Metro to Magic: Istanbul’s Golden Horn in a Flash

With a 9-hour layover in Istanbul, I wasn’t about to sit around. I jumped on the M11 airport train, zipped across the city, and transferred to the M2 metro, getting off at the scenic Haliç Station—right on the Golden Horn.

Stepping out, I was greeted by sparkling water views, old bridges, and the soft buzz of Istanbul life.
It wasn’t long, but it was enough—just a slice of the city’s soul before heading back to the airport.

TIPs:
1.Allow 1.5–2 hours each way, including wait times.
2.Buy an IstanbulKart at the vending machine at the station entrance. Easy to get, and I topped it up for a round trip.
3.Even in summer, the evening breeze is cool—bring a jacket.

Post by Sisaen | Sep 18, 2025