Istanbul Port Guide for Cruisers, Turkey

Table Of Content

• Where You're Docked
• Experience the Unique Blend of Turkish and Mediterranean Cuisine in Istanbul
• Hafız Mustafa 1864 Galataport
• Info & Map of Galataport
• Top Best Istanbul City Walking Tours – 2024 Insider Guide
• Guide to Galataport Istanbul Cruise Port: things to do, see, eat
• Galataport Istanbul Guide – Istanbul’s Cruise Port

Dolmabahçe Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi) was built in opulent Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical European styles. It was ordered in the 19th century by the Empire’s 31st Sultan, Abdülmecid I, who wanted to move from Topkapi Palace into a more modern, European-style palace. If you are definitely interested in something you like, I suggest comparing the prices at different shops before you buy it, then go back to where you got the best deal but do not buy it yet! Start to bargain and I guarantee you will get a better price than expected. Do not show excessive interest since the seller could realize it and not lower the price. The Grand Bazaar (known also as Kapalıçarşı) is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world and one of the best places to shop and see in Istanbul.

Where You're Docked

It is very easy to get around the city, as all main city attractions are located within walking distance. Discovering Istanbul during a cruise would be an unforgettable experience for the cruise-ship visitors. This innovative underground terminal isn’t just a gateway to one of the world’s most dynamic port cities; it’s a bridge connecting you to Istanbul’s popular tourist attractions. The main tourist areas are within walking distance, roughly a 30-minute walk from the Istanbul cruise terminal. Whether you’re disembarking at Istanbul Port for a day trip or starting your cruise adventure here, you’ll be captivated by the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Istanbul Port truly serves as the gateway to an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most mesmerizing cities.

Experience the Unique Blend of Turkish and Mediterranean Cuisine in Istanbul

Currency exchange and ATM's can be found on the main street along the tram line by the Grand Bazaar and the Blue Mosque. Depending on where you dock, you should be able to find banks with ATM's on the street along the tram line in the port area. In May 2017, to Galataport's masterplan was proposed a new concept combining a movable gangway with underground cruise passenger operations. The idea includes a hydraulic boardwalk deploying a gangway during ship calls only (when a vessel is docked). In 2015, the cruise port in Karakoy was closed down due to construction works for the new Galataport. The tourists' decline resulted in many street businesses closing down as tradesmen lost nearly 90% of their businesses in comparison to 2015.

Hafız Mustafa 1864 Galataport

On the other hand, in the main part marked with a square, there is the passenger terminal of the Istanbul Cruise Port. In addition, restaurants and cafes of Galataport are located around the terminal. Turkish coffee is specially brewed in sugar and cardamom for a sweeter (and stronger) cup of coffee, and it’s a hallmark of the daily routine and culture in Istanbul.

Built between 1609 and 1616, the mosque is still fully functional today, so you are likely to observe services while you’re there. Men should wear long pants, and women should wear a headscarf or covering. The stark blue tiles will captivate your senses in this bustling, historic place. The country has been a bridge between the two continents for thousands of years, which you might catch a glimpse of on your cruise to Europe. Istanbul offers sensory delights at every turn, from its towering, colorful minarets to the scent of coffee brewing in fragrant cardamom and sugar.

Passengers can purchase an Istanbulkart from ticket machines located at tram stops or ferry terminals. The card costs 6 TL to purchase and can be topped up with credit as needed. Using an Istanbulkart is not only convenient but also cheaper than purchasing individual tokens for each journey.

Dating back to 14th century, the tower is an old Genoese tower overlooking the city that rises to a height of 72 meters above its base. Take the tram from Sultanahmet to Kabatas (20 minutes – last stop), and there take the funicular (5 minutes) to reach Taksim. Before you head up to Hagia Sophia, you can have a rest for 15 minutes, and try Turkish coffee or any other drinks at the several good cafes around the Sultanahmet Square. Below you can see the top attractions and sights of the city from an aerial view, with top neighborhoods.

