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A Complete Transit Guide for New Istanbul Airport (Code-IST)

A Complete Transit Guide for New Istanbul Airport (Code-IST)

by | Feb 14, 2022 | Asia, Europe, Travel, Turkey

Prelude

If you are reading this article now, we assume you are either at the Istanbul Airport (Code: IST), or you will be at IST, or maybe you are planning to be here for a layover, overnight sleepover, transit. Or maybe you are planning to visit Turkey. In any of the cases, you are at the best place on the internet to have a complete Istanbul Airport guide. Here, you will find information on almost everything available inside the IST including details about airport lounges, food options, airport hotels, sleeping arrangements, stationery stores, duty-free shopping, WiFi, mobile charging points, etc.

New Istanbul Airport (Code-IST)

Istanbul Airport, also known as Istanbul New Airport (Code-IST) is the new passenger airport in the city that started its journey on 04 June 2019 though the construction was not yet completed. IST is located in the Arnavutkoy area, on the European side of the city, 40 km from Taksim, and 52 km from Kadikoy. It serves more than 350 domestic and international destinations in 110 countries while its duty-free is one of the largest worldwide. The services and facilities provided at the airport are one-of-a-kinds and cutting-edge technology is applied everywhere. This airport is expected to host more than 200 million passengers annually by 2025. Despite the Covid-19 global pandemic and closure of the airport for months, this airport is still in the race of fulfilling its expectation.

‘At present, one terminal is functional with 7 concourses (A, B, C, D, E, F, and G) with a total of 143 passenger boarding bridges. However, the C and E concourses connect directly to the main terminal and are therefore not independent concourses Concourse G is reserved for domestic flights only. Please be careful. Boarding gates are far from each other, so always be aware of time, and be at your boarding-gate way ahead of time, please.

Check Istanbul Airport Interactive Gate Map

What You Can Expect

From our back-to-back six different tours where we have passed through Istanbul Airport, we can certainly claim that Istanbul Airport has everything one may need in transit, short layover, overnight sleepover, etc. The airport currently has one terminal for both Domestic and International flights. The airport has only opened Phase 1 to date, and construction is likely to continue until 2027. However, due to Covid-19, this timeline may be extended. The new terminal of Istanbul Airport is currently the largest, single terminal building (under one roof) in the world and it’s growing. The airport has hundreds of options for different kinds of cuisine including thousands of options of Turkish food. It has a number of coffee shops, luxury brands’ outlets, stationery and book shops, etc. It has duty-free shops, Airport Lounges, hotels, sleeping arrangements, banking service, free WiFi, and many other modern amenities.

Internet/ WiFi in the Istanbul Airport

Here comes the most important thing to know. At Istanbul Airport you will be able to use Free WiFi for one hour. There is a number of Kiosks (attached photo) at the airport, where you should use your passport to get a password to use free WiFi for just one hour. If you need more hours, you may purchase extra hours from that Kiosk. Once you will swap your passport, you will receive two options. If you chose the free one-hour option, you will receive a password from the machine. Then go to the WiFi of your device and use the password and enjoy one hour of free internet.

Food and Drink

There are plenty of outlets for almost all kinds of food and beverage inside the airport. Available food at the airport includes Turkish traditional foods, coffee shops, fast food, etc. A few of the brands available at the airports are Burger King, Brewmark, Carl’s Jr, Deli Aux Pain, HD Doner, Sbarro, Popeyes, Seferi, Simit Sarayi, Starbucks, Shake Shack, and many more. A few of the Turkish Food stalls and the duty-free sales various types of Turkish Coffee, Tea, and Turkish Delights too. We would recommend buying these kinds of items from shops other than the duty-free, though duty-free offers many lucrative offers. Because, when you buy from other stores, you will be able to choose your required items after necessary testing. 

