Istanbul, also known as Constantinople until the early 20th century, is one of the most beautiful cities I have visited. Istanbul lies right on the border of Europe and Asia. It is a modern day city with an old world charm. It’s culture, cuisine and rich history attracts visitors from all over the world. The city has a unique skyline and it looks even more beautiful during the sunset. It is really very hard to not like Istanbul.
Istanbul (4 day)
Accessible Planning Tips
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- It is preferable to book a non-stop flight to Istanbul. When we were coming to Istanbul, we had a short stopover at London, Heathrow and lost our luggages at Istanbul. The airport staff could not help much.
- It is better to rent a taxi in Istanbul, as the roads are very busy and very hard to drive
- If the taxi fare seems unreasonable to you, then you can always bargain.This goes for shopping too.
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- Before you get started on your trip, make sure to plan out every destination and hotel. While booking the hotels make sure to call the hotel in advance and enquire about accessibility. Many hotels do have ramps but those ramps are very steep and not really usable.
The rooms are small so check the size of the room and make sure your wheelchair fits.
Sultanahmet, Taksim Square and near Bosphorus are the places where you can stay and be near all the tourist spots. Amongst these, Sultanahmet is where the key attractions are all within walking distance. - Hagia Sophia Hotel at Sultanahmet area was the hotel where we stayed in and it was fully accessible. You even have the option to rent a wheelchair.
- Before you get started on your trip, make sure to plan out every destination and hotel. While booking the hotels make sure to call the hotel in advance and enquire about accessibility. Many hotels do have ramps but those ramps are very steep and not really usable.
Day 1
Today was our first day in Istanbul. We were jet lagged and our luggages still in transit, After taking some rest at the hotel, we took a taxi and drove around the city to get familiarity with the city, get introduced to the culture and also to buy some clothes. We spent larger part of the day in New/Modern Istanbul, which appears very similar to any modern city in Europe. Dinner at the street side cafe was amazing, especially the kebabs.
Day 2 ( Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque)
The breakfast at our hotel was fantastic. Very Turkish at the same time very continental and primarily non-vegetarian. Our agenda for the day was Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. It was a hot day, but we had to wear full clothing. Blue Mosque has a very strict dress code.
Hagia Sophia
- Used to be a Greek Orthodox Christian church and later became a mosque. Today people from all over the world can come to see the unique blend in cultures and religions in Hagia Sofia.
- Hagia Sophia is accessible with wheel chair. The entrance is at the intersection of Alemder and Ayasofya Meydani. There is one step to the ticket booth and the metal detector. To reach the main area there are a few steps where you will need a make shift ramp. The ground floor has no steps and is completely accessible.
Blue Mosque
- This is a famous mosque in Turkey. The name comes from the bright blue tiles of the mosque.
- In blue masque there is an accessible path from the side of the courtyard through the arch door. The path is little uneven and the door is very small. There are some single step for which you will need a ramp. As you enter the courtyard there are a few large steps to enter the mosque. Since they do not allow shoes inside the mosque, if you are in a wheelchair you will need to transfer to their wheelchair. If you need assistance, the mosque staff will readily help you.
First we went to Hagia Sophia. Hagia Sophia portrays a beautiful blend of Christian and Islamic culture. After Hagia Sophia, we ate our lunch nearby and left for Blue Mosque, which is right next to the Hagia Sophia. The inside court yard is nice place to watch people visiting from all over the world. In the court yard you can also take beautiful pictures of the Blue Mosque as well as Hagia Sophia in the background. I really enjoyed the bright tiles all around the Mosque. After visiting these two attractions, we explored the Sultanahmet area enjoying cotton candy and Turkish Kabobs. Turkish food is very delicious. They have melting-in-the-mouth lamb kabobs and so many other varieties of falafels. No, sorry, they are not famous for their turkey kabobs.
Day 3
We started our day with the one and only… Spice Bazaar.
OOH! HOT!HOT!TOO SPICY!
Sorry, that is how I expected I would react when I went to the Spice Bazaar. Boy, I was wrong, the Spice Bazaar had spices, and so much more. They have the most intricate stationary, hookahs, and columns and columns filled with spices. All the rich excitement under run-of-the-mill white tents. We bought some very intricate tea cups, a kettle and a Hookah. The Turkish Delights are tasty and is a first class signature of Turkey. We brought four big boxes home and savored them until there was nothing but the box left. We really enjoyed the conversations with the local shopkeepers and they also gave us lots of local information.
After the Spice Bazaar we stopped at Grand Bazaar before heading to Galata Tower. In the afternoon, right before the sunset, we visited the Galata Tower. It was difficult for us to go up the stairs into the tower, as the stairs were made of marble and was very slippery. There was an elevator that goes to the top, but to go outside and get the spectacular view, you need to climb a flight of stairs. On your way to the Balcony there is a photo opportunity dressed like a Turkish prince and princess. The view from the top of the Galata tower was very beautiful. We saw the golden dome of the Blue Mosque and the panaromic view of the entire city.
After the Galata Tower, we went to the famous fish boat for dinner. The cooks cooking the delicious mackerel’s, while balancing themselves on the choppy boat. The mackerel will taste good if you are a hardcore fish fan. The mackerel’s have a very strong smell and it is an acquired taste.
Galata Tower
- This tower was called the Christea Turris (Tower of Christ)
- There is a rooftop restaurant and cafe and you can enjoy the panoramic view of Istanbul.
- The impeccable view on the top is beautiful, as you can see the entire city of Istanbul and a very distinct image of the gold dome of the Blue Mosque.
- To reach the stairs at the entrance, you have to cross the cobbled path. When you reach the stairs, careful, as the stairs are made of marble.
- The elevator is located in the first floor. The elevator takes you to the top and there are few ethnic window to enjoy the view from inside. To enjoy the view outside, you will need to climb a flight of spiraling stairs. People using crutches still may reach there. With a wheelchair it is an absolute no no.
Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar
- One of the largest bazaars in Turkey. It is a 350 year old market hall of its own kind
- The market is full of colorful spices, jewelry, Turkish Delights, traditional clothing and what not.
- These Bazaars are completely accessible by wheelchair. With crutches the Bazaars will be very hard to cover, as there is always a big crowd.
Day 4
Today was our last day in Istanbul. Our flight was at midnight, so we had to reach the airport by 7pm.
Today we planned to visit the Basilica Cisterns. The Basilica Cisterns is a very historic place. The detailed visit took us a couple of hours. We visited each monument and very excitedly looked forward to see the Medusa head. Scared as we were to turn into stone, the excitement never died. When we first arrived we saw a stubby building that looked nothing like what we had expected. As we went in, it was a whole new world. Who knew this building held such a thing? I was awed, but be careful, the floors are very slippery.
After visiting Medusa, we returned without being turned into a stone and headed towards our final stop. The Bosphorus cruise. It was the last ferry of the day, The ride was wonderful especially the part where Europe holds hands with Asia.
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)
- The Basilica Cisterns is one of a kind. It is made my 332 marble columns and was built during the Early Roman Age. The Cisterns is a subterranean water filtration system. It is very damp and soggy down in the Basilica Cisterns.
- There is an unknown appearance of Medusa’s head near the end of the pathway. Do not worry, you would not turn into stone.
- The floor is very slippery and a wheelchair would come in handy
- To use the elevator you have to enter from the exit
- Call for assistance when you see the stairs. There is lift to take you up the stairs.
We were on our way to Ephesus and more of Turkey. Excited!!
