Short Breaks to Istanbul

If you think we are mad in suggesting a one night stay in Istanbul then read on. It is possible to have a weekend break in Istanbul without having to take time off on Friday or Monday. It is one of more extreme Nano Breaks but if you are ok with sleeping overnight on the outbound plane then this citybreak is for you. Departing late night on one of the last flights to Istanbul and then returning late the next day on the last flight, you can pack in a short break and maximise time in a city where Europe meets Asia.

Short Breaks to Istanbul from London

Istanbul has two airports, Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gocken Airport (SAW), with connections to London. Travel with Turkish Airlines from London Heathrow departing after 10pm and arriving in Istanbul Airport between 4am-5am. Pegasus Airlines has a slightly later departure from London Stansted departing around midnight but arrives around 6am (depending on time of year).

Airport Transport to Istanbul

Istanbul Airport offers transfers into the centre of the city by bus, subway and taxi. The subway is not complete yet so you may have to change to get into the centre.

Sabiha Gocken is further out from the centre of Istanbul. There are taxis, buses and metro links into the centre. The metro takes you to the ferry terminal and you can cross the Bosphorus Strait into the centre of Istanbul

One Night in Istanbul

Istanbul is a sprawling metropolis so choose your hotel location for proximity to your chosen airport and to your chosen activities. The larger hotels can be found out by Taksim Square but these are further away from many of the core sightseeing areas. Given your likely arrival times in the city, look for hotels that give you earlier check in times so you can potentially get a rest early afternoon on your first day. Another consideration is the Yotel in Istanbul airport which allows you to arrive late at night and sleep at the airport and then head into the city the next day.

Image by Haydar Tamer ÖZTÜRK