Istanbul is one of the oldest metropolitan cities in the world, with its narrow streets and cobblestone roads, it can be a nightmare for wheelchair users. In this article, we have created a guide for tourists visiting Istanbul.

Istanbul, a sprawling metropolis of over 15 million, pulsates with a frenetic energy. Life here moves at a rapid pace, reflected in its bustling traffic, crowded streets, and ever-evolving cityscape. If you don’t keep up with this dynamic environment, you risk being left behind. This fast-paced nature, unfortunately, presents significant challenges for disabled visitors, particularly those relying on wheelchairs, especially when navigating the public spaces.

However, in recent years, Istanbul has made a concerted effort to improve accessibility. Driven by the municipality and supported by government initiatives, the city has undertaken numerous projects aimed at removing barriers for people with disabilities. While these efforts are commendable and have yielded positive results, there’s still a considerable amount of work to be done to make Istanbul truly inclusive and accessible for everyone.

General conditions for disabled tourists

Here is some general information for disabled people visiting Istanbul

Transport


Public Transport: Istanbul has a variety of public transport options such as buses, trams, metros and ferries. However, not all public transport vehicles and stations may be suitable for disabled access. Especially old buses and some metro stations may have access problems. Information about accessible public transport vehicles and stations can be found on the website and mobile application of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB).


Taxis Taxis in Istanbul are generally not disabled accessible. However, some taxi companies offer special vehicles for disabled passengers. It is important to research and make a reservation in advance.
Disabled Transport Service: IBB offers free transport service for disabled and elderly citizens who cannot use public transport. You can get information about this service and make a reservation by calling ALO 153-3-4.

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