From city streets to hidden gems: Explore Istanbul by car

Lying between two continents - Asia & Europe - Istanbul offers a unique mix of historic landmarks along with modern architecture. As one of the most visited cities in the world, every lane here has a different story to tell. So why not explore these lanes on your own terms?

If you are a vacationer from outside Istanbul or Turkey, finding nearby stops or the schedule of public transit is not an easy task. Popular attractions are easily accessible on foot, so you might not even need a vehicle to reach them, but if hidden gems that are located a bit far from Istanbul are on your list, then a car would make it much easier for you to travel.

In this blog, we will be discussing some unexplored places, scenic routes, and top attractions in Istanbul that can be easily explored by car.

Why is it a good option to explore Istanbul by car?

• Saves your time as you reach your destination faster
• Travel comfortably with the freedom to make a stop whenever you want
• Convenient option when traveling in groups
• Provides enough room to store luggage
• Allows you to change your plan without any delays

Hidden gems and getaways from Istanbul by car

Arnavutköy

Famous for the 19th- century Ottoman wooden mansions, fresh seafood restaurants, and narrow streets, Arnavutköy is a lovely Bosphorus neighbourhood. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul and only 40 kms away.

• Route: Istanbul - Eyüp - Gaziosmanpaşa - Habipler - Arnavutköy
• Duration: 1 - 1: 30 minutes

Çanakkale

Around 330 kms southwest of Istanbul, Çanakkale is the very place where the Greeks fought the Trojans in the 8th century. You can see the ruins of Troy lying there. Apart from the beautiful view that this place offers, you will love the pleasant views of the Marmara and Aegean regions along the way.

• Fastest Route: Istanbul - Tekirdağ - Malkara - Çanakkale
• Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Edirne

One of the capital cities during Ottoman rule, Edirne is home to the majestic Selimiye Mosque and the Complex of Sultan Bayezid II. It is a two-hour drive from Istanbul to reach Edirne, which is filled with breathtaking scenery. Do visit the Arasta Bazaar to buy souvenirs for your loved ones.

• Fastest Route: Istanbul - Çorlu - Lüleburgaz - Babaeski - Edirne
• Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours

Top attractions to visit when in Istanbul

Beyond the scenic routes and road trips, there are plenty of attractions within the city of Istanbul that you can easily reach by car. Here are a few of them:

Basilica Cistern

Also known as the Cistern Basilica, this giant subterranean reservoir is located beneath the Stoa Basilica. Earlier used as an underground water tank for supplying water to important buildings of the city like Topkapi Palace, it has now become one of the most visited attractions in Istanbul.

Parking Fee: No dedicated parking space. Nearby private or public parking costs:

• $5.85 and $12.54 for short-to-medium stays
• $12.54+ per day*

Grand Bazaar

One of the oldest and largest markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar was built by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. It spans around 61 streets and has around 4000 shops, which gives the illusion of a mini-city. Cafes, hamams, traditional workshops, and mosques everything is housed within this market. People across the world travel here to get the famous handmade Turkish carpets, antique jewelry, mosaic lamps, and ceramics.

Parking Fee: $6–$9 USD for the first hour and $17 USD for a full day in nearby public or private garages.*

Yeni Camii (New Mosque)

If you want to witness the grandeur of Ottoman architecture, do visit Yeni Cami. This imperial-style monument is located at the southern end of the Galata Bridge. It took 65 years to build this multi-domed structure. Rich with tilework, this place holds a strong connection with the Sultanate of Women.

Parking Fee: $3.13 USD to $10.44 USD in private or public parking spaces.*

Taksim Square & Istiklal Street

Built to commemorate the founding of the Turkish Republic in 1923, Taksim Square is a vibrant gathering spot for tourists and locals. Filled with energy around the clock, this 19th-century landmark is the starting point for Istiklal Street, which stretches over 1.4 kilometers. You will find many historic churches, cheap cafes, and multiple shops around it.

Parking Fee: $10–$12 USD for 2-3 hours & $16 USD+ for 24 hours.*

Topkapi Palace

Home to the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years, Topkapi Palace is a hidden gem of Istanbul. Established in the year 1459 by Sultan Mehmed II, this palace was the epicenter of the Ottoman Empire’s political, social, and cultural life. Today it stands as a massive museum that displays priceless treasures and the grandeur of Ottoman rule.

Parking Fee: Closest parking is the Sultanahmet Parking Lot (7 minutes away from the palace): $6 USD for 2 hours & $15 USD for 24 hours.*

*Prices May Vary

Scenic road trip in the Istanbul region

Bosphorus Strait from Beşiktaş up to Sarıyer

The perfect route: Beşiktaş - Ortaköy - Arnavutköy - Bebek - Rumeli Hisarı - Emirgan - İstinye & Yeniköy- Sarıyer

Looking for a short getaway within the Istanbul province? The drive from Beşiktaş to Sarıyer is one of the city’s most iconic coastal journeys, taking you past renowned historic palaces such as Çırağan Palace and vibrant waterfront neighborhoods of Bebek, Rumeli Hisarı, and Emirgan. It spans approximately 17 to 25 kilometers and primarily takes less than an hour to complete the whole drive.

The picturesque scenery that you will see along the way will make every minute you spend there worth it. You can stop by the local cafes and enjoy a meal overlooking the strait or take a leisurely walk along the shoreline and appreciate the remarkable Ottoman architecture.

Best Car Model to Rent: Compact Hatchback, Small Convertible or Hybrid Car.

