Best Layover Activities at Sabiha Gökçen: How to Make the Most of Your Stopover

A layover at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport doesn’t have to be a dull or stressful experience. With plenty of lounges to relax in, delicious Turkish food to sample, duty-free shopping, and even spa treatments to rejuvenate yourself, you can easily make your layover an enjoyable part of your journey. Whether you’re looking to rest, pamper yourself, shop, or explore Turkish culture, Sabiha Gökçen offers something for every traveler. So, the next time you find yourself with time to spare at this airport, take the opportunity to make the most of your wait!

Best Layover Activities at Sabiha Gökçen Airport: How to Make Your Layover Fun

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) is one of Istanbul’s busiest airports, serving as a hub for both domestic and international flights. While many travelers might consider layovers as an inconvenience, there are plenty of things to do at this airport to make the most of your time. Whether you have a couple of hours or an extended layover, here’s how you can enjoy your time at Sabiha Gökçen Airport and even have some fun during your wait.

1. Unwind in One of the Airport Lounges

If you’ve had a long flight or want to relax in a quiet space before your next journey, heading to one of Sabiha Gökçen’s lounges is a great option. The lounges at the airport are designed to offer comfort, peace, and several amenities to make your time enjoyable:

• Airport Lounge: This lounge offers comfortable seating, snacks, drinks, and free Wi-Fi. It’s an excellent place to unwind before your next flight.
• Turkish Airlines Lounge: If you’re flying with Turkish Airlines, you can enjoy their premium lounge with a wide selection of food, comfortable seating, and workspaces, along with shower facilities to freshen up.

Spending a couple of hours in a lounge is a great way to relax, grab a bite, and recharge for your next flight.

2. Treat Yourself to Turkish Delights and Snacks

A layover is the perfect opportunity to indulge in traditional Turkish food, and there are several places within the airport where you can enjoy local delicacies:

• Baklava: Try this sweet, flaky pastry filled with pistachios or walnuts, soaked in syrup – a treat you must not miss during your time in Turkey.
• Turkish Delight (Lokum): Another classic Turkish sweet, these small cubes are flavored with rosewater, lemon, or other fruits, offering a refreshing taste of local flavor.
• Simit: Known as the Turkish bagel, Simit is a sesame-crusted bread that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Pair it with Turkish tea for the ultimate snack experience.

Head to any of the cafes or kiosks in the terminal to treat yourself to some authentic Turkish treats.

3. Explore the Duty-Free Shops

Sabiha Gökçen has a variety of duty-free shops, making it a great place for some last-minute shopping. From beauty products to local souvenirs, you can find something for everyone. Here are some items worth checking out:

• Turkish Spices: You’ll find a wide selection of spices, such as saffron, sumac, and Turkish tea, which make perfect souvenirs.
• Perfumes: Duty-free shops offer a variety of luxury and local perfumes at tax-free prices.
• Handmade Ceramics: Traditional Turkish ceramics are popular souvenirs, and you’ll find them in several shops at the airport.

Whether you’re looking for gifts or something for yourself, browsing the duty-free shops is a fun way to spend some time.

4. Relax in the Comfortable Seating Areas

If you don’t want to go anywhere or if you just want to sit back and relax, Sabiha Gökçen offers several comfortable seating areas throughout the airport. These areas provide:

• Comfortable Chairs and Loungers: For travelers who need to relax or take a nap. There are plenty of spots with charging points, so you can catch up on your devices or simply rest.
• Quiet Corners: Find a quieter space where you can focus, read, or even enjoy some people-watching as you wait for your next flight.

It’s a simple yet effective way to make your layover a little more comfortable.

5. Enjoy a Turkish Coffee or Tea

Turkish coffee and tea are an essential part of the country’s culture, and you can easily enjoy them at the airport. Head to a cafe or one of the specialty spots serving Turkish beverages:

• Turkish Coffee: Strong, rich, and served in small cups, Turkish coffee is often accompanied by a piece of Turkish delight. It’s a great way to indulge in a local tradition.
• Turkish Tea (Çay): Served in small glasses shaped like tulips, Turkish tea is a relaxing drink you can enjoy while people-watching or unwinding in the lounge.

These beverages will give you a taste of Turkey’s rich cultural traditions and are a perfect way to take a break.

6. Pamper Yourself with a Spa Treatment

If you’ve had a long flight or just want to feel refreshed, consider treating yourself to a spa treatment at Sabiha Gökçen Airport. The airport offers services like:

• Massages: You can choose from a range of massages to help ease any tension or travel fatigue.
• Beauty Treatments: From facials to manicures, these services can help you rejuvenate during your layover.
• Haircuts: If you want to freshen up your look, some salons at the airport offer quick haircuts or styling.

