İstanbul

Istanbul caters to many different travel purposes with its historic neighborhoods, waterfront districts and business centers stretching across its European and Asian sides. On a short city break, your accommodation area, the districts you want to visit and your arrival airport should be considered together. Instead of touring both sides on the same day, dividing your trips by area will help you use your time more comfortably.

Discover Historic Istanbul

The square, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the area around Topkapı Palace create a historic route around Sultanahmet. Galata and Karaköy are different stops that combine walking, waterfront views and city life. Check the current opening hours and entry requirements of the sites you will visit through their official sources, and set aside time to explore the areas with narrow streets on foot.

The Bosphorus and both sides

The shores of the Bosphorus offer the opportunity to see Istanbul’s cityscape from different angles. You can plan the waterfront districts on the European side and the areas around Üsküdar and Kadıköy on the Asian side as separate itineraries. When creating a route that requires crossing the Bosphorus, take traffic density and toll road options into account. Even if the distance seems short, travel time may vary depending on the time of day.

Choosing an airport and vehicle drop-off

Istanbul Airport is on the European side, while Sabiha Gökçen Airport is on the Asian side. In your reservation, specify the correct airport and whether you are flying domestic or international. Share your flight number, drop-off time and contact number. The current meeting point and return arrangements will be clarified according to the terms of your reservation.

Driving in Istanbul

A car provides flexibility for visiting different districts or stops outside the city. In busy central areas, plan to find parking and complete part of your trip on foot or by public transportation. Learn from your rental agreement how bridge, tunnel, highway and parking fees are collected. For long day trips, consider the transmission type, number of passengers and luggage space together.

Take the possibility of traffic into account on the return day. If you want to leave the vehicle at a different airport or address, request availability and fee information in advance rather than waiting until the last day.

Explore vehicle options for Istanbul · Official tourism information about the Bosphorus

Photo: Ben Morlok / Wikimedia Commons · License. Archival image dated 2012.