In Sultanahmet, Istanbul, you can find many bike rental shops and services, ideal for exploring the city’s historical sites and scenic routes. Here are a few tips and options for renting bikes in the area: ### 1. Sultanahmet Square Rentals – Location: Right around Sultanahmet Square, near Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. – Features: Offers a range of bikes including city bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes. Often caters to tourists, so staff may speak multiple languages and provide maps or route suggestions. – Tips: Due to heavy tourist traffic, especially in peak seasons, it’s good to reserve bikes in advance or arrive early. ### 2. Istanbul Bike Tours and Rentals – Services: In addition to rentals, they offer guided bike tours covering major landmarks in Sultanahmet and the Bosphorus area. – Specialty: Provides bikes for varying skill levels, including e-bikes, which can be helpful for Istanbul’s hilly areas. – Benefit: The tour option is ideal if you want an organized way to see Sultanahmet with insights from a guide. ### 3. Karaköy Bike Rentals – Location: Located a bit farther, in Karaköy, but easily accessible by tram or ferry from Sultanahmet. – Pricing: Known for reasonable prices and a variety of bike options. – Recommended For: Great if you plan to ride beyond Sultanahmet, as Karaköy has scenic rides and connects easily to the Golden Horn area. ### 4. Mobike or Martı (Bike Sharing Apps) – Description: These are shared bikes you can unlock using a mobile app. – Convenience: You can find and unlock bikes near Sultanahmet via GPS. Typically, they’re rented by the minute, making them good for short rides. – App Info: Download the Mobike or Martı app, register, and find a nearby bike to start riding. ### 5. Things to Consider – Traffic: Istanbul’s roads, especially near Sultanahmet, can get busy. Stick to designated bike paths or quieter side streets. – Helmet: Bring your own or request one from the rental shop. Not all rentals automatically provide helmets. – Pricing: Generally, prices range from €5-€15 per hour, depending on the bike type. Full-day rentals usually offer discounts. ### Suggested Routes – Sultanahmet to Karaköy: Ride across the Galata Bridge for scenic views. – **Around the Old City
