Getting Around Istanbul: Walkability, Public Transit & Biking
Walkability
Istanbul offers a diverse walkable experience, particularly in neighborhoods like Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu, and Kadıköy, where travelers can explore a rich tapestry of shops, cafes, and cultural landmarks on foot. While these areas allow for daily tasks without a vehicle, the city's hilly terrain and less pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods may pose challenges. Selecting accommodation strategically within these vibrant districts can enhance the walking experience, though some reliance on transportation might still be necessary for reaching other parts.
Public Transit
Istanbul’s public transit system is a reliable and extensive network that includes options like metro trains, trams, buses, and ferries, efficiently connecting both the European and Asian sides of the city. For travelers, the IstanbulKart simplifies the use of multiple transit modes, offering an affordable and comprehensive way to navigate the city. Despite the bus network's complexity, the metro and tram lines are user-friendly and extend coverage to many key areas, making public transit an effective means to explore without needing a personal car.
Bikeability
Biking in Istanbul can be challenging due to its incomplete bike lane network and heavy traffic, although there are some scenic routes like those along the Bosphorus and Caddebostan Coast with dedicated paths. The city's hilly terrain and variable air quality further complicate cycling. While development plans aim to improve bike infrastructure, travelers may find biking best suited for recreational outings rather than as a primary mode of transportation across the city.
Reviews
Stayed in Istanbul for two weeks. Generally, I liked it but would not stay here long term. First of all, the wifi in cafes is extremely poor or you need a Turkish phone number. Gyms and coworking spaces are quite expensive right now about $20 for a day pass. The expat community and digital nomad community is pretty much non existent and found my self feeling quite alone. In general, Turkish people are very friendly, and the city not as busy or crowded as expected. Food not as good expected. Kabobs and baklava can get old after awhile. I stayed in both Asia and Europe sides. I recommend another place in Turkey for digital nomad.
The city is overrated. I feel like I have to be on guard most of the time. People are always trying to scam you, from taxi drivers to waitresses. It's fine for a three-day vacation which is more than enough but staying long-term is very subjective... Airbnbs are overpriced for what you get. Turkish hospitality is a joke. They’re really good at conning tourists here. I stayed for a month, but I should've just passed through. A layover at the airport would've been plenty.
Overrated city. I was denied service several times as a Black woman in favor of white tourists or Turkish people that came after me. A bus driver also refused to let me pay and take the bus, so I have to get off. I really don't see this famed Turkish hospitality they gush about here. People are unfriendly or standoffish. I feel either invisible or a walking atm or whore to people. Not human.
I was also followed by some creep. Mind you a lot of this happened in a supposedly "liberal" and "open minded" part of Istanbul. The food is medicore and bland, and they charge like 20 dollars. It's honestly feels more expensive than Greece and just as expensive as Vienna. Airbnb prices are also out of control. Over 1000-2000 usd and they don't even have a stove for you to cook in a tiny, dingy studio.