Visiting Istanbul can feel like a challenge for travelers with disabilities due to the city’s hilly terrain, cobblestone streets, and older architecture. While finding accessible hotels, restaurants, and attractions may seem daunting, Istanbul has made significant improvements in its accessibility. This guide provides practical tips for exploring accessible Istanbul, from wheelchair-friendly transport to barrier-free tourist sites, helping you enjoy your visit without unnecessary hurdles.
Some Notes
First of all we should mention that Istanbul is a big metropolis with more than 15 million people living in. Everything in the city can be considered as living fast, like traffic, streets, buildings.
And if you don’t follow the city than you can find yourself moving backwards. In this point of view, Istanbul is a hard city for disabled visitors and not very wheelchair friendly if you are in public.
On the other hand, since a few years, the city works hard to improve the accessibility provisions and do lots of things to remove the barriers for people with disabilities, with the works of the Municipality and government support, there still lots to do.
General Information for Disabled Visitors
From museums, cultural centers and public buildings to accommodation and restaurants in Istanbul work hard by adating their facilities to make the city a more accessible place for visitors with reduced mobility or communication.
In Istanbul, about all public institutions are accessible for the disabled.
Majority of the city’s squares, sidewalks, public bus, tram and metro stations are marked for the blind. They all have accessibility for the wheelchair users.
You are able to find wheelchair accessible toilet and restroom facilities at the airports, shopping malls, museums and many other public buildings. You can be sure that they are consistently maintained in a clean state.
Majority of the popular attractions in the city are wheelchair-friendly and accessible. They all have ramps at the entrance and exit, as well as elevators leading to the visiting areas.
Several popular and iconic museums of the city such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, may not be wheelchair accessible due to their being a cultural assets and therefore no intervention and accessibility arrangements can be made to the buildings.
Parking areas has reserved spaces and widely respected.
Getting Around Istanbul for Disabled Visitors
The public transportation system of Istanbul has made strides in accessibility, especially in the city’s newer areas.
- Wheelchair-Friendly Transport: The Istanbul Metro offers several wheelchair-accessible stations with elevators and tactile ground indicators for visually impaired travelers. Major tram lines, such as the T1 (Kabataş-Bağcılar), are also equipped with ramps and dedicated wheelchair spaces, although the trams can get crowded during rush hours.
- Accessible Buses: Many public buses are equipped with ramps and low-floor designs, making them more accessible for wheelchair users. Additionally, disabled passengers and their companions can travel for free on public transport in Istanbul.
- Wheelchair Accessible Taxis and Vans: Wheelchair-accessible taxis are available and can be booked through private companies, offering door-to-door services for tourists needing extra mobility support. Some companies also provide wheelchair-accessible van transfers from the airport to hotels.
While many accessible transport options are available, you should plan in advance, especially in older parts of the city where steep slopes and cobblestone streets may pose challenges.
Istanbul Airports
Istanbul has two major airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW). All Istanbul airports are wheelchair accessible and has all the necessary services for the disabled visitors.
Accessibility Info Video for the Istanbul Airport
Metro
About all subway stations in Istanbul are wheelchair accessible via elevators and escalators which provide easy and safe access of disabled passengers to stations and vehicles with inclined ramps in accordance with standards, direction signs, alternative information, sensible floor applications and guide road applications.
In addition to the audio and visual information, the elevators also have special information created using the Braille alphabet for visually impaired visitors.
There are free pass gates specially designed for disabled visitors in the turnstile passage areas of the stations.
In the platform area, a sensible floor application has been made as a warning for visually impaired visitors to notice the rail line. There are also guide roads that direct the visually impaired visitors from the entrance of the station to the vehicle.
Disabled visitors can also travel on the subway system with free travel cards.
In addition, in order to ensure that disabled visitors’ traveling safely, their positions are monitored by the staff in charge from the entrance to the exit of the station and when necessary, the station attendant is directed for help.
Check out Istanbul Metro Accessibility Info >>
Tram
Accessibility improvements continue on the tram lines as well. With the transition to low-floor tram vehicles on the T1 Line, all tram stations were lowered and ramps were built in the entrance areas in accordance with the standards.
There are ramps at the stations on the T4 Line, which is operated by high-floor vehicles. There are also elevators at the underground stations that allow access to the platform area.
Check out the Istanbul Railway Network Map >>
Public Ferry Lines
The public ferry services of Istanbul continues hard working to make the best of the transportation services it offers to individuals with limited mobility or vision difficulties.
It provides easy and safe access to piers and sea vehicles for individuals with reduced mobility or visual difficulties, who carry out their transportation with free travel cards with inclined ramps, direction signs, alternative information, perceptible floor applications and guide road applications in accordance with the standards.
The ramps don’t exceed the six percent slope at the pier entrance, surfaces are made of non-slip floor material and there are direction signs, informative and warning announcements.
Disabled visitors can reach the doors of the marine vehicles without steps and thresholds. Space and seats are allocated for more comfortable travel.
Check out Public Ferry Lines Accessibility Info >>
Public Bus
The municipal buses of the city is wheelchair friendly with low floor (no steps) entrance. They all have wheelchair ramp and reserved area for wheelchairs, as well as audio warning and information system with LCD monitor.
