Istanbul Guide
The Most Fun Way to Explore Istanbul: City Tour by Scooter
Istanbul is a unique city filled with historical streets, breathtaking views, and a different story at every corner. While there are many ways to explore the city, the most enjoyable and practical way is definitely taking a tour by scooter! Whether you want to feel the breeze against the blue waters of the Bosphorus or experience the historical texture up close, a scooter tour in Istanbul offers you the freedom to move around freely. If you’re considering renting a scooter in Istanbul, here’s a perfect route we’ve prepared for you!
Why You Should Rent a Scooter?
To avoid traffic in Istanbul and explore the city more freely, a scooter is an excellent choice. You can quickly navigate through narrow streets and crowded avenues, easily discovering the city’s hidden corners. Additionally, getting around by scooter is both economical and environmentally friendly. You can reach every corner of Istanbul without worrying about parking issues!
Istanbul’s Place in History
Istanbul is a unique city where history and modernity intertwine. Having served as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires for centuries, this city captivates visitors with its magnificent architecture, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant social life. Iconic landmarks such as the bridges connecting the two sides of the Bosphorus, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque are among the city’s symbols. On its modern side, Istiklal Avenue, Galata Tower, and various art galleries offer plenty to explore. Istanbul is a multifaceted metropolis, where every corner holds a different story and beauty.
Unmissable Scooter Routes in Istanbul: In Pursuit of History and Views
Start Your Day at
- Sultanahmet Square Begin your day early in the heart of Istanbul, Sultanahmet Square. Here, you can visit the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Sultanahmet Mosque, spending some time in these historically rich sites. It might be a good idea to park your scooter in a convenient spot and explore these structures on foot. You can find many breakfast places around Sultanahmet; the local flavors here will energize you for the day ahead.
- Feel the Breeze at Sirkeci and Galata Bridge After Sultanahmet, hop on your scooter and head towards Sirkeci. See the famous Sirkeci train station and glide along the tram tracks. Then, cross the Galata Bridge. During this time, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus and chat with the fishermen. Don’t forget to stop in the middle of the Galata Bridge and take some photos!
- Explore Galata Tower and Karaköy After crossing the Galata Bridge, head towards Galata Tower. This iconic tower is a great stop to witness Istanbul’s panoramic view. Park your scooter and climb the tower to see the city from above. Take a coffee break at one of the cafes around the tower and feel the historical texture of Istanbul.
- Istiklal Avenue and Taksim After leaving your scooter in Galata, walk to Istiklal Avenue. Since this avenue is closed to traffic, it’s best to park your scooter and walk. You can shop along this avenue that stretches to Taksim Square and enjoy a short ride on the historic tram. Additionally, it’s quite enjoyable to explore the hidden boutique cafes and restaurants in the back streets of Istiklal Avenue.
- Relax with a Bosphorus View in Ortaköy After exploring Istiklal Avenue and Taksim, hop back on your scooter and head towards Ortaköy. In this neighborhood by the Bosphorus, enjoy the famous Ortaköy Kumpir and relax with the unique view of the historical Ortaköy Mosque. You can take a walk along the coast, snap some photos, and watch the Bosphorus tour boats.
- Bosphorus Tour: Bebek and Rumeli Hisarı After Ortaköy, continue north along the Bosphorus to Bebek. Bebek is one of the most luxurious and beautiful neighborhoods in Istanbul. During this journey along the coast, enjoy the Bosphorus view as you pass through narrow streets lined with luxurious villas and historic buildings. Take a short break in Bebek and grab something at the famous seaside cafes. Then continue to Rumeli Hisarı and visit this historical site.
- Kuruçeşme and Evening View In the late afternoon, take a break in Kuruçeşme by the Bosphorus and watch the sunset. Relaxing with the breathtaking Bosphorus view and slowly ending your scooter tour in Istanbul will be a great idea.
- Final Stop in Kadıköy End your day by heading towards Kadıköy. In this vibrant and lively district on the Asian side, walk along Moda Street and watch the sunset at Caddebostan Beach. Istanbul is a great city to explore by scooter. This adventure, where you can roam the streets without getting stuck in traffic, will create unforgettable memories. Ready? Put on your helmet and say hello to the streets of Istanbul!
Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia)
Hagia Sophia, located in Istanbul, is a monument that has served as both a church and a mosque throughout its history. It was built in 537 by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. After the Ottoman Empire’s conquest of Istanbul in 1453, it was converted into a mosque, and in 1935 it was opened to the public as a museum. In 2020, it was again converted into a mosque. It is renowned for its architecturally revolutionary dome and interior mosaics. Hagia Sophia holds great historical and religious significance for both Christianity and Islam.
Topkapı Palace Museum
Topkapı Palace is a magnificent palace located in Istanbul, which served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years. It was built in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. The palace is renowned for its beautiful courtyards, gardens, pavilions, and rooms. It also houses museums displaying jewel collections, sacred relics, and the clothing of the sultans. With its historical and architectural richness, it is a captivating structure.
Sultanahmet Mosque
The Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is a magnificent structure located in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul. It was built between 1609 and 1616 by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I. Designed by architect Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa, the mosque is one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. It has six minarets and is famous for its rich mosaics and intricate floor decorations. Additionally, the domed design with 260 windows allows natural light to illuminate the interior impressively. The Sultanahmet Mosque reflects both the historical texture of Istanbul and the richness of Islamic architecture.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is one of Istanbul’s most iconic and historic shopping destinations. It was constructed in the 15th century during the reign of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. With approximately 4,000 shops and 60 streets, it is considered one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Offering a unique shopping experience with a vast range of products including gold, jewelry, antiques, carpets, and spices, the Grand Bazaar attracts visitors from all over the world.
I was really pleased with the Real Rent Scooter service. The scooter engine I rented was both durable and very useful. The delivery and return process was extremely fast and trouble-free. Additionally, the customer service team was extremely helpful and professional. I will definitely choose it again!
Geçtiğimiz hafta kiraladığım scooter ile İstanbul’da harika bir gezi deneyimi yaşadım. Scooter oldukça temiz ve bakımlıydı. Kullanımı çok kolaydı ve şehrin sokaklarında rahatça dolaşmamı sağladı. Kiralama süreci hızlı ve sorunsuz geçti. Özellikle müşteri hizmetlerinden oldukça memnun kaldım; her soruma hızlı ve nazikçe yanıt verdiler. Kesinlikle tekrar kiralayacağım. Teşekkürler!