Istanbul is just like any other city in that it needs to be easy for people to get around. If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul with a loved one or for yourself, this wheelchair-friendly guide to Istanbul (accessible Istanbul attractions) will make sure you see the most of this beautiful city.
What to Expect?
While Istanbul continues to improve the accessibility provisions of the city, there still lots to do. Here you can find our useful guide to experience the best accessible Istanbul attractions with our guide, including wheelchair accessible attractions such as museums and iconic sights.
Note that majority of the popular museums, palaces and exhibition centers of the city are designed to be accessible by wheelchair.
Top Accessible Istanbul Attractions
1. Sultanahmet Square
Many of Istanbul’s most famous sights are located in Sultanahmet Square, which is right in the middle of the city. It is a must-see for tourists because it is the historical and cultural center of the city.
There is the beautiful Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the old Hippodrome all in the Square. Each has its own history and charm. The square is a large open area with well-kept, flat surfaces that makes it accessible for wheelchair users. It connects these famous sites.
Accessibility Information
- Flat, paved paths for easy navigation
- Close proximity to multiple wheelchair-friendly and accessible Istanbul attractions
- Public restrooms with accessible facilities
The square is vibrant with culture and activity; it’s more than just a way to get to these historic places. A lot of cultural events, like music and art shows, happen in the square. Food vendors and small stands selling traditional Turkish goods make the environment even livelier.
You can also enjoy the lovely gardens, the amazing view of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, or just sit back and watch people walk by of both national and international interest. In the square, you can really feel the lively life of Istanbul while being surrounded by memories of its long history.
Exploring Sultanahmet Square is like going back in time and feeling the spirit of the city. That’s why it’s wheelchair-accessible and gives you a feel for Istanbul’s soul, making sure you don’t miss it.
2. Hagia Sophia
A former church, mosque, museum, and now a mosque, Hagia Sophia is a must-see for every visitor. Wheelchair accessibility is ensured through ramps, elevators, and a designated route that bypasses steps.
Accessibility Information
- Ramps and elevators
- Wheelchair-accessible restrooms
- Designated route for wheelchair users
3. Topkapi Palace Museum
This opulent residence of Ottoman Sultans is a symbol of Turkey’s royal past. Thanks to renovations, most areas of the palace and its gardens are now wheelchair accessible.
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Accessibility Information
- Topkapi Palace Museum is partly wheelchair accessible. However, there is no wheelchair service available on the site. You need to provide your own wheelchair if needed.
- There are some sections and halls that are not accessible for the disabled visitors to enter and pass with wheelchairs. It is because there are steps, as well as you’ll need to pass over elevated marble slabs. Improvements is not possible to due the sight’s being cultural asset.
- Wheelchair accessible sections include; Arms and Weapons, Clock Collections, Courtyards, Sultan Caftans, Fabrics, Carpets and Sacred Coverings, Imperial Treasury, Pavilion of the Holy Mantle and Holy Relics, Harem
- You can find toilet available for disabled use, on the entrance of the 2nd courtyard, on the right.
- The visiting area is designed to be accessible by wheelchair.
- Entrance is FREE of charge for disabled visitors, including one companion.
Wanna learn more about Topkapi Palace Museum?
4. Basilica Cistern Museum
Location: Sultanahmet
The Basilica Cistern is one of the most impressive and mystical buildings of the city that was built for the Byzantium Emperor Justinianus I in the the 6th century (532). Aside from being a cistern that were used for water needs, this is a very unusual place in the city.
The 140 meters long and 70 meters wide cistern covers a giant rectangular area of 9,800 m2 and has a capacity to store 100,000 tons of water. It is accessed by 52-step staircase and shelters 336 columns, each of which is 9 meters high and within a 4,8 meters distance from each other.
Accessibility Information
- Basilica Cistern is wheelchair accessible. However, there is no wheelchair service available on the site. You need to provide your own wheelchair if needed.
- Visitors will find an elevator providing easy access to the sightseeing platform.
- The visiting area is designed to be accessible by wheelchair.
- Entrance is FREE of charge for disabled visitors, including one companion.
Wanna learn more about Basilica Cistern Museum?