Hotel, Sleep, Shower, and Personal Care Arrangements

If you are here for a long transit and do not want to exhaust yourself both bodily and financially, you may get sleep cabins from YOTEL Istanbul Hotel. Besides, you may also rent IGA Sleepod. They can be rented on an hourly basis at a rate of 9 Euro per hour, while blankets and pillows cost 2 Euros. You can use the gym and take shower in any of these arrangements. However, Ambassador Spa offers a spa, and massage, where you can take shower as well. 

Airport Lounges

There are many lounges at the Istanbul Airport. Apart from the lounge for Business Class passengers and Turkish Airlines Lounge Miles & Smiles, there are passengers for regular passengers who may avail lounges e.g. IGA Lounge, SkyTeam Lounge, etc by paying at the door. Besides, if you have memberships programs like Priority Pass, Diners’ Club membership, etc you may also avail lounges at the airport. However, be sure about what your membership offers you. Otherwise, you may be surprised by the bills once you would receive those.

Shopping at Istanbul Airport

Istanbul Airport offers a unique shopping experience blended with selected brands and a modern retail concept before and after your travel. There are numerous local and international fashion brand stores around the airport to enable passengers to meet their needs for accessories, jewelry and watches, kids’ wear and toys, home textile, electronics, and so on. These luxurious and prestigious shops include Atasay, Beymen Club, Bisse, Altinbas, Bvlgari, D&R, Dior, Bottega Veneta, Ecco, Casio, Emporio Armani, Fendi, Gucci, Hermes, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Mavi, Montblanc, Nautica, Michael Kors, etc. However, these sophisticated brands know how to manipulate people and turn them into potential customers. Do not just buy anything from your impulse. Remember what Warren Buffet said “If you buy things you do not need, soon you will have to sell things you need”, and things here are very expensive.

Unifree Duty Free

Istanbul Airport Unifree Duty-free remains open 24/7. It offers a unique, never-been-experienced shopping adventure, with its innovative store concept. It houses almost all the prestigious and luxurious fashion, beauty, food and beverage, and technology brands. For purchasing anything duty-free you will have to show them your passport and boarding pass. Without the boarding pass, it is not possible to purchase anything here. However, compared with Dubai Duty-free, Istanbul Unifree Duty-free lacks variations, and also prices seemed higher to us.
Website of Duty-free: https://www.unifree.com/

Prayer Rooms

There are 22 rooms available for men and 22 rooms available for women. These can be found in each concourse at both landside and airside. Besides, there are many points for ablution too. 

Rest Zones

The new Istanbul Airport has a few ‘Nap Zones’ dispersed in the international terminal. These are equipped with day beds, round couches, easy chairs, etc. At times, many passengers rest at the prayer rooms, many just find a place somewhere in between and utilize the time for resting. 

Financial Services at Istanbul Airport

Many ATMs are available inside the airport from seven different institutions. If you need cash, you may get cash from any of these ATMS. But, remember there might be fees for that. Besides, there are bank branches available at the airport in both the domestic and international areas. If you need to change the currency, you will get a number of currency exchanges very handy at the airport. However, their rates are a bit lesser than the currency exchanges outside the airport.

Mobile, Laptop, Tab, or Any Other Device Charging

There are charging points are available at every gate, almost all the restaurants, and lounges. While charging your device please be considerate. Have an eye around whether someone needs that too or not. Though there are cameras everywhere, yet please do not leave your items unattended. 

Bus Services from Istanbul Airport

If you are visiting Istanbul, this is for you. The airport is well connected with Istanbul City Center and important places by both local and luxury coach buses. Havaist offers luxury passenger (with luggage) transportation and connects every 15 and 40 minutes to/from the airport. You may get a drop up to the Blue Mosque at Sultanahmet. Local bus transportation is also available to a variety of destinations at a lower price. Well, to reach up to the bus bay, please seek assistance from airport staff. You have to walk out of the airport main building and go to the bus bays downstairs using the lifts. See the attached photos, please.