Spending an hour at the spa can make a huge difference in how you feel during your layover, leaving you refreshed and ready for your next leg of travel.

7. Stay Active at the Airport Gym

For those who want to stay active or stretch out after a long flight, Sabiha Gökçen Airport has a fitness area where you can work out. Whether you want to:

• Stretch and Walk: If you’re short on time, take a brisk walk around the airport to stretch your legs.
• Workout: Some fitness areas offer basic workout equipment, perfect for those who need a quick workout before their next flight.

Being active can help you stay energized and feel more refreshed for your next journey.

8. People Watch and Enjoy the Airport Ambience

If you don’t feel like doing much, simply sit back and enjoy the airport atmosphere. Airports like Sabiha Gökçen are filled with interesting people from all over the world, and it can be fun to watch the different cultures and travelers. You can also:

• Watch Planes Take Off: If you enjoy aviation, find a spot with a view of the runway and watch the planes take off and land.
• Relax with a Good Book: If you have a book or an e-reader, the comfortable seating areas are ideal for reading or listening to music.

Sometimes the best way to pass the time is simply to observe your surroundings.

9. Take in the Airport Art and Culture

Sabiha Gökçen has incorporated local art and cultural displays throughout the terminal. As you walk through the airport, you’ll find:

• Traditional Turkish Art: Many pieces of artwork, including paintings, mosaics, and sculptures, showcase the rich culture of Turkey.
• Cultural Exhibits: Occasionally, the airport hosts cultural exhibits that highlight different aspects of Turkish history and artistry. If you have time, you can explore these to gain insight into the country’s heritage.

Taking a moment to enjoy the art around you can be a relaxing and enriching experience during your layover.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sabiha Gökçen Airport Layovers

Complete List of Cafes and Restaurants at SABIHA GOKCEN Airport

In the new terminal building of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, there are many food and beverage brands serving passengers with tastes suitable for every palate;

Terminal Building Departing Passenger Level

In Front of Terminal

• Simit Sarayı Kiosk – Domestic Terminal
• Simit Sarayı Kiosk – International Terminal

Departing Passenger Hall

• Happy Moons (to the right of check-in island A-B)
• Simit Sarayı (International Flights Entrance, right after Security Control)
• Mc Donalds (International Flights Entrance, right after Security Check)
• Mc D Cafe (International Flights Entrance, right after Security Check)
• Burger King (left of check-in island G-H)
• Popeyes (left of the G-H check-in island)
• Usta Pideci (left of the G-H check-in island)
• Usta Dönerci (left of check-in island G-H)
• Sbarro (left of check-in island G-H)
• Mado (left of check-in island G-H)
• Starbucks (domestic mezzanine)
• A’LA TÜRK (Passport entrance left side)
• Jax Café (Passport entrance right side)
• Karafırın Restaurant
• +1 Efes

International Flights Passport Control

• Secco Cafe
• Usta Dönerci (mezzanine)
• Burger King (mezzanine)
• Sbarro (mezzanine)
• Popeyes (mezzanine)
• Mc Donalds (mezzanine)
• Mc Café (mezzanine)
• Mado (mezzanine)
• Subway (mezzanine)
• Karafırın (mezzanine)
• Starbucks (mezzanine)
• BigChefs (mezzanine)
• Simit Sarayı (mezzanine)
• Refresh – Turkish Ice Cream
• Maca Cafe
• TakeOff Cafe
• TakeOff Café (near gate 307)
• TakeOff Café(300 door smoking terrace)
• Gloria Jeans (500 doors)
• Gate Cafe (near Gate 500)
• Subway
• Simit Sarayı
• Plus Kitchen
• Gate Cafe (near Gate 201)
• Grab&Fly (near gate 301)
• Lavazza Café (near door 301)
• Subway (near door 205)
• Karafırın
• TGI Fridays

Domestic Flights After Ticket Control

• Marmaris Buffet
• HD Rotary
• Pidem
• Karafırın
• Burger King
• Mc Donalds
• Simit Sarayı
• Turkish Kitchen
• Puro Gusto
• Dominos (mezzanine)
• Starbucks (mezzanine)
• Mado (mezzanine)
• Takamia
• Anatolian Bazaar
• Bagel & Tea
• Simit Sarayı
• Turkish Kiosk Cafe (near gate 208)
• Ephesus Pub Gate (Outer Line switched to 500 gates)
• KFC
• Starbucks
• Kiosko
• 40’s bar
• Puro Gusto (400 doors)
• Qfta Restaurant
• Karafırın
• Kioks +1 (400 doors)

Metro Katı

• Karafırın

Terminal Building Arrivals Level

• Karafırın
• Simit Sarayı
• Burger King
• McDonalds
• Starbucks

In Front of Terminal

• Secco

Open Parking Lot (opposite the Arrivals Level exit)

• Simit Sarayı