Formerly known as Constantinople, Istanbul is one of the most historically significant and interesting cities in all the world. It’s the largest city in Turkey as well as the cultural and economic center of the Western Asian nation. Plus, it’s the most populous city in all of Europe and the 15th most populous city in the entire world. But Istanbul isn’t just big; it’s home to several different UNESCO World Heritage sites, it has a culture different from anywhere else in the world, and it’s full of enough fun and fascinating experiences to keep you occupied for weeks or even months.
Founded as Byzantion by the ancient Greeks in the 7th century BCE, the city was later conquered by Constantine the Great and renamed New Rome when the Roman capital was moved there in 330 CE. Shortly after, however, Constantine decided to rename the city Constantinople in honor of, well, himself. After the Turkish War of Independence ended in 1923, the name of the city changed to Istanbul, a name that was used by Greek speakers dating back to the 11th century CE. Centuries later, Istanbul has blossomed into one of the most vibrant and culturally rich cities in the world, so much so that it was named the European Capital of Culture in 2018. As you probably assumed, Istanbul has an unbelievable amount of sites to see and things to do. And, due to the fact that it’s such a large city, the only way to scratch the surface of what Istanbul has to offer is to hire a motorcycle and cruise around on your own time.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a motorcycle in Istanbul. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a scooter as well. This guide includes:
- The best places in Istanbul to find motorcycle rental
- The average price of motorbike hire in Istanbul
- Whether or not you need an international driving permit to hire a motorcycle in Turkey
- Whether it’s safe to rent a motorbike in Istanbul
- The best places in Istanbul to visit by motorcycle
Where Can You Find Motorcycle Hire in Istanbul?
If you plan on flying into Istanbul Airport, the largest international airport serving Istanbul and the surrounding areas, you should have no trouble finding motorcycle rental 24/7 once you arrive. There are several rental companies at the airport that keep their doors open all day and night and will rent you several different kinds of motorbikes at affordable prices.
Istanbul Aiport, however, is located fairly far outside of the city center, meaning that you’ll have to ride your motorbike into the city with your baggage to get to your accommodation. So, if you’d rather wait until you get into the more central areas of the city before hiring your motorcycle, there are plenty of rental shops around the city center. To get you started on your search, the districts of Besiktas, Kadikoy, Sisli, and Maltepe all have very high concentrations of motorcycle rental shops.
What Is the Normal Cost of Motorcycle Rental in Istanbul?
If you’re looking for the most affordable mode of transportation, it’s hard to beat renting a motor scooter in Istanbul. You can find cheap options, such as a Honda Activa, for as little as €10 per day. However, if you’re interested in finding a motorbike with a bit more power, you can also find those in a fairly affordable price range. For instance, you can rent a Honda CBF 150 for around €40 per day. Of course, you can also find even more powerful motorbikes as well, but they’re going to cost you more money.
No matter what kind of motor vehicle you choose to rent, you should always make sure that the price of helmet hire and insurance are included in the stated rental price. Also, if you’re planning on staying in Istanbul for a week or more, you should inquire with your rental prices about reduced rates for weekly or monthly rentals.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Hire a Motorcycle in Turkey?
Turkish law requires all foreigners within the country to carry an international driving permit and a copy of their national driver’s license at all times while operating a motor vehicle within the country. An international driving permit is a translation of your national license that allows local authorities to read your information.
If you want to get your international driving permit, you can apply online here. The application fee is $20 and, once completed, the permit usually takes about two weeks to come in the mail. Thus, you should make sure that you apply for your international driving permit at least two weeks before departing for your trip to Turkey. Once you have your permit, it is valid for up to one year.
Is It Safe to Drive a Rental Motorcycle Around Istanbul?
Driving in Istanbul, in general, can be frustrating and often dangerous. Traffic jams are very common during rush hour times, both in the morning and at night. Local Turkish drivers often drive very fast and ignore the rules of the road. Many of the streets throughout the city lack proper signage. In certain parts of the city outside of the center, there are roads in very poor condition. Additionally, finding parking can be extremely difficult in certain parts of the city whether you’re a local or a foreigner.
If you choose to hire a motorcycle and drive in Istanbul, you should exercise extreme caution and be very aware of your surroundings at all times. Drive defensively, take heed of local speed limits, and pull over if you feel uncomfortable. With all of that said, you can still have a great time driving around Istanbul as long as you do it safely.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Istanbul by Motorcycle?
Now that you know everything you need to rent a motorcycle in Istanbul, here are some of the best things to do around the city to start your exploring:
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia, formally known as the Holy Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, is considered by many to be the “eighth wonder of the world” and is definitely one of the best surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. So, if you find yourself in Istanbul, you absolutely must take some time to visit this massive religious monument. The first church built on the site was burned down, as was the second one. However, the third church that was erected under the supervision of Emperor Justinian I still stands in a pretty similar condition to its original form.
Being that Hagia Sophia now serves as a mosque, you can enter it on any day of the week. But, because it’s a mosque, it’s important to remember to dress modestly if you plan on visiting. There is no entrance fee for Hagia Sophia whatsoever. This amazing cathedral is located very close to the center of the city and is surrounded by many other interesting monuments. It’s probably the best place to start your journey through Istanbul.
Blue Mosque
Located quite close to Hagia Sophia is the Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. This stunning work of architecture was erected between 1609 and 1616 during the reign of Ahmed I. While many people go to Istanbul hoping to see Hagia Sophia, many people also leave being even more impressed with the Blue Mosque. This structure is mind-blowingly beautiful inside and out. It consists of five main domes, six minarets, and eight secondary domes, all of which are decorated with intricate designs and patterns.
The Blue Mosque also has an important place in religious history as it was visited in 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI. That was only the second papal visit to a place of Muslim worship in history, meaning this was a major milestone in the pursuit of peace.
Grand Bazaar
If you want to do something in Istanbul other than visiting religious monuments, the first place you should check out is the Grand Bazaar. This is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the entire world, spanning 61 streets and over 30,000 square meters and containing over 4,000 shops. Truly, there is probably not a thing in the world that you can’t buy somewhere in the Grand Bazaar.
Even if you don’t want to buy anything while you’re there, visiting the Grand Bazaar will give you the opportunity to see handmade crafts by Turkish artisans and smell the beautiful aroma of freshly cooked Turkish food. You can also see a plethora of street performers throughout the Grand Bazaar or simply watch the street life.
Zip Around Istanbul on a Rental Motorcycle
Istanbul is one of the most amazing and historically important cities in the world and should be near the top of everyone’s travel itinerary. And, while it may be slightly risky to drive in certain parts of Istanbul, that risk is easily worth all of the flexibility that renting a motorcycle in Istanbul will afford you.
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