Website for Schedule and Routes: https://hava.ist/en & https://iett.istanbul/en

Taxi from Istanbul Airport

If you prefer privacy and in a requirement of traveling alone, you may hire a taxi instead of getting a bus. Taxis at the airport are available 24 hours a day. They can be found outside the arrival and departure halls. Usually, three services are provided at the airport; they are Black ‘E’ type, Blue ‘D’ type, and Orange ‘C’ type.

Tips for Photographers

Airports are our favorite places after any other places in nature. When we travel and pass through the airports, we feel like we are in a small world full of wonders. People from all over the world, from different regions, from different religions, from different tribes, people of all colors and races are in a relatively small place for a limited period of time. They all have their own destinations, own schedules, own requirements, own priorities, issues, etc. And this diversity attracts us like a magnet attracts irons. We feel like taking a lot of photographs, but restrain ourselves because it will not be wise to point the camera to somebody and take photographs without an individual’s consent.
  • So, if you are a video blogger/ YouTuber, you may keep taking your videos, and hardly anybody would care.
  • But if you want photographing people please understand your requirement and risk of violating the rules. 
  • Usually, there’s no restriction of photographing food, beverage, items in the stores, etc. However, there are a few products at the stores, where you are not supposed to take photographs. Do not take photographs there, please.
  • For photographing/ videography inside the airport better to carry small mirrorless/ point & shoot/ or action cameras. Bigger camera will draw more attention unneccessarily. 

COVID-19 Preventive Measures

At present Covid-19 negative certificate and vaccine certificates are a must to get inside the Istanbul Airport for both domestic and international passengers. So, if you are flying sooner or later please be confirmed from your airlines about the latest regulations. Or else you may have to be surprised, and your travel plan may get disrupted. 

Final Thought

We have traveled through some of the finest airports in the world and there cannot be any comparison between one another. However, by far our experience of traveling through Istanbul Airport was one of the best. We have been passing through this airport since July 2019, just after the opening ceremony, and found that it has addressed passengers’ all types of requirements. Well, if you think this article has addressed your required information please do not hesitate to share it with others. Maybe someone is looking for such information. And if you think, you need further revision and improvement please contact us.
10 Best Places to Visit in Moscow – Top 10 Attractions within One Day in Moscow

10 Best Places to Visit in Moscow – Top 10 Attractions within One Day in Moscow

by | Jan 26, 2022 | Europe, Russia, Travel, Travel Tips

Prelude

The largest city of Russia and the second-largest city of Europe Moscow is a powerful mix of vibrant different attractions to attract tourists from all over the world. This 800-year-old city is home to hundreds of historical sites, world-famous architectural wonders, vibrant cultures, etc. This magnificent city has countless sites and things to do to keep someone busy for months. However, here in this blog, we are presenting a list of the 10 best places to visit in Moscow – top 10 attractions within one day in Moscow. This list can be named as the list for the ultimate first-timers as well.

Where to Stay and Eat

There are numerous good hotels, boardings, lodges to stay in Moscow, which you may book from Agoda, Booking, Hostelworld, etc. I would suggest to select places to stay in conformity with your focused places to travel. As our focused area was heart of Moscow, meaning to say that in and around Red Square, we stayed at President Hotel. This is a four star hotel with magnificent services. The location of this place is so good that I think it should get 10/10 for its location. Gorky Park, Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Muzeon Park of Arts, Monument de Peter I, everything is just a few steps away from this hotel. For eating good you will get countless food stalls around the city. There are many international franchise e.g. McDonalds, KFC, Subway, etc around the city as well. However, if you are looking for Russian food, there are many restaurants around. Well, if you want food at your hotel door, you may order food by Yandex and other food delivery applications. I bet that you will fall in love with traditional Russian food.

Transportation in Moscow

I would suggest walking along the street in Moscow unless the distance is great. Because in every allays, every street, every corner of Moscow there is something to see and something to be wondered. I could not afford to miss those details, and almost everyday/ night I have walked more than 16/17 km. However, undoubtedly, the most popular transportation means in Moscow is their Metro. Though there are only a few bus services, yet their Yandex service is amazing. Yandex is all in one sort of service to survive in Russia. Yandex is just the Russian version of UBER. However, unlike UBER Yandex has every solution for you in Russia e.g. food delivery, shop, mail, etc.

