Plan your journey from Taksim Istanbul
Set on the European side of the city, Taksim is the heartland of tourism in Istanbul. When you collect your hire car from the Avis pick-up point, you’ll have easy access to the major tourist attractions, eateries and nightlife Istanbul is renowned for.
Istanbul is an ancient city full of historical sites, mostly from the Ottoman and Byzantine periods. Hagia Sophia should be your first port of call. This incredible Roman construction dates back to the 6th century and has functioned as both a church and a mosque. Today it exists as a museum chaptering Istanbul’s history. Call in at the Blue Mosque – the city’s most photographed building. Dating back to the early 17th century, this huge attraction has six minarets, a number of domes and is adorned with blue İznik tiles, which give the mosque its name.
The Museum of Innocence is another top attraction and well worth visiting. Created by Nobel Prize-winning novelist Orhan Pamuk, this incredible museum houses displays of quirky objects from the mid-to-late 20th century, giving insight into local life. It’s located in a 19th-century timber house.
Drive over to the Asian side of the city and you’ll immediately notice a change in atmosphere. This more relaxed and tranquil region is ideal for shopping and dining. Bagdat Avenue is the principal street and where a wealth of fashion boutiques, charming cafes and acclaimed restaurants can be found. Here you can purchase typical Turkish apparel before treating yourself to a Turkish ice cream on the street.