Arriving at about 4 PM and leaving at 1AM for onward flight to JNB.
Seems like too long to sit in the lounge, but too short to check into a hotel, especially since I will have one whole evening to see something of the city.
Should I do a private car tour of the city, stopping for dinner somewhere picturesque, and then getting back to the airport by 10:30 pm or so? Is this feasible and/or a good idea? I am a solo female traveler and this will be my first time in IST.
If so, any names for a reliable car/driver/tour company that would do an evening tour like this?
If not, any other suggestions at all?
Thanks so much for helping me out with this. Worst case, I'll check into that airport hotel to stretch out a bit after the long flight in from the US, but it seems like such a shame to do that...
What to do during a 9 hour layover in Istanbul?
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There is a lot to see and do here in Istanbul, hence it'll be a a shame to spend 9 hours in a hotel room. Since you'll be arriving in the afternoon, most of the museums will be closed by the time you get there. On the other hand, you'll have the chance to enjoy the city at night, which is really wonderful.
Since it's Ramadan period, Sultanahmet area (old Istanbul area) will be quite crowded. Therefore, I would suggest that you take a taxi and go to Eminonu, where you can see Yeni Camii (New Mosque) and spend some time in Spice Market. From Eminonu, you can take a boat to Ortakoy, which is a lovely place and a favorite one among locals. Below, you can find the timetable for boat trips.
http://www.sehirhatlari.com.tr/en
In Ortakoy, you can spend some time wandering around. There are very nice cefes and restaurants there so you can have dinner while enjoying the lovely Bosphorus.
Hope you'll enjoy your time here.
I second the above recommendation.
the detailed time table for your purposes, under the above given site is :
http://www.sehirhatlari.com.tr/en/timetable/to-bosphorus-from-bosphorus-365.html
If you wish for a more upscale location than Ortakoy with higher end restaurants and cafes, get off the boat a bit further on at BEBEK.
Just make sure it is not a Sunday because these commuter boats do not operate on sundays.
You will need to take a taxi all the way back.
Taxi to Eminonu 45-50TL
Boat 2TL (token purchased at pier)
Taxi from Bebek to airport 70-80TL
1$ = 1.8TL
Thank you both! Much appreciated.