The gorgeous Turkish city of Istanbul is serviced by three airports – Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) on the Asian side, Ataturk Airport (ISL) and Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side. In this story, we explore the top things to do at the city’s main iGA Istanbul Airport (iGA IST), Turkey’s biggest and poshest aviation landmark, also touted as the second busiest in Europe.

Besides the indulgent spas, cafes, and lounges, the airport ups the ante with on-site accommodation and therapy dogs to alleviate travel stress. Keep a checklist of the ‘must-dos’ ready before visiting this hot destination. Among the top things to do at Istanbul Airport, we suggest visiting the best wellness experiences, exploring snazzy retail outlets, and sampling delights at the many hotspots.

Also, explore our guide to the best things to do in Istanbul.

Things to do at Istanbul Airport

Things to do at Istanbul airport’s international airside

• Stream your favourite shows and movies at the airport’s comfortable TV-watching areas. The international airside has six of these TV zones. Explore the TV zone locations on their official website.
• Enjoy the plush sleep pods, present across 44 cabins, for a luxurious nap at the airport. Also, explore the complimentary iGA napzones to lounge at ease.
• Passengers aged 15-30 years can unwind at the Youth Lounge Area, which offers fun games, music, delicious snacks, and 4 hours of free WiFi. This zone also has a PlayStation and large screen projector for seamless entertainment.
• Admire the iconic relics at the Istanbul Airport Museum. Spread across 1,000 sq metres, this museum houses exhibits 316 works from 29 museums.
• Explore the exhibition titled ‘Pioneers of Modern Science – the History of Islamic Science and Technology Exhibition by Usturlab’ at the international terminal. It features interactive displays about Muslim scientists, Islamic civilisation, and much more.
• iGA Art is another fascinating avenue for passengers and participants alike. The airport premises endeavour to indulge guests in the healing and powerful world of art via contests and exhibits. Explore the complete schedule here.
• Treat yourself to luxe wellness treatments and massages at the XpresSpa and Ambassador Spa. Or get a fresh blow dry or manicure at the Parisli Cemil salon.
• The international terminal also offers an iGA Shower facility for travellers to refresh and recoup before embarking on their journey.
• Those travelling with kids must explore the playgrounds. These open spaces delight with animated islands, gardens, and cloud-inspired areas with slides, swings, and much more!

You can also enjoy some fetch and play time with the airport’s therapy dog Kuki! These furry friends promise to dispel flight-related stress.

Things to do on the domestic airside

• Watch your favourite shows and movies in the TV-watching area, located near flight gate G10.
• Get some shuteye at the spacious iGA napzones.
• Spend some time at the airport’s beautiful library. Here, skim through touch screen-readable short stories, e-books, periodicals, and airport-exclusive periodicals. The library also offers a children’s zone, so that passengers of all age groups can enjoy its multi-cultural offerings. Occasionally, book readings, interactive readings, story walks, and on-the-spot readings are conducted here.
• The vibrant playgrounds for children, located near the boarding gates and check-in areas, also enhance up the airport experience with themed play areas.

Things to do at Istanbul Airport: Go shopping

Filled with big brands and boutiques, the sky is the limit for shopaholics at the Istanbul Airport. Read on for the complete list of stores and their offerings.

Shopping options along the international airside

• Big on bling! The best jewellery stores: Altınbaş, Pandora, Swarovski, and Zen Diamond.
• Fashion bandwagon – bags and couture stores: Avva, Celine, Colin’s, Dior, Ecco, Emporio Armani, Fendi, Furla, Guard Leather, Gucci, Hermes, IN Street, Ipekyol, Kiğılı, Lacoste, LC Waikiki, Levi’s, Longchamp, Loro Piana, Louis Vuitton, Luxury Square, Machka, Mavi, Michael Kors, Moncler, Nike, Paul&Shark, Penti, Pierre Cardin & Cacharel, Prada, Saint Laurent, Salvatore Ferragamo, U.S. Polo Assn., Vakko, Vilebrequin, and Zegna.
• Regal timepieces and sunglasses: Atasay, Cartier, G Shock Casio, Konyalı Saat, Omega, Saat & Saat, Ray Ban, Sunglass Hut, Konyalı Saat, Swatch, and Tissot.
• Cosmetics: Alix Avien, and Parisli Cemil.
• Technology and luggage: Air Mobile, Cube, D&R, Montblanc, Samsonite, Tumi, and Unifree Duty Free.
• Souvenirs and gift shops: Afrika Evi, Art House, B&G Store, Old Bazaar, and Lego.

Things to do in Istanbul Airport: Shopping on the domestic airside

• Big on bling! The best jewellery stores: Altınbaş, HT Silver, Saat & Saat, and So Chic.
• Fashion bandwagon – bags and couture stores: Gant, Guess, IN Street, Lacoste, Nautica, Penti, SuperStep, and Suwen.
• Regal timepieces and sunglasses: Dünyagöz Optik, and Konyalı Saat.
• Cosmetics: Alix Avien, Eve Shop, Trio Store, and Yves Rocher.
• Technology and luggage: Air Mobile, D&R, Samsointe, Turkcell, and Vodafone.
• Souvenirs and gift shops: Afrika Evi, Ren, and Tırtıl Kids. There’s also a Tobacco Shop for snacks, lottery scratchcards, and tobacco products.

