Hotel Marius · Sirkeci
Your first hours in Istanbul: card, SIM, money
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Four practical things that decide how smooth the first day goes. None of them need to be arranged before you arrive, and none of them need a middleman.
İstanbulkart — buy it at the airport
One card covers the metro, tram, Marmaray, ferries and buses, and a single card can be tapped for several people travelling together. Machines stand before the turnstiles at both airports; they take cash and cards and switch to English. Buying tickets one journey at a time costs more and slows you down at every barrier.
SIM card — the shop, not the arrivals hall
Turkish operators sell tourist packages, but airport arrival-hall prices are noticeably higher than the same operator's shop in the city. If your phone takes an eSIM, buying one before you fly is usually cheaper still. Free Wi-Fi covers our hotel throughout, so there is no need to decide in the first hour.
Stay at Hotel Marius
Stay with us in Sirkeci. Hotel Marius is a boutique hotel in Sirkeci, in the heart of Istanbul's old city: 50 m from the Marmaray and the tram, rooms cleaned every day, a quiet lobby and a front desk staffed around the clock — a comfortable, safe base to come back to. Breakfast is included, and booking direct costs no extra fee.
- Booked directly — no middleman, no booking fee
- Free cancellation up to 5 days before check-in (flexible rate)
- Breakfast included in every room
- 24-hour front desk, we answer in person
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Superior Double / Twin20 m² · Double or twin beds
from about €114 per night
Check availability
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Deluxe Double23 m² · Double or twin beds
from about €126 per night
Check availability
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Deluxe Triple25 m² · Double bed & sofa bed
from about €133 per night
Check availability
Changing money — never at the airport
Airport exchange rates are the worst you will see in Turkey. Exchange offices in the old city — there are several within a few minutes of Sirkeci — post their rates on the window and take no commission. Change a small amount at the airport if you must, and the rest here. Cards are accepted almost everywhere; cash is mostly for markets and small cafés.
Getting into the city
From Istanbul Airport (IST): the M11 metro to Halkalı, then Marmaray straight to Sirkeci — one change, about 80 minutes. The hotel is about 50 m from the station. From Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW): the M4 metro to Ayrılık Çeşmesi, then Marmaray under the Bosphorus to Sirkeci — about 70 minutes with one change. Landing late? The Havaist bus to Eminönü, a short walk from us, runs around the clock.
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Landmarks on foot from Hotel Marius
See our rooms Where to stay in Istanbul Getting here from the airport