5. Madame Tussauds Istanbul Wax Museum
Location: Istiklal Street, Taksim
A wax museum and entertainment center situated in a 2,000 square meters venue of the Grand Pera building in Istiklal Street.
Madame Tussauds is a museum chain for life-size wax replicas of famous celebrities and historic icons as well as historical and cultural heroes from the history of Turkey, along with current celebrities from the arts, sport and politics.
Accessibility Information
- Madame Tussauds Istanbul is wheelchair accessible. However, there is no wheelchair service available on the site. You need to provide your own wheelchair if needed.
- There is a safe box providing priority for the disabled visitors at the entrance.
- Visitors can enter the reception with the help of a private ramp, and than access to the visiting area by elevator.
- The visiting area is designed to be accessible by wheelchair.
Wanna learn more about Madame Tussauds Istanbul Wax Museum?
6. Miniaturk Museum
Location: Sutluce, Golden Horn
Miniaturk is a fantastic open air museum that showcases the miniature form of the greatest landmarks and architectural monuments of Turkey. Also called as the Miniature Turkey Museum, it is an ideal place for the ones who want to have an exciting tour of Turkey.
Bringing together the rich architectural heritage from the cultures of every civilization that ruled and left a trace in these lands from Antiquity to Rome and Byzantium, from the Seljuks to the Ottomans, you’ll see the miniature form of all these landmarks and monuments, in the 1/25 of their real sizes.
Accessibility Information
- Miniaturk is wheelchair accessible. You can also find battery powered wheelchairs for visitors with walking difficulties and a charger for battery powered chairs as needed.
- It has a very convenient area for the disabled visitors. The museum is also call itself as barrier-free museum.
- There are ramps in the excursion area in order to provide easy access.
- There is also WC and parking area for disabled visitors.
- Entrance is FREE of charge for disabled visitors, including one companion.
Wanna learn more about Miniaturk Museum?
7. Sealife Istanbul Aquarium
Sea Life Istanbul is a popular entertainment area in Istanbul, located in the Forum Shopping Center in the Bayrampasa district of Istanbul. With 6 million m3 of water and home to over 500 different species, Istanbul Sea Life Aquarium boasts an awe-inspiring collection of more than 15,000 marine creatures.
Accessibility Information
- Wheelchair accessible entrance, pathways, and exhibits
- Fully equipped accessible restrooms
- Accessible elevator service to all floors
8. Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
Location: Karakoy, Beyoglu
Istanbul Museum of Modern Art is the first private museum of Turkey that hosts modern and contemporary art exhibitions.
You’ll see permanent and temporary exhibitions from the early 20th century to the present day, a photography gallery, and several areas for educational and social programs. Abstract art works, landscape paintings and watercolor works are among the best works. A great place for museum lovers and accessible Istanbul attractions.
Accessibility Information
- Istanbul Museum of Modern Art is wheelchair accessible. However, there is no wheelchair service available on the site. You need to provide your own wheelchair if needed.
- The visiting area is designed to be accessible by wheelchair.
- Entrance is FREE of charge for disabled visitors.
Wanna learn more about Istanbul Museum of Modern Art?
9. Serefiye Cistern Museum
Location: Cemberlitas
The Serefiye Cistern was built by Emperor Theodosius to provide water storage through the Bozdogan Arch (Valens Aqueduct). It is one of the cultural treasures of Istanbul with a history of 1,600 years.
Also known as the Constantinus and Theodosius cistern, it has a 9-meter-high roof supported by 32 marble columns.
Several cultural and art events such as exhibitions and classical music concerts are also held in the cistern throughout the year.
Accessibility Information
- The Serefiye Cistern is wheelchair accessible. However, there is no wheelchair service available on the site. You need to provide your own wheelchair if needed.
- You can access to the visiting platform by an elevator.
- The visiting area is designed to be accessible by wheelchair.
- Entrance is FREE of charge for disabled visitors, including one companion.
10. The Grand Bazaar: A Shopper’s Paradise
The world-famous Grand Bazaar, with its myriad of shops and eateries, provides an unforgettable sensory experience. The main entrances are wheelchair-friendly, and the corridors are flat and easily navigable.
Accessibility Information
- Wheelchair-friendly entrances
- Flat, navigable corridors
- Accessible dining areas
