Car & Van Hire - Beylikduzu Istanbul

About 40 km from the centre of Istanbul, Beylikduzu is an excellent district for an exploration base. It was once a popular holiday destination for Ottoman royalty, and today it's still a neighbourhood fit for kings. It's one of the greenest parts of the city, with lots of parks and trees to admire. Plus, it's considered one of Istanbul's safest areas, and its clean streets and numerous shopping centres make it an ideal choice if you're travelling as a family.

Many of the attractions in the Beylikduzu area are outdoor-focused, more than in other parts of Istanbul. A good starting point is Yasam Vadisi, which means Valley of Life. This lush green park often holds concerts, open-air cinema screenings and other events in the summer. At any time of year, it's ideal for a stroll. There are also some great beaches around Beylikduzu. Try starting with Gurpinar Beach, known for its excellent water sports facilities. Piri Reis Beach Park has lots of areas for children to play, while Kayakli Beach Park is a hot spot for volleyball enthusiasts. If you like looking at the sea but don't want to get your feet wet, try taking a walk around the West Marina instead. Here, you'll find some of Beylikduzu's best restaurants.

With a car hire in Beylikduzu Istanbul, you can easily explore the greater city. Instabul has attracted visitors for centuries, and it's easy to see why. The jaw-dropping dome of the Hagia Sophia and the mesmerising tiles at the Blue Mosque are two unmissable sights. Remember that, in addition to being tourist attractions, these buildings are both still working mosques. This means that you will need to dress appropriately before entering. Women should cover their hair, and everyone will need to cover their shoulders and knees. Access is limited at certain times, with only worshippers being allowed to enter during prayers.

You'll find some intriguing history at the Topkapi Palace, which was once home to Ottoman sultans. Today, the palace has become a museum, and it offers visitors a fascinating journey through the rise and fall of the Ottoman Empire, one of the largest empires in history. The Spoonmaker's Diamond, which is 86 carats of sheer luxury, is one of the highlights of the museum.

Car or van hire in Beylikduzu Istanbul will also allow you to go further afield. Turkey is a land rich in history, so you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to day trip destinations. One of the best is the archaeological site of Troy, believed to be the location of the legendary city. Its impressive ruins are sure to spark the imagination.

Beylikduzu is considered one of the best parts of Istanbul for drivers. It has a modern road network, with broad streets and plenty of options for avoiding traffic. There is ample parking available. On-street parking is better for short stays, but you'll also find lots of "Oto Parks", the large Turkish multi-storey car parks where you can leave your vehicle for a whole day. Cars are generally parked very tightly together in these facilities. You can give the keys to the parking attendant and let him take care of it for you.

You will find more traffic in the centre of Istanbul, as you might expect from such a huge city. Try to avoid rush hour in the early morning and early evening if you can. Also, look for alternative routes that will let you steer clear of major bottlenecks like the Bosphorus Bridge. When exploring the city centre, it's usually easier to leave your car in an Oto Park and make your way around the old town on foot. You will usually need to pay for parking in cash, so ensure you are always carrying some with you.

Turkey is known for its extensive network of toll roads. Its motorways are modern and well-maintained, but they don't come cheap! Turkish tolls are now fully electronic. Your vehicle will need to be fitted with an HGS device, a small transponder that usually takes the form of a sticker with an embedded chip. There is no alternative method for paying tolls with cash or card, so if your car does not have an HGS, you will be subject to some big fines. Before setting out on a journey, it's worth looking up the tolls you'll have to pay. Prices can vary enormously across the country.

One unusual quirk of driving in Turkey is the stopping distance at traffic lights. You'll find that traffic lights are generally built a little bit forward of the stopping line. This means that if you pull all the way up to the line, you won't be able to see the light change colour, and you'll need to rely on the honks of drivers behind you. It's better to stop your car a little bit before the line, ensuring that the traffic light is still visible ahead of you.