Accessible Istanbul: staying in the old city with reduced mobility

Istanbul's historic peninsula is hilly and many of its streets are cobbled, so planning matters if you use a wheelchair or walk with difficulty. Hotel Marius in Sirkeci has a ramp at the entrance, a lift to the guest floors and an accessible room, and the Marmaray and T1 tram stations are about 50 m from the door. This guide sets out what we can offer and what the old city is honestly like.

At the hotel

There is a ramp at the entrance and a lift serves the guest floors. We have a room set up for guests with reduced mobility; please ask for it when you book or message us on WhatsApp at +90 530 333 51 61, so we can keep it for you. Breakfast is included, and the front desk is open 24 hours if you need help at any time.

Getting here

Marmaray stations, including Sirkeci, have lifts. If you would rather travel door to door, the hotel arranges a private transfer directly: when you message us on WhatsApp, tell us about any wheelchair or mobility equipment so the right vehicle is booked.

Getting around

The T1 tram stops about 50 m from the hotel and runs to Gülhane, Sultanahmet and Eminönü. Its low-floor trams have little or no step at the platforms, but they are very crowded at rush hour, so travel mid-morning or early afternoon if you can. Many streets around Sultanahmet are cobbled and some are steep: allow extra time and expect vibration on a wheelchair.

Visiting the sights

Access differs from site to site and changes over time, so check before you go. At the Basilica Cistern a platform lift leads down to the walkways, which are wide enough for a wheelchair; there is only one lift, so you may have to wait. At Hagia Sophia the visitor arrangements changed in 2024 and parts of the route are not step-free — ask at the entrance or check the official information first. The courtyards of Topkapı Palace are large and partly cobbled.

Honest planning tips

Plan one or two sights a day rather than four, and use the tram between them instead of the hills. Summer heat adds to the effort, so the cooler months are easier. Tell us about your needs before you arrive and we will do what we can to help.

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Landmarks on foot from Hotel Marius

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