Our flight from Rome to Denver was changed by Turkish Airlines and now we have a loooong layover. Are there any towns other than Istanbul that it would be realistic to visit in that amount of time? It sounds like a trip into the Sultanahmet area would be 45-60 minutes each way.
Thanks for any advice!
You've got plenty of time, and I have to say Istanbul is one of my favourite cities. I'm taking a few trips to Europe soon, and am going to book Turkish Airlines just so I can stop over. We've loved it whenever we've visited.
Sultanahmet should take 45-50 mins, but if you go somewhere like Beyoğlu (near the Galata Tower) it's more like 30-40 mins.
I wouldn't be trying to go anywhere outside Istanbul on a short trip. Just have a wander, visit the usual stops (Ayasofya, Sultanahmet Mosque etc) and enjoy the food. You can take a ferry trip as well if you want to sir down for a while.
What are your timings? With 23 hrs, it's worth booking a hotel.
Turkish Airlines offers free tours of Istanbul during your layover. They also offer a free hotel room if you prefer. (You can't get both.)
I have no idea where else one would want to go besides Istanbul, but except for the above, whatever else you decide to do would be on your dime.
