Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), located on the Asian side of Istanbul, is a popular hub for both domestic and international flights. If you find yourself with a layover here, you’re in luck! There are plenty of ways to make the most of your time without feeling bored or stressed. Whether you have a few hours or half a day to spare, this guide will help you enjoy a productive, relaxing, or fun layover at Sabiha Gökçen.
1. Unwind in One of the Airport Lounges
One of the best ways to make the most of your layover at Sabiha Gökçen is by spending time in a comfortable airport lounge. Lounges offer a peaceful escape from the busy terminal and come with several perks like free Wi-Fi, snacks, beverages, and comfortable seating.
Options to Consider:
- TAV Primeclass Lounge: Located after security in the International Departures area, this lounge provides hot meals, free drinks, newspapers, and even a shower facility. It’s perfect if you need to refresh and relax before your next flight.
- ISG Lounge: Open 24/7, the ISG Lounge is great for both domestic and international travelers. It’s spacious and provides complimentary food, drinks, and Wi-Fi.
If you’re not flying business class or don’t have lounge access through a frequent flyer program, you can still pay for entry.
2. Treat Yourself to a Turkish Coffee or Meal
No visit to Turkey is complete without indulging in Turkish cuisine, and your layover is a great opportunity to do so! There are several restaurants and cafes located throughout the airport where you can try local and international dishes. If you have time, make sure to grab a traditional Turkish coffee or tea paired with a delicious simit (a Turkish bagel) or baklava.
Here are a few recommended spots:
- Simit Sarayı: This popular chain offers fresh Turkish bagels, sandwiches, and coffee. It’s a quick and tasty option if you’re in a rush.
- Turcuisine: Located in the food court, Turcuisine offers authentic Turkish dishes like kebabs, grilled meat, and fresh salads. It’s a great way to sample Turkish flavors without leaving the airport.
- Starbucks: If you prefer familiar international options, Starbucks is also available for quick bites and coffee.
3. Shop Duty-Free for Souvenirs
Sabiha Gökçen Airport is home to a variety of duty-free stores where you can find everything from luxury brands to Turkish souvenirs. If you enjoy shopping, this is a great way to spend your layover time. You can pick up Turkish delights, spices, and other local goods to take a piece of Turkey home with you.
Some of the top stores to check out include:
- Unifree Duty Free: A large duty-free store offering cosmetics, perfumes, alcohol, chocolates, and Turkish delicacies.
- Setur Duty Free: Another well-stocked store where you can browse through Turkish gifts and luxury products at tax-free prices.
Take your time browsing through the stores, and you might find the perfect gift for someone back home or something special for yourself!
4. Pamper Yourself with a Massage
Traveling can be exhausting, especially after long flights. Sabiha Gökçen Airport offers relaxation services that allow you to pamper yourself during your layover. You can enjoy a massage or foot rub to help you de-stress and recharge for your next journey.
The Comfort Massage kiosk located in the terminal provides various massage services, including full-body, back, and foot massages. Even a short session can leave you feeling refreshed and ready for your next flight.
5. Stay Connected with Free Wi-Fi and Workspaces
If you prefer to stay productive during your layover, Sabiha Gökçen offers free Wi-Fi throughout the airport. There are also designated workstations with charging points, so you can catch up on work or stay connected with friends and family online.
Travelers looking to make the most of their layover can:
- Catch up on emails or browse the internet using the free Wi-Fi service.
- Find a quiet spot at the workstations to continue working on projects.
- Charge your devices at the many charging points available throughout the terminal.
6. Freshen Up Before Your Next Flight
If your layover is long, freshening up might be exactly what you need. Fortunately, Sabiha Gökçen Airport offers shower facilities at several lounges (like the TAV Primeclass Lounge), but there are also separate public showers available for a small fee. Having a shower can make a big difference, especially if you have a long flight ahead.
7. Take a Short Nap in a Sleeping Pod
If you’re feeling tired and have a long layover, catching some sleep in one of the sleeping pods can be a game-changer. These pods provide a private, quiet space to rest, so you can recharge before your next flight. Sabiha Gökçen Airport’s sleeping pods are available for rent by the hour, and they come equipped with a bed, blanket, and a place to store your luggage securely.
8. Explore Nearby Attractions (for Longer Layovers)
If your layover lasts more than six hours, you might consider leaving the airport to explore nearby attractions. The airport is located about 45 minutes to an hour from Istanbul’s main tourist sites, but there are some closer spots you can visit without traveling too far.
Some nearby attractions include:
- Viaport Outlet Shopping: Located just 10 minutes from the airport, this massive shopping mall has over 250 stores, a movie theater, and restaurants. It’s perfect for a quick shopping trip during your layover.
- Pendik Marina: If you want to take a short trip to the seaside, Pendik Marina is about 20 minutes from the airport. You can walk along the coast, have a meal at one of the seaside restaurants, or enjoy a view of the sea.
Make sure to account for traffic and the time needed to return to the airport to catch your next flight.
9. Watch Planes and Relax
If you prefer a low-key layover activity, simply find a spot with a great view of the runway and watch planes take off and land. It’s a relaxing way to pass the time, and Sabiha Gökçen’s large windows provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy the view. Grab a coffee, find a seat near the windows, and watch the world go by.
10. Stay Active: Take a Walk Around the Terminal
Lastly, if you’ve been on a long flight and need to stretch your legs, take a walk around the terminal. Sabiha Gökçen Airport is spacious, so you can get some light exercise while exploring the various shops and cafes. Walking is a great way to stay active, reduce stress, and prepare your body for your next flight.
Conclusion
A layover at Sabiha Gökçen Airport doesn’t have to be boring. Whether you prefer to relax, eat, shop, or explore, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. From lounging in comfort to shopping for Turkish souvenirs, you can make the most of your stopover and turn it into an enjoyable part of your journey. Safe travels!
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