Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about accessible travel in Istanbul

General Accessibility

Is Istanbul wheelchair friendly?

Istanbul is partially wheelchair friendly. The city has invested heavily in accessible public transport, including a fully accessible tram system, Metro lines with elevators, and accessible buses. Modern neighborhoods have improved sidewalks and curb cuts.

However, Istanbul's hilly terrain, cobblestone streets in historic areas, and inconsistent sidewalk quality make it more challenging than flat Western European cities. The Sultanahmet area (Old City) has rough cobblestones and steep slopes. With planning and the right equipment, Istanbul is manageable, but expect to encounter barriers daily.

What is the best area to stay?

For wheelchair users, the best areas are:

  • Taksim and Nisantasi: Modern, relatively flat streets. Good Metro connections. Many hotels with genuine accessible rooms. Walking distance to shops and restaurants.
  • Kadikoy (Asian Side): Flatter terrain, accessible waterfront, good dining options. Connected to the European side by ferry and the Marmaray Metro line.
  • Besiktas and Ortakoy: Waterfront areas with flat promenades. Good for Bosphorus views and dining.

Sultanahmet is the most popular tourist area, but it is one of the hardest neighborhoods for wheelchair users due to cobblestones and hills. If you stay there, choose a hotel on a main road like Divanyolu Caddesi rather than a side street.

Public Transport

Is the Metro accessible?

Yes, Istanbul's Metro system is largely accessible. Most stations have elevators, escalators, and ramps from street level to the platform. Newer lines (M7, M11) have the best accessibility. The Metro also has:

  • Free passage gates designed for wheelchair users at turnstile areas
  • Tactile ground surfaces for visually impaired passengers
  • Operators who monitor disabled passengers from entry to exit for safe travel

Elevator breakdowns do happen. Check Metro Istanbul's website (metro.istanbul) for real-time elevator status. If an elevator is out of service, the next station usually has a working one.

Can I use the Bosphorus ferries?

Most public ferries operated by Sehir Hatlari are wheelchair accessible. They have ramps for boarding and designated seating areas on the lower deck. Key points:

  • Lower decks are accessible; upper decks typically are not
  • Boarding ramps at ferry terminals are generally wide and manageable, but may not always be perfectly flush
  • Short hop ferries (Eminonu to Kadikoy, Besiktas to Uskudar) use modern boats with good access
  • Bosphorus cruise ferries vary in accessibility. The large Sehir Hatlari public cruises are generally accessible. Private sightseeing boats may have steps and limited space.
  • Contact the ferry operator in advance for specific accessibility information

Free Transport for Disabled Travelers

The T1 tramway that runs through Sultanahmet and the major tourist sites is fully accessible with no barriers and only a slight step onto the train. People with disabilities are eligible for a free Istanbulkart covering all public transport, including ferries.

Attractions

Are mosques accessible?

Accessibility varies by mosque:

  • Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): Outside wheelchairs are not allowed inside, but the mosque provides free wheelchairs at the entrance. Ramps are placed to overcome steps and curbs. The majority of the interior is accessible.
  • Hagia Sophia: Wheelchair accessible on the ground floor. Power wheelchairs are not allowed inside, but a manual wheelchair is provided at the entrance. The upper gallery is not accessible (stairs only).
  • Suleymaniye Mosque: The main prayer hall is accessible via a ramp, but the surrounding courtyard has uneven stone surfaces.
  • New Mosque (Yeni Cami): Located at Eminonu with some accessibility, though the surrounding area has cobblestones.

All mosques require removing shoes before entering. Wheelchair users may be asked to cover their wheels or use a mosque-provided chair.

Is the Grand Bazaar accessible?

The Grand Bazaar is partially accessible. The main corridors are wide enough for a wheelchair, and some entrances are step-free. However:

  • The bazaar is built on a slope, so some internal corridors have inclines
  • Many individual shops have a step at the entrance
  • Cobblestone flooring can be bumpy
  • The bazaar gets extremely crowded, making navigation difficult
  • Accessible toilets inside the bazaar are limited

Enter through the Beyazit Gate (near the tram stop), which is one of the more accessible entrances. Go early in the morning to avoid the worst crowds.

Practical Questions

What about tipping in Istanbul?

Tipping customs in Turkey:

  • Restaurants: 10% to 15% at sit-down restaurants. Round up at casual eateries.
  • Taxis: Round up to the nearest lira. No large tips expected.
  • Hotel staff: 20 to 50 TL per service for porters and housekeeping.
  • Tour guides: 100 to 200 TL for a full-day tour, at your discretion.
  • Hammams (Turkish baths): 15% to 20% of the service cost is standard.

What currency does Turkey use?

Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY or TL). Credit cards are widely accepted in Istanbul at hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful. Some tourist-area shops accept euros, but you will get a better rate paying in lira.

Where can I find more accessibility information?

Find Your Accessible Hotel

Verified photos, room measurements, and accessibility checklists for wheelchair-accessible hotels.

Browse Hotels on wheelietravel

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