Istanbul

[silver service]

What is this call like for wheelchair users? Visiting here in September,

From queen victoria. Regards, mike

[capnpugwash]

What is this call like for wheelchair users? Visiting here in September,

From queen victoria. Regards, mike

 

Istanbul is a great city, it really depends what you want to do. There are a few hills and the older part of town has cobbles and hills but there is plenty to see and do independently. QV usually docks close to the Galata Bridge so the spice bazaar is fairly close. I can't help with info about cabs with disabled facilities other than to say that it is a modern city so they may have such things. It is one of my favourite cities. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are worth the effort and they are next to each other. Topkapi Palace is interesting but unless you are there on the day it is closed when private tours only are admitted it is horrendous with long queues to get into every room. There is a great restaurant for lunch above the spice market called Hamdi, it has a lift to reach it and it is wonderful local food http://hamdi.com.tr/

Edited July 7, 2014 by capnpugwash

[silver service]

Thanks jim! Does sound like a special place to visit. Nice change from that

Duo of Vigo and Lisbon.

[capnpugwash]

Thanks jim! Does sound like a special place to visit. Nice change from that

Duo of Vigo and Lisbon.

 

Hamdi is worth the trip and is full of local people and as it is on the third floor it affords great views of the Golden Horn, sadly these are across the far side of the bus station. Good if you are a bus spotter and ok if not!

[ToadOfToadHall]

After a few hours in Istanbul I was ready to lamp the next cretin that tried to flog me some knock-off perfume or other such associated rubbish in the street.

[capnpugwash]

After a few hours in Istanbul I was ready to lamp the next cretin that tried to flog me some knock-off perfume or other such associated rubbish in the street.

 

Sadly that is a problem in many cities throughout the world, Turkey is towards the top of the list when it comes to producing counterfeit goods though.

[ToadOfToadHall]

Sadly that is a problem in many cities throughout the world, Turkey is towards the top of the list when it comes to producing counterfeit goods though.

 

True, but it's the way they follow you about that really annoyed me.

[goodsailors]

We had two days in Istanbul and used a wheelchair. We took Cunard organised trips to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace. We had no difficulties anywhere, yes there are some cobbled areas but they did not cause any problems. There are however in each of these places the occasional steps to negotiate. Luckily my wife is able to climb small amounts of steps so that never stopped us. The biggest issue was that you cannot wheel a wheelchair that you use outside through the Blue Mosque, you have to carry it, it's wheels must not touch the floor of the Mosque, just as you have to take off your outdoor shoes. You are not offered any help either, at least we weren't. Also the most steps we encountered was at the Blue Mosque both at the entrance and exit.

Negotiating the streets and the bazar of the city were no problem albeit there are a few gradients to deal with.

Having said all that we thoroughly enjoyed our stop over and it remains one of the best places we have ever visited and hope you enjoy it to.

[Austcruiser84]

Just left Istanbul last night on Queen Elizabeth. The city is great and while some areas are wheelchair friendly, it will be hard going at some sites. Some places have ramps (saw this at a couple of mosques), but you won't be able to move about inside some of the palaces as there are only steps (the gardens at Topkapi will be accessible though).

 

You might like to organise an independent guide with a wheelchair accessible vehicle (or a taxi with one). It depends what you are hoping to see and do while there.

 

The tram stops right outside the port entrance and has ramps. However, from what people said at dinner last night, it gets really busy on those.