How To See Istanbul For Free
I just returned from a whirlwind trip to Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan over 16 days. And if you read my blog, you know I can not sleep on planes so I often spring for a business class ticket (be sure to read my tips on getting the best deal) so I can get a lay flat seat. I’ve discovered that Turkish Airlines has some of the best business class prices and they have a really great Istanbul layover program.
I flew Turkish Airlines en route to my trip to Egypt and Jordan mainly because it was a great deal, but also because I got to spend 3 free nights in Istanbul – yes, FREE – thanks to this stopover program.
Here’s How It Works: The program provides complimentary hotel accommodations for an Istanbul layover for eligible passengers with extended layovers in Istanbul.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Istanbul Layover Duration: Minimum of 20 hours between connecting flights.
- Ticket Requirements:
- Flights must be round-trip and operated entirely by Turkish Airlines.
- The journey must originate and conclude in the same country.
- Separate tickets for outbound and return flights are not accepted.
- Application Timing: Requests must be submitted at least 72 hours before the first flight.
Accommodation Details:
- Economy Class passengers receive 1 night in a 4-star hotel; Business Class allows 2 nights in a 5-star or boutique hotel. Passengers from select countries (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia) may be eligible for extended stays of 2 nights with economy class and 3 nights with Business Class.
- Additional Nights: Extensions for your Istanbul layover are possible at discounted rates; arrangements should be made directly with the hotel after receiving the voucher.
Booking Your Flight & Selecting Your Hotel:
- Book your flight on the Turkish Airlines site and select the Stopover in Istanbul button. Choose whether you want to enjoy your layover at the beginning of your trip or the end of your trip. Choose the number of nights you want to stay and then book your flight.
- Once you’ve booked the flight, you’ll receive a confirmation email with instructions on selecting your hotel. A hotel voucher will be issued upon approval, which must be presented at hotel check-in.
Important Information For Your Istanbul Layover:
- Visa Requirements: Passengers are responsible for obtaining necessary visas for entry into Turkey.
- Transportation: Travel expenses between the airport and hotel are not covered.
Istanbul’s Top Sites To See On A Layover
Istanbul, where East meets West, is a city bursting with history, culture, cuisine, and captivating experiences. Start your visit in Sultanahmet, the city’s historic heart, where you can marvel at iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, a former church-turned-mosque-turned-museum, and now a functioning mosque again. Just across the square stands the majestic Blue Mosque, known for its six minarets and stunning blue Iznik tiles. Nearby, the underground Basilica Cistern offers a mysterious and cool escape, with its forest of ancient columns and softly lit walkways.
I also recommend that you spend some time learning about Turkish rugs. I visited Vezirhan Carpets for the second time – you can watch them spinning silk worms and see how each rug is made by hand.
Also be sure to stop by and visit the unique bar at the Han 1772 Hotel.
No trip to Istanbul is complete without a visit to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar. These bustling markets are perfect for sampling Turkish delights, saffron, and rich coffee, or shopping for handwoven carpets, ceramics, and intricate lanterns. For a more local shopping experience, head to the Kadıköy district on the Asian side, where you’ll find vibrant food markets, trendy cafes, and street art. Hop on a ferry for a scenic ride across the Bosphorus—an essential Istanbul experience that also gives you a chance to see the city from the water.
Istanbul’s culinary scene is another major draw. Feast on traditional mezes, sizzling kebabs, and sweet baklava at a rooftop restaurant in Karaköy or Beyoğlu with panoramic views of the Golden Horn. Don’t miss a chance to try a simit (sesame-crusted bread ring) from a street vendor or sip Turkish tea in a riverside café. As the sun sets, head to Galata Bridge to watch fishermen and the glowing city lights, or take in the nightlife at a rooftop bar in the hip Nişantaşı or Taksim areas.
For a more tranquil day, explore the Princes’ Islands—especially Büyükada—where you can rent a bike or simply stroll among charming Ottoman-era mansions and pine-scented hills. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, shopper, or nature lover, Istanbul offers a unique and deeply immersive travel experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Where To Stay In Istanbul
Since we flew business class, we had our choice of several 5-stay hotels. We chose Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler, a striking 34‑story luxury hotel nestled in the upscale Etiler neighborhood of the Beşiktaş district, offering sweeping floor-to-ceiling views of the Bosphorus and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. Opened in 2011, it features 259 elegantly styled rooms and 33 suites, blending contemporary Turkish motifs, natural wood tones, and modern art, with many accommodations boasting priority Club Lounge access and poetic verses etched into the windows. Onsite guest experiences include indoor and seasonal outdoor pools, a full-service Explore Spa with a hammam, sauna and fitness center, plus several culinary venues—La Torre Restaurant, Sushi Manga, L’Eclipse Rooftop Bar, and a relaxed Pool Bar—serving Mediterranean, Japanese, and classic cocktails before panoramic city skylines. Designed for both leisure and business travelers, the hotel offers over 2,000 m² of adaptable event spaces, two VIP boardrooms and a ballroom, complemented by valet parking and shuttle access to nearby luxury shopping centers like Akmerkez and Istinye Park. Highly praised for its spacious, impeccably maintained accommodations, outstanding service, and vibrant top‑floor lounge scene, it frequently ranks among Istanbul’s top-tier business and romantic stays.
One of the first things I love to do when I arrive for an Istanbul layover is to visit a hammam for a spa treatment. Incidentally, the spa at Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler is fabulous!
What is a hammam?
A Turkish hammam, or traditional bathhouse, is a centuries-old ritual rooted in Ottoman and Roman bathing culture, offering both physical cleansing and deep relaxation. Upon entering the steamy, marble-lined chamber, visitors are enveloped in warmth that helps open the pores and soften the skin. The experience typically begins with time spent reclining on a heated central stone, followed by a vigorous exfoliating scrub using a kese (rough mitt) performed by an attendant. This is followed by a luxurious foam massage, often using olive oil soap, which leaves the skin refreshed and glowing. Many hammams also offer optional oil massages or beauty treatments, blending ancient traditions with modern indulgence. More than just a bath, the Turkish hammam is a soothing, sensory journey that revitalizes body and spirit while offering a glimpse into the social and cultural heritage of Turkey.