Besides all, you should know that while Istanbul is a huge metropolitan city, taking public buses can be hard for the disabled visitors especially during the rush hours.
Tourist Buses
The double-decker tourist buses are also wheelchair-friendly, except the upper deck.
Read more about Istanbul City Sightseeing Tourist Bus >>
Taxis
While wheelchair users can take a taxi with the help of the driver/companion and put the wheelchair to the baggage by folding it, we can not accept this as a good accessibility option for taxis.
You can find wheelchair accessible taxi services in Istanbul with safe ramp and special designed seat.
Wheelchair Mobility within the City
Majority of the city’s sidewalks and streets have lowered footpaths for wheelchairs.
Majority of the shops, restaurants and bars located at the tourist zones are often accessible on the ground floor and wheelchair accessible. But the toilet facilities may not be often accessible.
The public toilets in the city are very limited. Few of them are disabled friendly and can be found on the popular tourist zones. On the contrary, about all public buildings and museums have wheel-chair friendly toilets.
Accessibility of the city’s popular attractions
Popular tourist zones & squares
Sultanahmet Square and Taksim Square are the top tourist taking zones of the city and they all can be considered as accessible.
Galata, Karakoy and Besiktas are the other popular tourist zones, but while they are not situated in a plain area, full of ramps, narrow streets and traffic jam, we do not accept these places as wheelchair friendly.
Sultanahmet Square
Sultanahmet square is the 4th century Hippodrome that was built by the Constantine the Great, after his declaration of Istanbul as the capital of the Roman Empire.
Today, it is Istanbul’s one of the most popular tourist places, and also where you’ll find superb array of city’s top historical sights, museums and iconic landmarks. Arrive at the square to start your walking tour in Sultanahmet early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
The square, nearby sights and the leading Divan Road to Beyazit is traffic free, has plain area, and you are able to find wheelchair accessible toilet and restroom facilities here.
Majority of the popular attractions along the square are wheelchair-friendly and accessible. Several ones such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace may not be wheelchair accessible due to their being a cultural assets coming and therefore no intervention can be made to the building and the necessary accessibility arrangements.
Wanna read more about Sultanahmet Square >>
Taksim Square
Taksim square is a cosmopolitan one, a communications hub and also a popular meeting point and ideal place to have a nice Istanbul city walking tour from Taksim.
Today, it is Istanbul’s one of the most popular tourist places, and also where you’ll find superb array of city’s top tourist places like restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes, sights, museums situated along from the square to the Istiklal Street and through Galata.
The square and the leading Istiklal Street is traffic free, has plain area, and you are able to find wheelchair accessible toilet and restroom facilities here.
Majority of the popular attractions along the square are wheelchair-friendly and accessible.
Wanna read more about Taksim Square >>
Accessible Museums
Most museums in the city offer free admission or at least big discounts for disabled visitors. And they also include a necessary companion.
You can also access to all public areas of the most of the Istanbul museums including the galleries, shops and cafes.
Check out Top Accessible Museums in Istanbul >>
Accessible Places to Eat in Istanbul
Finding accessible dining options in Istanbul is becoming easier, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
- Restaurants with Wheelchair Access: In areas like Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu, many restaurants have adapted their entrances to accommodate wheelchairs. These areas offer a range of dining experiences, from Turkish street food to high-end restaurants with accessible seating and restrooms.
- Malls and Food Courts: Major shopping malls such as Istinye Park and Zorlu Center are fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, and wheelchair-friendly food courts. These malls are also a great option for casual dining and international cuisine.
- Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar: While these iconic markets have cobblestone streets, many stalls are accessible, and with some effort, wheelchair users can still enjoy the atmosphere and flavors of these bustling markets.
When choosing a restaurant, you should call and ask in advance to confirm accessibility features, as not all establishments may be fully equipped for disabled visitors.
Accessible Hotels in Istanbul
Selecting the right accommodation is essential for a comfortable stay in Istanbul. While the older parts of the city, such as Sultanahmet, may have hotels with limited accessibility, there are many excellent options in newer districts.
- Wheelchair-Accessible Hotels: Major hotel chains such as Hilton, Radisson Blu, and Marriott offer fully accessible rooms with features like roll-in showers, lowered counters, and ramps. Many of these hotels are located in the more modern parts of Istanbul, including Taksim and Sisli.
- Challenges in Old Town: Hotels in historical areas like Sultanahmet may face limitations due to narrow streets and steep inclines. However, some boutique hotels have made efforts to be more inclusive by adding ramps and elevators.
- Booking Tips: You should confirm with hotels directly regarding their accessibility features, as online descriptions may not always be accurate.
Planning an Accessible Stay: Key Tips
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay in Istanbul, consider these essential tips:
- Book Accessible Transport in Advance: If you require wheelchair-accessible taxis or van transfers, arrange these services ahead of time to avoid last-minute issues. Many companies offer these services with English-speaking drivers.
- Prepare for Old City Challenges: The Old City is full of beautiful sites, but its cobblestone streets and steep hills may pose challenges for wheelchair users. Plan your routes carefully and consider using accessible tours that cater to your needs.
- Use Accessible Travel Agencies: To ensure all aspects of your trip are well-prepared, consider using agencies that specialize in accessible travel. These agencies offer packages with guaranteed accessible hotels, transport, and tours.