Gone again? How? We make travelling a priority for our healthy lives.
We are savvy travellers while keeping our jobs. It is possible to be a globe trotter without quitting everything and not being a Digital Nomad.
Whenever you can, just go. Once in a while, take a day or two off work – there is nothing wrong with that. When you have a long weekend, plan it in advance to leave the country and, of course, if you can take a day off, it can become 4 days – winning!
We have just had a long weekend in Dubai and we used it as a chance to go and see one of the most happening cities in the world, Istanbul. This is how we did it.
Flights
A daily look on SkyScanner, Kayak and Expedia revealed several cheap flights. However with flights, there is almost always a catch. In this instance, it was we were flying into the outer airport in Istanbul. The first thing you have to way up – is it worth the cost (financial/time) of travel from far airport to the city center.
Close Airport – Atatürk International Airport (IST)
Far Airport – Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
Transport
Istanbul has a very efficient transport system with a great Metro, Bus, many Taxi’s and tram. From the further airport, don’t take a taxi as you are quite far. Use the bus company Havatas that will bring you to Taksim, one of the city centres. They are cheap, easy and clean. Way cheaper than hotel transfers or taxi to airport. One way trip is 14 TL .
Currency
1$US is about 3Turkish Lira (TL)
Accommodation
Depending on your budget, there are many good spots to stay – it is all about your preferences!
If you want to go cheaper, then stay in the Old Town, close to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia. There are many hostels located in the area, a heaven for budget travellers and backpackers! We strongly recommend the Sultan Hostel. It is walking distance from the major tourist attraction, so this is a great place to stay and quite cheap at around 10€ per person.
For something very comfortable, we recommend the W Istanbul – Located closer to Taksim Square, to cool cafes and night markets around fun bars and pubs where you can find plenty of street food and amazing eateries. This place, in the Beşiktaş area, is literally the most buzzing area you could be. To read more about W Istanbul, please make sure to catch our article about our stay at the place! 🙂
Things you must see in Istanbul
3 days is quite short. Better plan in advance or if you want to take easy you will have to come back. Read our article Things you must see in Istanbul for our recommendations (with big help of our fabulous W Insider Ezgi!)