Turkish road trips beyond Istanbul

Want to change your directions a bit? Here are the most popular road trips that begin from Istanbul and take you through different locations:

Istanbul to Cappadocia

One of the historic regions in central Turkey, Cappadocia is known for having chimney-like rock formations, underground cities, and the world-renowned hot-air balloon rides. Taking a scenic drive from Istanbul to this beautiful region should definitely be on your travel list. This 730-kilometer scenic journey will take you through Bolu, Ankara & Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake).

Ideally, the drive takes around 7 hours, so you can complete it in a day. But for those who want to explore the area en route, it is recommended to stay in Ankara overnight and then begin your journey the next day. On the way, you will find some incredible alpine forests and surreal landscapes.

Best Car Model to Rent: Compact SUV, Crossover or Full-Size Sedan

The Aegean Coast (Istanbul to Bodrum)

Covering around 750-900 kilometers, the Aegean Coast is considered one of the most diverse drives. In around 7-10 days, you will come across the Greco-Roman Empire ruins, WWI battlefields, and charming olive-growing villages. The best route to reach Bodrum is via Çanakkale (Troy) - Ayvalık - İzmir & Alaçatı - Ephesus.

From scenic byways to vibrant seatowns, you will come across the real Turkey on this trip. Key spots that you should stop by include: Şeytan Sofrası, Alaçatı & Çeşme, İzmir City (Kordon), Şirince, Lake Bafa & Heracleia.

Best Car Model to Rent: Compact Size or Mid-size Sedan/Hatchback

Things to know before you begin driving in Istanbul

Speed limit:

In residential areas, you can drive upto 50km/h, in two way highways, 90 km/h; on divided roads, 110km/h and on BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) motorways 140km/h. As local speed limits keep changing between highways, intercontinental bridges, and rural areas, you must keep an eye on the physical roadside signs. Even a few kilometers past the limit could trigger a hefty fine.

Driving rules:

• In Istanbul, you drive on the right-hand side and pass or overtake from the left.
• Seat belts are mandatory for both drivers and passengers.
• Do not use mobile phones while driving unless a hands-free system is active.
• The legal alcohol limit for driving a car in Istanbul is 0.05% BAC. If the limit is exceeded, you will have to pay a heavy fine or face vehicle impoundment.

Know your airport

There are two airports in Istanbul to manage heavy global travel demand across two continents. One is Istanbul Airport (IST) and the other is Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). Istanbul Airport is the biggest international airport and is located on the European side. Whereas Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is on the Asian side and is mainly used by budget carriers. Before booking a car, do check the airport details on your voucher.

Best time to travel:

April to October are the best months to travel around this city. During the months of April to May, you can get to see the beautiful tulips and enjoy brighter days. September and October bring in warm sea breezes that make walking pleasant. While driving in a car, you get to see the best of Istanbul’s scenic beauty during these months.

İSPARK- Istanbul’s parking management company

Founded in the year 2005, İSPARK helps manage roadside, multi-storey, and open-air parking spaces across Istanbul. Tourists can download its official application and locate a parking spot for their rental car, view tariffs, and clear payments digitally.

Tolls:

Most bridge crossings and motorways use a 100% electronic toll system named HGS. No major highways, bridges, or tunnels accept credit cards or cash. While renting a car, check for an RFID HGS sticker on the front of the windshield. Whenever you cross a toll, overhead sensors will scan the tag and deduct the amount, which will be settled later as per your contract with the supplier.

Travel through Istanbul like never before

Istanbul is not just a regular city that travellers can walk through. It's a place best experienced when you wander around with curiosity. To make the best of your time here:

• Plan your own vacation:

  Instead of booking your trip through a travel agent, why not plan it yourself? Allocate a budget to each activity, stick to it, and rent a car for traveling. You cannot explore Istanbul just with public transportation; it’s better to book a car rental and head towards the roads that are less traveled.

• Pick a car rental as you land:

  Instead of picking your car rental in downtown or the city center, it’s better to get it from the airport. This way, you can start your journey as soon as you land and explore more of Istanbul. Make sure to choose a car that fits best with your requirements.

• Download navigation apps:

  Keep apps like Google Maps and Yandex Navigation to know driving routes and discover local spots. You can also find alternative routes and toll roads to travel better.

• Travel between odd hours & beat the traffic:

  Istanbul is known for its busy roads, and during peak hours it can get a little congested. The best option to travel during odd hours, especially after 10 - 11 pm or early in the morning. This way, you avoid heavy traffic and can also experience a calmer side of Istanbul.

FAQs

• What places should I first start exploring on my day 1 in Istanbul?

  Begin exploring the Sultanahmet district first. This area is the heart of Istanbul and is filled with landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace & the Blue Mosque.

• Is renting a car even worth it in Istanbul?

  If you are planning to travel through Istanbul and explore less-travelled areas, renting a car is the best choice. It will allow you to travel around the outskirts and get the best of the city.

• Which side of Istanbul should I stay in, the Asian side or the European one?

  For first-time travellers, it is recommended to stay on the European side, as the major attractions lie on that side. For a more local experience, you can travel towards the Asian side.

• Which type of car should I choose for long drives in Istanbul?

  Compact-sized SUVs are the best fit for those who want to travel across different destinations in Istanbul. Whether you are traveling with your friends or family, compact SUVs provide enough space for keeping your luggage & comfortable seating.

• How can I rent a car in Istanbul from the airport?

  You can either reserve a car online, or you can go to a car rental counter at the airport and book one. Ensure that you have a valid passport, an international driver’s permit, an original driving license, and a credit card.

• How much does it cost to rent a car in Istanbul?

  The amount to rent a car varies according to the supplier, car model, time of the year, and pickup location.