Our cruise embarks from ALTUNIZADE MAHALLESI KISIKLI CADDESI and I am curious how far that might be from downtown Istanbul and what might be the best way to get around within the city and to the port when we head that way. Would also love to hear some great recs on what to do downtown since we decided to arrive a couple days prior to the cruise. Thanks so much!
P.S....I see there is a tram, is that a safe method to use at night, and is it an easy method?
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
5384 posts
I would suggest that you explore the Cruise Critic website. The forums you would want to look at include the Cruise Line specific forum, the Ports of Call board, and the Roll Call thread for your specific sailing.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8843 posts
Almost all cruises depart from the Galata Cruise Port. Which ship, which date?
I think that you would really benefit from spending some time on You Tube and watch videos relating to public transport and the cruise port. I know I often learn a lot from these and it helps me visualize what I am doing in advance.
Posted by
11546 posts
We found the trams inexpensive and easy to use.
Always felt safe.
Posted by
near San Francisco
5296 posts
I've been using the trams and buses and ferries all this week. They are super easy, though very crowded. I feel very safe, traveling solo. I've been cautious with my purse, as I would be in any crowd.
I've been using Google Pay for my ferry and tram rides. I haven't had luck using Google Pay on the buses, but my tap credit card has always worked. Whichever you use, just hold it solidly on the scanner for a good moment until the scanner beeps and may also turn green.
I didn't use transit often enough to bother with the Istanbulkart, though it does offer savings over credit card fares.
Posted by
4 posts
As a family of 4, we used the trams throughout our 5 1/2 days in Istanbul. No issues using the Istanbulkart, it was very easy to buy and load money. I was able to calculate exactly how much we needed so no there was leftover money on the card. TL20 per ride per person. I did not try the credit card tap method. We felt safe riding around even at 10pm. It does get crowded depending on the time of day, but where we were staying (I was in Sultanahmet) rides were no more than 15 min/4-5 stops.