Istanbul in 9 hours #

Alhamdulillah....

Istanbul.. my forever bucket list.

Today, me hubs, we got the chance to visit Istanbul while waiting or our 9 hour transit to Barcelona (INMR 2017).

In the airport, after immigration, near Starbucks, there's a counter named Turkish airline hotel.. come here 1 hour before the trip time I.e we come at 730am for the 830 - 11am trip to the city center.

There will be several spots covered under this trip. Can check via their website www.touristanbul.com

The trip is free.. and they will bring you back before your next departure.

There's also a drop bag service next to the counter. For a normal bagpack, we paid TL24 (arnd RM30). For larger bag cost arnd TL45.

There's also a surau of course in Istanbul Attaturk airport on level 2. Money changer is everywhere.

Looking for lively area at night? Go to Taksim..

Take a bus (Havabus) outside the arrival hall to Taksim at the cost of TL12. This could save time as going by train will require you to change tramway at Yenikapi. Train option will cost TL5 x 2 trips.

Trains takes approx 40mins (without transit waiting time) and bus 1 hour (direct).

Those with bulky bags, if u don't choose to leave it at the left luggage, pls use this bus. Subway option requires long walking and stairs climbing.. good luck!

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1 lira = rm1.18