Top 10 Attractions to Visit in Moscow

1. Kremlin

Kremlin is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Moscow. The name “Kremlin” means “fortress inside a city”, which is actually a fortress inside the heart of Moscow in Russia. Undoubtedly this is the most recognizable structure in Moscow, and one of the most famous structures in the world. This 15th century fortified complex covers an area of 275,000 square meters. This place was used to be the palace for the Tsar Family, which has more than 700 rooms. At present this is the official residence of the president of Russia. This massive place includes many other structures like Armory Chamber, a museum, three cathedral, etc some of which are open to the public with strict schedule and regulations. 

Undoubtedly Kremlin alone demands the highest attraction for any tourist visiting Moscow. Well, adjacent attractions such as Red Square, Alexander Garden, Lenin’s Mausoleum, Zaryadye Park, etc must be visited as these all are located around the Kremlin. 

Kremlin at Red Square, Moscow, Russia Kremlin at Red Square, Moscow, Russia Kremlin at Red Square, Moscow, Russia Kremlin at Red Square, Moscow, Russia

2. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

The Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed commonly known as Saint Basil’s Cathedral, is an Orthodox Church in Red Square. It is one of the most popular cultural symbols of Russia. The building, now a museum, was built from 1555 to 1561. It was the city’s tallest building until the completion of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower in 1600. This is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Moscow.

Whatever may be the duration of one’s stay in Moscow, one must set aside some time to witness one of the most famous architectural sites in the world, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Well, I suggest setting aside time for at least 2/3 visits instead of one; one in broad daylight, and the other at night. Because if you see this place once, you see half of the beauty.

Saint Basil Cathedral in Moscow, Russia Saint Basil Cathedral in Moscow, Russia

3. Bolshoi Theater

The Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera are among the oldest and best known ballet and opera companies in the world. It is by far the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers. The theatre is the parent company of The Bolshoi Ballet Academy, a leading school of ballet. It has a branch at the Bolshoi Theater School in Joinville, Brazil.

The main building of the theatre, rebuilt and renovated several times during its history, is a landmark of Moscow and Russia (its iconic neoclassical façade is depicted on the Russian 100-ruble banknote). On 28 October 2011, the Bolshoi re-opened after an extensive six-year renovation. The official cost of the renovation is 21 billion rubles ($688 million). However, other Russian authorities and other people connected to it claimed much more public money was spent. The renovation included restoring acoustics to the original quality (which had been lost during the Soviet Era), as well as restoring the original Imperial decor of the Bolshoi.

Official Website of Bolshoi Theater: https://bolshoi.ru/en/

 

Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Russia Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Russia

4. Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is a Russian Orthodox cathedral in Moscow, Russia, on the northern bank of the Moskva River, a few hundred meters southwest of the Kremlin. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is the third-highest orthodox temple in the world and the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow and all the Russians. It is the ideal place to attend an Orthodox Mass or to climb its domes and admire a beautiful panorama of Moscow. The history of this cathedral is one in which reality surpasses fiction. This place demands visits in both daylight and also at night. Because at night it looks wonderful with all the lights around.

Official Website: http://new.xxc.ru/

The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow, Russia The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow, Russia The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow, Russia The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow, Russia

5. The Gorky Park

Gorky Central Park is a park in Moscow situated opposite to Muzeon park of arts. It is named after Maxim Gorky. It was first opened as a park in 1928. Total area of the park is 300 acres.
This is probably the most famous park of Moscow. Gorky park offers entertainment for people of every age and every taste. Apart from numerous facilities like outdoor dancing sessions, yoga and fitness activities, rollerblading, skateboarding, cycling opportunities it also has a open air movie theatre. Its Garage Museum of Contemporary Art is an astounding place to visit. Its large green space as well as vast open space attracts people to do many other activities. There are numerous food stalls and boat rentals/ cruise services as well. 
The Gorky Park The Gorky Park in Moscow, Russia The Gorky Park in Moscow, Russia The Gorky Park in Moscow, Russia

6. GUM

GUM (short for Glávnyj Universálnyj Magazín or “Main Universal Store”) is the oldest and most upscale shopping center in Moscow, Russia. It is situated facing Red Square in the Kitai-Gorod area.

