomodate one person. They include a bed, TV, desk and WIFI, with access to shared bathrooms and showers. They're located airside, near the iGA Longe, and can be booked for short stays.
Useful links:
YOTEL and YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport: https://www.yotel.com/en/hotels/istanbul
Sleep Cabins by YOTELAIR: https://www.yotel.com/en/hotels/yotelair-sleep-cabins
Important: Make sure you book the correct hotel. Airside accommodation requires access to the international transit area and a valid international boarding pass.
Florentia Village – A New Luxury Designer Outlet
Shopping enthusiasts have another reason to consider a longer stop in Istanbul! In September 2026, Florentia Village Istanbul opened just five minutes by car from Istanbul Airport. You can also take the M11 metro – it's only one stop from the airport to İhsaniye station, close to the outlet.
This new luxury designer outlet features around 190 shops, with brands including Prada, Moncler, Ferragamo, Hugo Boss and Ralph Lauren. The outlet offers discounts of up to 70% off retail prices. Designed as an open-air shopping village inspired by Italian architecture, it also features restaurants, cafés and leisure areas. If you enjoy designer shopping, it could be an interesting alternative to spending your entire layover inside the airport.
Les mer om Florentia Village Istanbul: https://florentiavillage.com.tr/en/
A Visit to Istanbul and the beautiful Blue Mosque
We enjoyed a delicious Turkish meze lunch before visiting one of my favourite places in the city – the beautiful Blue Mosque. I've been to Istanbul before, but I never get tired of this magnificent place.
The Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, was built in the early 17th century during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I. It's famous for its six minarets, impressive domes and beautiful interior decorated with thousands of blue Iznik tiles.
The mosque is still an active place of worship, and visitors are welcome outside prayer times. Modest clothing is required, women need to cover their hair, shoulders and knees, and shoes must be removed before entering.
The mosque is located in Sultanahmet, the historic heart of Istanbul, where several of the city's most famous attractions are within walking distance. If you're visiting Istanbul for the first time, I would definitely recommend spending time in this area.
Some highlights include:
- Hagia Sophia: One of Istanbul's most extraordinary historic buildings, with a fascinating history as both a church and a mosque.
- Topkapi Palace: The former residence of Ottoman sultans, with magnificent courtyards, collections and views over the Bosphorus.
- Basilica Cistern: An impressive underground Byzantine water reservoir supported by hundreds of columns.
- The Hippodrome: Once the centre of public life in Constantinople, with several ancient monuments still standing.
And if you have more time, Istanbul has so much more to offer – from the Grand Bazaar and colourful neighbourhoods to Bosphorus cruises and wonderful restaurants. This is exactly why I don't recommend visiting Istanbul for just a few hours!
Did you know Turkish Airlines offers free city tours?
Here's something many travellers don't know. If you're flying internationally with Turkish Airlines and connecting through Istanbul, you may qualify for a free guided city tour through their Touristanbul programme.
The tours are available to eligible passengers with international layovers of 6–24 hours, provided their flight schedules fit the tour timetable. There are different tours to choose from, including sightseeing in historic Istanbul and, seasonally, a Bosphorus tour.
Depending on the tour, transport, sightseeing and meals may be included. It's a fantastic opportunity to experience a little of Istanbul instead of spending your entire layover at the airport.
Good to know: Your flights must meet the programme's conditions, and you need to register for the tour. You also need enough time to return to the airport before your connecting flight.
Read more and check the schedules: https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-int/flights/fly-different/touristanbul/
Free hotel stays with Turkish Airlines – stopover in Istanbul
Here's another great benefit! Turkish Airlines offers a stopover in Istanbul programme, allowing eligible passengers with a connection of at least 20 hours to enjoy complimentary hotel accommodation.The standard offer includes:
- Economy Class: One free night in a 4-star hotel.
- Business Class: Two free nights in a 5-star or boutique hotel.
Breakfast is included.
This is a wonderful opportunity to turn a long connection into a short city break without paying for your hotel. However, there are important conditions. The programme generally applies to qualifying international round-trip tickets operated by Turkish Airlines, and your stopover must meet the airline's requirements. You must also apply at least 72 hours before your flight.
My tip: If you're planning a long-haul journey with Turkish Airlines, check whether you can arrange a stopover in Istanbul before booking your flights.
Read more:https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-int/flights/stopover/
Why I Enjoy Flying with Turkish Airlines
I've flown with Turkish Airlines several times over the years, and my experiences have generally been very good. I particularly appreciate the service, the extensive international route network and the fact that complimentary meals and drinks are offered on many flights. Istanbul is also a convenient hub for connecting flights to destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. And having access to such an impressive airport certainly makes the journey more enjoyable.
Disclosure: This was an invited study trip hosted by Turkish Airlines. All opinions and experiences shared are my own.
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