Car & Van Hire - Maltepe Istanbul

Maltepe is connected to the city of Istanbul by the Bosphorous Bridge. It is a beachside suburb, so many visitors come here to enjoy the Marmara Sea. The best beaches in the area are a ferry ride away, on the Princes' Islands. They are very popular in summer, and you should plan your trip before setting out, as some beaches charge an entry fee. An easier option is Maltepe Beach Park, the largest beach park in the Istanbul area. As you stroll down to the sea, you can stop for a picnic or take a detour through the impressive rose garden.

While in Istanbul, you shouldn't miss the Hagia Sophia. Built in the 6th century, it was the largest cathedral in the world for almost a millennium. Later it was converted into a mosque, then a museum, and today it is once again a mosque. It is open to all visitors, including non-Muslims. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not permitted, and women must cover their heads before entering. Once inside, you must remove your shoes before stepping on the carpets. This mild inconvenience pales in comparison to the beauty of the building, with its spectacular Byzantine mosaics and enormous dome.

The Blue Mosque is also high on most visitors' lists. Inside are over 20,000 hand-painted tiles. When sunlight comes in through the building's 200 windows, the tiles seem to glow, a truly awe-inspiring sight. Like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque has a modest dress code. It is closed to non-worshippers during prayer times.

Another historic building worth visiting in Istanbul is the Topkapi Palace. This was home to the sultans of the Ottoman Empire, and today it remains a museum. Inside, you can marvel at the Ottoman architecture, as well as the exhibits on display. The 86-carat Spoonmaker's Diamond, one of the largest diamonds in the world, is a dazzling sight, the highlight of the opulent collection.

Take advantage of car rental in Maltepe Istanbul to enjoy some great day trips. Try driving to the archaeological site of the legendary city of Troy. Walk among the ancient ruins, which include temples and fortifications. If you prefer to escape into nature, use your car or van rental in Maltepe Istanbul to go to the Belgrad Forest. Although close to the city, this will feel like a world away as you hike green trails under huge, shady trees.

With 15 million people living in Istanbul, the traffic can get rather intense! To avoid the worst traffic jams, try not to drive into the city centre at rush hour (07:00 to 09:00, 16:00 to 18:00). Traffic is generally worse on Istanbul's large bridges and tunnels, so ask at your hotel for alternative routes. In particular, the Bosphorus Bridge can be a bottleneck during rush hour.

Toll roads are common, both around the city and in other parts of the country. Some of the most notable around the city are the Bosphorus Bridge and the Eurasia Tunnel. The bridge is far cheaper than the tunnel. The tunnel has a higher price most of the day (5 am – midnight), and a lower price if you are willing to drive at very antisocial hours! To pay tolls, you will need to ensure your car has an HGS device. This usually takes the form of a sticker fitted with an electronic chip. There is no alternative way of paying using cash or credit card. If your car does not have an HGS device, you will be fined after passing through a toll booth.

Driving in the centre of Istanbul can be hectic. Most visitors who want to explore the city's sights will park their vehicles and continue on foot. You should carry cash to pay for parking. There are no parking meters. Instead, if you find a spot on the street, a parking attendant will approach you for payment. It's usually easier to head to an "Oto Park", a large multi-storey car park. The attendants here will offer to take your keys and park for you, as the cars are jammed very tightly together, requiring an expert touch! Car parks around the Sultanahmet area are more expensive, so you might prefer to park on the outskirts of the city and take a tram to the centre.

You will find an enormous variety of roads in Turkey. Istanbul is a huge metropolis with well-maintained roads, and the highways, in general, are in good condition. If you venture onto country roads, you can expect more of an adventure. On a road trip that takes you far from the city, you might get stuck behind a tractor or other slow-moving agricultural vehicle. If you visit smaller towns, expect to find narrow streets that require careful parking.