GUM was built in the late 1800s in neo-Russian style to showcase a beautiful mix of a steel skeleton and 20,000 panels of glass-forming an arched roof. The glass-roofed design made the building unique at the time of construction. The roof, the diameter of which is 14 m (46 ft), looks light, but it is a firm construction made of more than 50,000 metal pods (about 743 t (819 short tons)), capable of supporting snowfall accumulation. (Data from Wikipedia)

Though GUM is no longer the largest shopping center in Moscow, it’s still by far the most beautiful and also the most upscale destination for shopping. It is home to all top of top brands of the world. To be frank, it is not the ideal destination for most budget-conscious visitors. I have not also visited this place to buy anything. However, the beauty of the building itself and its historical significance demands a visit if you are in Moscow.

Official Website: https://gumrussia.com/

GUM GUM

7. The Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro is one of the magnificent architectural wonders of the Russia. This Metro system is serving Moscow, Russia, and the neighbouring Moscow Oblast cities of Krasnogorsk, Reutov, Lyubertsy and Kotelniki. It opened in 1935 with one 11-kilometre line and 13 stations, whereas today it has 287 stations, and the length is 435 Km. You will be amazed to know that the government is still expanding its size and coverage. I recommend you understand the metro system at the earliest. It will surely ease up your journey during your stay at Moscow. You may obtain Metro Card every time you travel, or else you may purchase cards with different balances and use accordingly. Once exhausted, it’s better to recharge the card instead of every time purchasing a new card. Recharging is much cheaper in this case.
The Moscow Metro

8. Arbat Street

Arbat Street also referred to as the Arbat is a one-kilometer-long pedestrian street in the historical center of Moscow, Russia.  It has been in existence since the 15th century, which makes it one of the oldest surviving streets of the Russian Capital. It was originally a trade route on the outskirts of the city. Arbat Street is one of Moscow’s most touristy spots with lots of cafes and restaurants, live music performers, etc.

Beautiful street lamps and two significant statues; one of Princess Turandot and one of Soviet-era poet Bulat Okudzhava adorn the street. This is a great place to get some souvenirs if you are not traveling to Izmailovo District. However, you have to bargain about the price with the vendors. Arbat Street also offers a chance to visit the former home of poet Alexander Pushkin and the café both Anton Chekhov and Leo Tolstoy used to visit.

Arbat Street in Moscow

8. Sparrow Hills

If you have the luxury of time and fitness, you may take a walk for 6 km from Gorky Park along the Moscow River (Moskva River) you will end up at Sparrow Hills, a legendary park in Moscow. The Sparrow Mountain is a mountain with a panoramic view of Moscow city. Although this park does not offer many activities like Gorky Park, here you can take a closer look at the Moscow State University, which is the tallest of the seven Stalinist SkyScrapers. In the sparrow hills at the foot of the mountain, across the Moscow river, opposite the observation deck is the central stadium, which was built to 50 s.

Sparrow Hills in Moscow, Russia

10. Nikolskaya Street

Nikolskaya Street is a pedestrian street in the Kitay-Gorod of Moscow. It connects Red Square and Lubyanka Square. It was known as the Street of the 25th of October between 1935 and 1990. This street is one of the most famous tourist attractions of Moscow. I would call it a street of superheroes, superheroines, and lights. Whether you visit this place on a day or night, it has the same amusement. You will see a lot of people both men and women dressed as your favorite marvel studio character walking around. They usually allow you to take photographs with them, and in exchange, they ask for money. Please settle the price before taking a snap. They usually insist a lot, but if you are not willing, it’s better to avoid them politely.

