If your trip to Istanbul is all locked in but your itinerary is looking a bit empty, let us give you a few hints and tips.Your friends will definitely be green with envy when you share with them all the stunning pictures of you standing in front of Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia. And after they’ve finished hearing about the amazing experiences you had at Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, they’ll be racing to book their own getaway to Istanbul!You’ll need to rise with the sun if you’re hoping to see all the interesting attractions that this place has to offer. Cagaloglu Hamami and Istanbul Archaeology Museum are must-sees. Cemberlitas Bath and The Egyptian Bazaar can’t be missed either.Close to the center, Sultanahmet Square is one sight you might like to consider adding to your must-see list. Galata Bridge and Istiklal Avenue are also a stone’s throw away and worth a detour.

The greatest part about renting a car is that you can go where you want, when you want. Make the most of your freedom by experiencing all that there is to do in Yalova. It’s just 30 miles away. Among your first few stops here should be Yalova Ferry Terminal, Baris Manco Open Air Theater and Karaca Arboretum. Situated 55 miles away, Bursa is another popular choice. If you stop by, make sure you check out Bursa Zoo, Kapalı Çarşı and Kent Meydani AVM.

Fill up with gas, start the engine and get ready to feel the cool sea breeze on your skin. Istanbul has some lovely stretches of coastline, such as:

• Suadiye Beach (7 miles away).
• Florya Beach (10 miles away).
• Menekse Beach (11 miles away).

If you’re traveling to Istanbul for work-related reasons, there’s a good chance you’ll be visiting some convention and business centers. With your own set of wheels, you’re sure to make it there on time. Here are some of the most well known:

• Ataturk Cultural Center (2 miles away).
• Istanbul Congress Center (3 miles away).
• Lutfi Kirdar Convention and Exhibition Centre (3 miles away).

If you’ve never been to Istanbul, you’re in for an incredible time. With big-name sights like Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, you’ll wonder why you didn’t organize your trip sooner. But like all metropolises, driving can be challenging — so why not select a mini? Parking is a snap and maneuverability is about as easy as it gets. Alternatively, if you want to stay away from downtown and marvel at the farther-flung bays in Turkey, you can’t beat a four-wheel drive or an SUV.

For some of us, owning a prestige vehicle is a little (or a lot!) out of reach. But renting the car of your dreams is far more achievable than you might think! Experience the thrill of cruising into town in a swish convertible, even if it’s only for a few days. Or maybe you’re just after a trusty set of wheels to get you from point A to point B. Flashy or affordable? Either way, one thing’s for sure — there’s a rental car to suit you in Istanbul.

It’s relatively easy to find somewhere to park in Istanbul, though you might find it hard to get a spot in the biggest and busiest streets. Booking a hotel with a parking lot will make things easier.

Before and after work is when Istanbul roads become congested, so avoid these times for an easier journey. Cruising around a city of 14,804,100 people is exciting, but not when you’re sitting in traffic gridlock.

Speed limits vary in the city of Istanbul, but generally range from 30km/h to 110km/h. Most residential zones have a top speed of 50km/h unless signed otherwise.

Normally, your rental car company will bill the amount of the fine to your credit card. Alternatively, the company may provide your contact information to the relevant local agency so they can issue a fine to you directly.

As with many places, normal cell phone usage is not allowed while operating a vehicle in Istanbul. There is an exception for hands-free or Bluetooth capabilities. Just ensure you stay focused on the road.

The legal BAC (blood alcohol content) limit while operating a vehicle in Istanbul is 0.05%. If you’ve got a big night planned, leave your wheels behind and organize a different way of getting home instead.

Turning on a red light is illegal in Istanbul. Always be watching for traffic lights and signs to make sure you don’t break any road rules.

Seat belts are compulsory in Istanbul. However, the rules may differ for certain vehicles, such as those used by public transportation networks.