easytraveler

There are tons of hotels in the Sultanahmet area. Try the "White House", it's listed as #3 on Tripadvisor and is the nicest budget hotel I saw (of the half dozen hotels I've been in) in Sultanahmet.

If you're using Turkish Airlines, I'm assuming the airport you want is Ataturk and not Sabiha.

I'd suggest leaving your luggage at the left luggage desk at Ataturk Airport and just take a minimum amount in an overnight backpack.

The cheapest and most fun way to get from the airport to Sultanahmet is by metro and tram.
http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/g...ltanahmet.html

Otherwise, there's also a bus/shuttle of some sort that'll do airport to hotel or hotel to airport - this is the mode my friends prefer. This will cost you about $5.

Otherwise, go by taxi - the most expensive.

If you have the time and the energy after a day at the Topkapi, the Blue Mosque and a cruise, then go to one of the "bazaars" in the early evening. Personally I like the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar.

As for food, there's food everywhere in Sultanahmet. There's even pizza (yaaah!) - and your kid will love those funny Turkish ice cream guys:

http://www.urlesque.com/2010/03/31/o...e-cream-trick/

Enjoy!

Tamara23

You can plan a sightseeing tour with a company. There are tour operations which can meet you at the airport and then show you the major attractions and take you back.For more information you can visit this website http://www.istanbulvipairportmeetandgreetservice.com/. As you are traveling with a child it will be better to avoid the public transportation.

ShilpiC

KTtravel/Amicita/easytraveler/tamara23: Thank you for the suggestions. Turkish Airlines says I do not qualify for hotel (they have a same day flight to Venice which is very expensive )
However, I have been getting rejections from all except "Sarnic Premier Hotel" for availability that night....any reviews?