Shop the best travel experiences here

Things to do at Istanbul airport: Chill at the lounges and airport hotel

Looking for some cool things to do at Istanbul Airport? Check into the lounge, sample the scrumptious fare, and catch a movie at their in-house cinema. Also, explore our guide to some of the most luxurious airport lounges around the world.

The lounge options at Istanbul Airport include:

• iGA International Lounge (international airside): With a capacity to accommodate up to 650 guests, this lounge is a 5-star private service hall offering an open buffet, bar, WiFi, live cooking stations, fresh air terrace, personal workspaces, cartoons and toys for children, and shower areas. The experience is enhanced by the adults’ pool table, complimentary massage services, and duty-free areas.
• SkyTeam Lounge (international airside): This lounge is immersed in entertainment, luxury, and comfort. Replete with shower facilities, a TV room, delicious snacks, WiFi, and a magazine, this lounge is ideal for long layovers. SkyTeam member airlines include Air France, KLM, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, Saudia Airlines, and TAROM Airlines.

• Turkish Airlines Business Lounge (international airside): Spread across a whopping 5,600 sq metres, this lounge can accommodate up to 765 people. In addition to shower facilities, open buffets, bars, and media zones, it delights with exclusive suite rooms, a playground for children, and PressReader. This lounge is located right opposite Gate E1.
• Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles Lounge (international airside): Similar to the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge, this 5,600 sq metres space can house 765 people. The open buffets, private suite rooms, meeting rooms, and playgrounds are complemented by an in-house library and cinema! This lounge is located right opposite Gate C1.

• iGA Domestic Lounge (domestic airside): Spread across 700 sq metres, the iGA Domestic Lounge can house up to 140 people at a time. Its open buffet serving Turkish and international favourites, complimentary massages, and workstations with printing facilities promise optimal comfort!
• Turkish Airlines Domestic Lounge (domestic airside): This luxurious lounge offers services like rest areas, an open buffet, a bar, meeting rooms, and a children’s playground. Goes without saying, that WiFi, newspapers, magazines, and PressReaders are readily available for travellers’ convenience.

In addition to the lounges, Istanbul Airport is also home to YOTEL, one of the biggest airport hotels in the world (the largest in Europe). This sophisticated airport hotel offers 451 rooms, 171 on the landside, and 280 on the airside. The hotel offers state-of-the-art facilities like SmartBeds, a 24-hour fitness centre, smart TVs compatible with travellers’ mobile phones, the Komyuniti Lounge section, and much more.

Things to do at Istanbul airport: Savour delights at the best bars and restaurants

With a literal sea of restaurants delighting flyers on the international airside, there’s no dearth of epicurean experiences at Istanbul Airport! Whether you seek smoky skewers, fiery ramen, wine and crackers, or just some Grab & Go coffee, there’s something for everyone.

Top bars to chill on the international airside

• Jackie’s: This bar and burger jack promises wholesome meaty meals and a whole lot of fizz to go with them!
• Tickerdaze: This sports pub located near the terrace makes for a fun-filled pre-flight experience.
• Avenue Bistro Bar: Tucked in a luxe setting, enjoy a tipple or two with fresh salads, pizzas, and desserts.
• Brewmark: Offering both bottled and on-tap beers, Brewmark is a must-visit for lager lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
• Bottega Bosphorus: This Italian-style prosecco bar is famed for its exclusive cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine.

Best restaurants for gastronomic delights (international)

• Carluccio’s Bar: This 24×7 Italian eatery promises authentic flavours and plenty of lactose-free and vegetarian options.
• Pierre Hermé: Indulge in dishes concocted by the world-famous French pastry chef Pierre Hermé.
• Shake Shack: Dine here for 100 percent organic burgers, premium ingredients, and a bright-cheerful atmosphere.
• The House Cafe: Want to enjoy your meal on comfy sofas and lavish round tables before catching the light? Look no further than The House Cafe.
• Rey Organic: Health-conscious flyers should grab a table at Rey Organic, where plant-based ingredients, gluten-free bakery products, nutrition-rich buckwheat flour, almond flour and carob flour seep into lip-smacking recipes.

Eating, drinking and chilling on domestic airside

Bars, bistros, and bustling takeaway joints await at the domestic airside.

• Avenue Bistro Bar is the best place to grab a cocktail with salads, pizzas, and flavourful finger food.

The best restaurants include:

• Happy Moon: Craving a hearty meal? Consider Happy Moon for large portions and quick service across cuisines like Turkish, Italian, Mexican, American, and local specialities.
• HD Döner: The one-stop shop for authentic Turkish flavours.
• HighBorn Coffee: The ultimate rescue for coffee shop temptations like croissants, sandwiches, freshly baked desserts, and of course, an aromatic mug of coffee!
• Arby’s: Give in to your guilty pleasure of fast food at Arby’s, where curly fries and delicious wraps await.
• Starbucks: Grab your trusty Starbucks order from the brand’s beautiful outlet at the Istanbul Airport.

(Feature image credit: İstanbul Havalimanı)

Related: This Scenic 30-Hour Overnight Train Through Turkey Feels Like The Orient Express.

Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.

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