We embarked on our journey from Patras to Constantinople as two couples, traveling by car. The total drive time was around 11 hours. To make the trip more comfortable, we decided to break it up with an overnight stay in Thessaloniki before setting off early the next morning at 7 AM towards Constantinople.
Crossing the Borders
The border crossing at Kipoi took us approximately 30 to 40 minutes. There were long queues of trucks waiting, but with a few careful maneuvers, we managed to bypass them and proceed to the passport control booths. The Greek side of the border was in poor condition compared to the Turkish side, which was impressively well-maintained.
On the Turkish side, we had to go through four checkpoints. The first was an automated barrier that lifted as we approached. At the second, officers checked our passports and performed a brief vehicle inspection, asking us to open the trunk for a quick glance. The third checkpoint required us to present the car’s registration, green card, and insurance papers. Finally, at the last booth, the barrier opened after a few seconds, and we were on our way.
Driving in Turkey
The highway leading to Constantinople was in excellent condition, mostly a long, straight road. One of the things that stood out was the presence of frequent U-turn junctions every 10 km or so, as well as strategically placed fake police cars with flashing lights to encourage drivers to slow down.
Speed limits were not always clearly marked, so we opted to drive at a safe 90 km/h. As we got closer to Constantinople, the roads expanded into a massive four-lane highway with a 130 km/h speed limit. Approaching the city required extra caution—drivers were aggressive, rarely used indicators when changing lanes, and honked frequently, even just to switch lanes.
Accommodation and City Layout
We stayed at Hubi Hotel, about a 20-minute walk from Taksim Square. The hotel was excellent and offered private parking, as we had no intention of driving within the city. Constantinople is divided into three main areas: the central district with Taksim Square as its hub, the western side where most of the historical attractions are, and the southern residential areas.
In hindsight, staying near Taksim Square was not the best choice. We had to take a taxi four times in just two days to reach the historical sites. Staying on the western side would have allowed us to explore most attractions on foot.
Day 1: First Impressions
Upon arriving, we booked an Uber and headed towards Hagia Sophia for an initial tour of the city. We arrived around 3 PM, after driving since 7:30 AM. The area was bustling with people but still breathtaking. Right next to Hagia Sophia, we found the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern. We dined at a rooftop restaurant with stunning views and enjoyed our first taste of authentic Turkish kebab.
Day 2: Exploring the Historic Sites
Our second day started with a visit to Topkapi Palace. While the outer courtyard was free to enter, the entrance fee to the main building was €50 per person, which we found a bit too steep. Instead, we purchased tickets for Hagia Sophia at €25 per person.
Inside, the grandeur of the structure was undeniable, but access was limited due to its conversion into a mosque. Visitors could only explore the upper gallery, overlooking the main prayer hall. While impressive, the experience didn’t quite justify the cost, so unless you’re a history enthusiast, it might not be a must-see.
Next, we visited the Blue Mosque, which was free to enter. Visitors were required to remove their shoes and carry them inside. The mosque was stunning, both inside and out, and provided a more authentic cultural experience than Hagia Sophia. Many locals were praying, and outside the mosque, designated fountains allowed them to perform ritual washing.
Later, we explored the Grand Bazaar, a massive marketplace where one could easily get lost. It was packed with all sorts of goods, including high-quality counterfeit items. Haggling is essential here—we managed to negotiate several purchases at half the original price. However, we found better deals and more authentic products outside the bazaar in local shops.
For dinner, we headed to Galata Tower and enjoyed a meal at Saltbae’s restaurant, where the burgers were delicious. We topped it off with traditional Turkish desserts from a nearby pastry shop—both the cheesecake and künefe were incredible.
Day 3: Hidden Gems and the Bosporus
We started our third day with a visit to the Basilica Cistern. The entrance fee was €30 per person—quite expensive, but this attraction was absolutely worth it. The underground structure was mesmerizing, offering a unique historical experience that shouldn’t be missed.
Next, we explored the colorful Fener district, a charming neighborhood with vibrant houses, locals making Turkish coffee on the streets, and small artisan shops. Climbing uphill, we reached the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, an impressive building with a courtyard open to visitors, though access inside was restricted.
To wrap up our trip, we planned a Bosporus cruise but opted for the local ferry instead of a tourist cruise. It was significantly cheaper and still provided fantastic views of the city from the water.
Final Thoughts
Constantinople is a city of contrasts, blending history with modern chaos. The food was exceptional, the architecture breathtaking, and the overall experience unforgettable. While navigating the city required patience—especially with the aggressive driving and taxi system—its rich culture and unique sights made it all worthwhile.
If you plan to visit, I recommend staying closer to the historical sites rather than Taksim Square, using public transport when possible, and embracing the city’s lively, sometimes overwhelming, energy. Would I visit again? Absolutely—but next time, I’d plan my stay a bit differently!
Trip Details
- Car: Citroën C4 Cactus (2019)
- Total Distance: 2,140 km (round trip)
- Fuel Cost: €200
- Toll Cost: €110 total (€105 in Greece, €5 in Turkey)
- Accommodation Cost: €115 per person
Required Documents:
- Passport or new-type ID card
- Car insurance
- Green card
- Driving license
- Car license (must be the in the same name of the driver)