I'm going to be in turkey for 14 hours, what should I do while I'm there besides sit in the airport?

Question

i dont know anything about turkey, but i do know i dont want to be stuck in the airport for 14 hours because i would die ...

Answer 1

First of all, do not take any advice from someone whose brain is not bigger than their lips. Leave the airport take a taxi and tell the driver to "Kapalıçarşı" (Qapalicharchı)... You will find very nice things and souvenirs for yourself and your friends. Just be care full to be in the airport at least one hour before the departure of your plane... Enjoy it...

Answer 2

Kirsten has it mostly right. Actually, the Blue Mosque (known in Turkish as Sultanahmet Camii) is a different building from the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofia), but they're very near each other. Both are very worthwhile destinations. In the same neighborhood is an ancient underground cistern known as the Yerebatan Sarayi, also worth a visit. And Topkapi's main gate is an easy walk from all of these (no need for a taxi, even though they're plentiful and cheap). If time allows, you might want to do a little shopping in the Covered Market (Kapali Carsisi) or the Egyptian Market (Misir Carsisi), which can be reached by using the metro, an above-ground urban train which runs through the area, and is very cheap.
I'd suggest taking the light rail ("Hafif Metro") from Ataturk Airport to Sultanahmet just because it's cheaper even than a taxi, and won't get caught up in the city traffic. But Kirsten has done her homework well and provided good advice. The gentleman who says you should spend 14 days there is right, too: it's a huge and magnificent city well worth any amount of time you can spend there.

Answer 3

I would never stay in any airport for more than 4 hours.

I'm assuming you're talking about the airport in Istanbul here. If so, go to a tourist information office in the airport and ask them about transportation. People there will speak English. They will probably tell you to take a taxi, and taxis are cheap in Turkey. Take it to the Hagia Sofia, which is either the third or fourth largest cathedral in the world - I can't remember - and is also known as the Blue Mosque since the Muslims took over the area. It was commissioned by Emperor Justinian in the 400's and the architecture is stunning. You should have time after that to take another taxi to the Topkapi Palace before returning to the airport. It's another tourist destination, so taxis shouldn't be hard to find.

I'm going to Turkey in May 2007 and have been doing my research; these destinations are at the top of my list of Places To See.

Remember...dress modestly, be polite but not too friendly, and watch for pickpockets.

Answer 4

On the assumption that you are referring to Ataturk Airport, Istanbul you can easily get into the heart of the city by metro and tram. The journey costs about $2 and takes an hour. Alternatively take a taxi. Details of both methods are here:

http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/go/Istanbul/Transport/airport_sultanahmet.html

Sultanahmet is the area of Istanbul where you can see Aya Sofia, Sultan Ahmet Camii (The Blue Mosque), Yerebatan Sarayi (Byzantine cistern), Topkapi Palace etc etc There are also cheap restaurants, souvenirs and exchange offices.

Istanbul is an invigorating modern city with amazing history too. It is just as safe (and no safer!) than any other big city - be careful of pick-pockets etc but ignore the ignorant comments made above.

You have enough time to spend about 10 hours there. I hope you enjoy it.

Answer 5

Your biggest problem will be actually being able to leave the airport. Sounds like you are on a layover, not actually "Entering" the country. You may not even have to go through customs. If you want to leave the Airport, then you will have to go thorugh customs, state your purpose and length of stay. They may deny you permission. Then agian, they may not - if so, follow the advice given to check with the tourist desk. Let them know how long you have and see if there are any sights you can see in the alloted time and still get back to catch your flight ontime.

Answer 6

Surely you cannot finish a trip for istanbul even in 14 days.

Lack of time, transport etc. makes you to go just the centre of some marvels such as written above Sultanahmet, Ayasofya, Topkapi, Yerebatan, Misir Carsisi(Spice Bazaar) etc.

Especially Topkapi palace will take your 3 hours.

Do not forget that museums, palaces are open in daytime. So make your plan properly, make shopping or go to bazaar finally.

Transport choices mentioned above are really good for you. I may add the shuttles such as Çelebi or Havaş. Those midibusses are some cheaper than taxis. But there are not much directions for those.

I advise you not to go to Taksim,istiklal for that limited time. I'm sure you shall try to go for a holiday next time :)

Answer 7

I think you mean Istanbul Atatürk Airport. It would be better if you will be in Istanbul for 14 days!!! I have to say that the only 14 hours will be not enough to do much things. If I were you, I would spend this golden time by going to Istiklal Avenue, Beşiktaş, Nişantaşı, visit Dolmabahçe Palace, eat fish by the Bosphorus view... I wish to say more things to do but unfortunately the time will be not enough.

And please do not listen the ignorant people like "huh" and "sandy" above. I m definitely sure that they didnt visit Türkiye before and they are still thinking about Türkiye as in the stupid movie "midnight express" with their little brains.

Answer 8

Stay in the International Zone in the Airport. Read a book, eat peanuts, go into Turkey and you can be arrested fast for the stoopidest of things. Might be fun, I did it, I had Sunglasses, dark ones, and an umbrella, left Wallet and all stuff in a locker, carry Passport. Dont take any Pictures of anything. Dont even have a camera on you.
14 hours in an airport is better than life in a Turkish Prison.

Answer 9

that easy, bring ur cd player or mp3 player, and ur laptop with u, bring some books too, that one of the way to waste a lot of time, take a nap too, but dont miss the flight. Hope u have a safe flight.

Answer 10

muslim country - dont make eye contact and keep your self covered (stay in the airport)