Nikolskaya Street Nikolskaya Street Nikolskaya Street Nikolskaya Street

Tips for Photographers

Entire Moscow is an amazing place for photographers be it landscape, or cityscape, or even street photography. Amazing historical monuments, architectural wonders, places with historical significance, Moskva river, amazing parks, amazing people. etc everything present extraordinary subject to the photographs of all genre and taste. This country is really blessed. It has everything to offer to all types of photographers. However, we request you to comply with follow suggestions:
  • For photography, the best option is to walk around on foot, unless you have specific taste and purpose.
  • Every corners of the street, every allays of the city, every parks offer subjects ranging from landscape, cityscape, street, and portrait photography. So, I am sure you will not want to miss any opportunity.
  • The most of the sites, which are mentioned here can be very well toured within a day. I would suggest starting the tour with Red Square. Because, once you are here, you can cover Kremlin, St Basil Cathedral, Nikolskaya Street, GUM, Bolshoi Theater from here without much of walking.
  • Apart from the sites mentioned here Zaryadye Park kok is situated right beside the Red Square, which is a wonderful modern day architectural marvel. You can have a picturesque view of Kremlin from the floating bridge over Moskva River.
  • If you are pointing your camera to any person, be sure you have his/ her consent.
  • Nikolskaya Street, Arbat Street, Bolshoi Theater, and at some places many enthusiastic young and upcoming singers arrange street concerts. If you photograph them, they will not mind usually, but never forget to help them by putting some coins there.
  • I loved being in metro. That is a fantastic place to photograph the diversity of our life.
  • If you are a Drone Photographer, or if you want to fly drone over Moscow, you are in wrong place. Drone regulations are so strict that it is almost impossible to fly drone over Moscow Sky. Even if you manage to get permit, because of spoofer, jammers, and other anti-drone technologies it is impossible to get away with flying drone over Moscow Sky.
  • There are many photo excursion groups, or even tour guide who would love to give you a tour around the city if you pay them well. I prefer to take such a tour if you want to make the best utilization of your time and money. This city has many wonders which are not open to public but the locals has access whether legal or illegal.

COVID-19 Preventive Measures

If you are traveling to Moscow, Russia during this pandemic please be very clear about the travel restriction imposed by the government and local Covid-19 protocols. Keep yourself safe, and help others to remain safe. Carry enough masks with you. You may not be able to carry large quantity of sanitizer, but at least keep a small refillable sanitizer with you always. During our stay in Moscow, we have observed that covid protocols are strictly followed in all the places e.g. hotels, restaurants, bars, public transports, etc. So, please help yourself and help others too. Before leaving the country, please have another test from a reliable agent and carry the certificate (of course Negative) to the airport. Be sure about the validity period, or time regulations too from your hotel or homestay.

My Special Thanks to Dream Shifter

During my tour to Moscow I have met Dream Shifter, a truly inspirational character. He is one of those character who pushes every comfort and easy take aways to explore something new and exciting. He left his 8-5 PM job just to pursuit his dream, which is traveling the world, and doing something by his own. Unlike many of us he loves to see things differently, specially from above, and that keeps him busy climbing tops of all the tops of the world. I encourage you to check his instagram and see what he is making! They are astounding. Often he arranges rooftop tours/ excursions for interested people only if he is free. Wish I could meet him before so that I could have climbed some of the rooftops to watch Moscow from above. Hopefully, someday we will meet again and climb together.  

Final Thought

I am lucky that I could travel to Moscow, Russia at least for a short period of time. My love for this beautiful vast country grew since my early childhood once I have started reading Russian literature. Since then I was carrying this immense desire of traveling to this country. Even during the football world cup in Russia, I have tried to go to Russia, which did not happen. I am sure, if you ever come to this country, you will straightway fall in love with it. It’s an amazing place with fantastic people, amazing places, historical significance, great food, rich culture, etc etc. 

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