Guide to Galataport Istanbul Cruise Port: things to do, see, eat

The whole public transportation system can easily be accessed with a single transportation card, which is Istanbulkart. Also, especially to take the advantage of good discounts on shopping, we recommend you to carry cash TRY. We don’t know would you be able have TRY cash from your cruise ship, but you should know that you can get Turkish Liras from the ATMS or Banks near your cruise port. These two districts are famous for their street food and local restaurants in Istanbul. Built by the Genoese in the 14th century, the tower and its square are today one of the city’s most vibrant tourist destinations.

Galataport Istanbul Guide – Istanbul’s Cruise Port

With its warm and welcoming locals, Istanbul offers a sense of hospitality that will make you feel right at home. And if you’re in the mood for something more casual, make sure to explore Istanbul’s vibrant street food scene. You’ll find an array of delicious options from local markets to street vendors waiting to be savored. In addition to being a bustling hub for maritime activities, Galataport is part of an expansive waterfront complex.

In a bustling city like Istanbul, expect traffic and congestion on the highways. You’ll find a selection of cafes and hookah bars close to where your ship docks. Descend underground to the Basilica Cistern, a large network of subterranean columns that were built to capture rainwater. A rich history accompanies the Basilica Cistern, which you’ll discover during a walking tour. Nearly 400 marble columns sustain the architectural integrity of the cistern.

One of the best places to experience this unique blend of flavors is in Istanbul. The city is home to some of the world’s best restaurants, offering a diverse range of dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Private transfers offer a more luxurious option for getting around Istanbul but can be significantly more expensive than public transport options. Passengers who choose this option will benefit from door-to-door service and comfortable transportation in air-conditioned vehicles. While English is widely spoken in Istanbul – especially in tourist areas – knowing a few basic Turkish phrases can go a long way in making your trip more enjoyable. Locals appreciate it when visitors make an effort to speak their language, even if it’s just a few words.

Port Istanbul cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Istanbul, Turkey, Galataport. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link. I am the creator of an e-book “Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide“, the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports, & YouTube channel @AdventourBegins.

Galata Bridge is a connection road between Karakoy (Beyoglu) and Eminonu (Old City). Galata Bridge is also located at the junction of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. Karakoy Square is one of the most energetic places in the city and can be reached on foot from Galataport. You can easily walk to Karakoy from the Museum Square in Istanbul Cruise Port. Near Istiklal Street, there are museums such as Madame Tussauds, Pera Museum and Galata Tower. The two best restaurants in Istanbul, 360 Istanbul and Mikla, are also located here.

If you exit the door of Istanbul Cruise Port in the direction of Besiktas, you can easily reach here. Among the places to visit around Galataport are the most important historical monuments of Istanbul, the most popular districts and shopping streets. Things to do in Galataport include seeing century-old mosques, visiting art galleries, shopping from famous brands and eating at Istanbul’s most famous restaurants. The part where the light blue extends in the form of a thin and long line includes Galataport’s seaside buildings and walking track. There are hotels, shopping places and the Istanbul Modern Museum on this long line.

Major Greek Cruise Port Welcomes First Ship of 2024 - Cruise Hive

Major Greek Cruise Port Welcomes First Ship of 2024.

Posted: Wed, 10 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

IKSV (Cultural Foundation) organized many exhibitions to introduce modern art to Istanbulites. The borders of Galataport start from Karakoy, which is the transportation hub of Beyoglu (southwest part of the blue line). The Galaport complex, which continues along the Tophane district, ends before arriving at the Findikli Tram Station (northeast part of blue line). Galataport, the Istanbul Cruise Port, was redesigned as a wonderful shopping and activity center after many years of restoration. There are many things to do around Galataport, which is located in one of the most beautiful spots in the city.

A special feature of the cruise ship terminal is that it is the first in the world to be built underground. Furthermore, it uses a unique and innovative hatch system that creates a temporary security and customs area when no ship is in port. Galataport is not only home to a world-class terminal, but also offers numerous entertainment options, ranging from art and culture to gastronomy and shopping. The mega project brings together all fields of life, from tourism to culture, dining, shopping and entertainment. A taxi from the Cruise Terminal to the city centre SHOULD cost you no more than 20 Turkish Lira.