Compare & Save on car rental in Istanbul
Bridging Asia and Europe, both physically and culturally, Istanbul is the most populous city in Turkey, stretching along both shores of the Bosphorus. A huge metropolis, and a truly great city akin to London, Paris and Milan, it’s split into distinct districts, each offering up something different for travellers. Once known as Constantinople this was the heart of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, today offering up a veritable banquet of historic an archaeological treats. With warm weather the whole year through, although getting particularly hot and humid in July and August, from city breaks to extended stays there’s no place on earth quite like it.
Things to Do in Istanbul
With so much to see and do it’s best to plan which areas of the city will appeal to you most. An essential area to explore is Sultanahmet, the Old City, home to most of Istanbul’s famous historical sights. The Galata district is the place to head to if you like to party, with cool nightclubs and bars lining Istiklal Street and Taksim Square. For modern shopping head for New City, home to high-fashion malls and boutiques galore.
Top 3 Must See: Istanbul
Exploring Sultanahmet, the Old City, with its famous Blue Mosque
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A boat trip to the scenic Princes’ Islands
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A walk among the waterside palaces of the Bosphorus district
For a change of scenery try the Asian side, along the east of the Bosphorus for an instant change of architecture, or to escape the hustle and bustle altogether try a trip to the nearby Princes’ Islands, covered in pine gardens and wooden mansions – but note – the islands are car-free. Top Three Attractions Exploring Sultanahmet, the Old City, with its famous Blue Mosque A boat trip to the scenic Princes’ Islands A walk among the waterside palaces of the Bosphorus district
Driving Around Istanbul
You’ll most likely arrive at Istanbul Atatürk Airport, which lies just 20 km west of the city centre. There’s also the nearby Sabiha Gökçen International Airport on the Anatolian side of the city. Either way, there are plenty of car rental firms on hand on arrival to see you into the city itself. Shuttle buses, the metro and shared taxis are popular and affordable alternatives for those looking to hire within the city itself rather than the airport. Driving within Istanbul can be a little manic, it being a major metropolis after all. So expect lots of traffic, limited parking, and rush hour cues through the week on the way two and from the city’s two main bridges: Bosphorus Bridge and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge.