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For Grand Bazaar you drive until Beyazıt – Kapalıçarşı station, for Spice Bazaar and Galata Bridge you go until Eminönü station. On October 1, 2021, the first ship, Sea Dream from Bulgaria, anchored at the new port’s shores. The long awaited opening of Galataport took place on October 29, 2021.
Getting Around Istanbul Turkey
A New Megaproject in Istanbul Features an Underground Cruise Ship Port - Architectural Digest
A New Megaproject in Istanbul Features an Underground Cruise Ship Port.
Posted: Tue, 02 Nov 2021 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Also, if you plan to take a trip to see the majestic balloons in Cappadocia, booking with time is advised. Another renowned cruise line that visits Istanbul is the Norwegian Cruise Line. With their diverse range of activities and entertainment options onboard, you can enjoy a memorable journey to this captivating destination. Another popular shopping destination is the Spice Bazaar, where you can discover an abundance of spices, herbs, and Turkish delights.
Shopping Near the Istanbul Cruise Port
The first thing you will come across when leaving your Istanbul cruise is the busy Meclis-i Mebusan Boulevard. It’s the main street that runs adjacent to the river and connects the port to the rest of the city. Here, you can find lots of fantastic local cafes, restaurants, and shops. Of course, being a hub for Istanbul cruises, there is also modern passport control, check-in, waiting areas, and plenty of cruise port info points. The port can accommodate around 15,000 visitors a day, so it always feels like a vibrant and busy part of the city.
Cruises to Istanbul
Spice Bazaar is one of the most famous historical shopping places in Istanbul and is 350 years old. Built by the Genoese in the 14th century, the tower and its square are today one of the city’s most vibrant tourist destinations. Dolmabahce Palace is one of the most important historical places in Istanbul and is located within walking distance of Galataport. 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.
In this article, you will find out what to expect when you visit and get helpful information on the terminal, lifestyle offerings, nearby attractions and how to get there. Taking the tram to Sultanahmet is your best way of transportation, approximate every 5 minutes. Buy red tokens from the vending machines, only 3 Lira (Turkish coins and small bills accepted). Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, the ease and accessibility of Galataport ensure your exploration of Istanbul’s wonders is as seamless as it is unforgettable.
Public Transport
From here you will have the oppurtunity to walk to the city, take a taxi or jump on the tram. Read all about your docking location in the full Istanbul cruise port guide. The best thing is that it’s located only within a few minutes’ walk from Istanbul cruise port. It is part of waterfront complex of marina, hotels and shops about four miles away from the Golden Horn.
Restaurants in Galataport
Sightsee, shop, or relax at one of the many third-wave coffee shops while you watch boats pass by along the river. Some cruise lines may also offer an easy shuttle service to the city center for an additional fee, another convenient option if you want to save time. These are generally more expensive but can be shared with fellow passengers.
Popular Cruise Lines that visit Istanbul Cruise Port Guide
Another great thing to do is to take a guided tour of the historic district. The easiest way to get from Galataport to one of the airports and vice versa is by taxi or Istanbul cruise port transfer service. Since a taxi ride will be more expensive, a private transfer to Istanbul or Sabiha Gökcen Airport is the best option. The transfer service is available 7/24 and allows you to have a pleasant and hassle-free trip.
MSC changes East Med cruises for Sinfonia and Musica ships
Sailing down the Istanbul Strait: Türkiye's cruise tourism on the rise - TRT World
Sailing down the Istanbul Strait: Türkiye's cruise tourism on the rise.
Posted: Sun, 27 Aug 2023 13:03:57 GMT [source]
The newly built, modern Galataport is the main cruise port of Istanbul, situated in the Karaköy neighborhood of the Beyoğlu district, located on the European side of İstanbul. It consists of two adjoining piers, the Galata Pier and the Salıpazarı Pier, that extend from the Galata Bridge to Salıpazarı on the west coast of the Bosporus. 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. The mega project brings together all fields of life, from tourism to culture, dining, shopping and entertainment. There are various transportation options available from the Galataport port hotel to the airport, including taxis, shuttles, and public transportation.
Karakoy Square also has Murat Muhallebicisi, one of the best dessert shops in Istanbul. As you wander the side streets of Karakoy, you can discover great boutique cafes and local restaurants. In Karakoy Square, there are shops that sell products of famous outdoor brands such as North Face, Jack Wolfskin and Columbia at outlet prices.
There is no direct bus service at this time, though buses can be used, they will take more time. It is situated right at the entrance of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, meaning that it has fantastic access to the city and all of the sights. Tram T1 is the most practical way to go from Galataport to Sultanahmet. If you take the tram going in the direction of “Bagcilar” either from Findikli or Tophane, you can reach Sultanahmet Tram Station in 15 minutes.
Credit cards are widely accepted in many places, but it’s always a good idea to have cash as well. The port boasts ample capacity to accommodate numerous ships and droves of passengers simultaneously. Suleymaniye Mosque is located a 25-minute walk from Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, and a 30-minute walk from Galataport.
Currently, Istanbul is ranked the world's 8th most popular tourist travel destination (as city), while Turkey is ranked the world's 6th (as country). Its biggest attraction is the historic downtown (partially listed as UNESCO Site), as well as entertainment and cultural venues (across the Golden Horn/natural harbor in Beyoglu district). Most tourists arrive via flights, but ~0,5 million foreigners arrive by ships/yachts annualy. Port Istanbul cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month.
Still, the reward is extremely affordable authentic Turkish food with spectacular views over the city and the river. Ä°stanbul's new cruise port "Galataport" project originated in 2001 as a redevelopment project that combines functions complementing Turkey's capital city as a center of tourism, commerce and culture. The project covers a land area of 0,1 km2 (0,04 mi2), where the existing buildings (at Karaköy Yolcu Salonu) were renovated - keeping their authentic forms but acquiring new functions. Istanbul cruise port terminal is right in downtown (in close proximity to major tourist attractions) and approx 20 km / 12 mi (or 25-min) away from Ataturk Airport. Tophane Clock Tower is one of the first historical monuments to be seen by those arriving by cruise ship in Istanbul.
The new terminal is designed under the ground with a project to be implemented for the first time in the world. The complex is huge and the underground walkway can be very long to the exit of the terminal, depending on your docking location. The main tourist areas are within walking distance, roughly a 30-minute walk from the Istanbul cruise terminal. If your cruise ship docks at the Istanbul cruise port, you may well find that the included shore excursions are expensive or lack any real character and only go to the same designated tourist attractions. Galataport was jointly built by Dogus Group (one of Turkey's largest private-sector holdings) and Bilgili Holding (real-estate developer and tourism investor). Ensure a safe and enjoyable trip by following these safety tips while visiting Istanbul.
