Istanbul Friendly

Showing posts with label Transportation. Show all posts

Monday, 13 July 2015

There is a district called Besiktas, which consists of Yildiz, Bebek, Ortakoy, Kurucesme, Arnavutkoy and so on. But I think every neighbourhood deserves an article of its own, so I will mention you about Besiktas, the neighbourhood, or Besiktas centre as the locals call it.

Besiktas is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Turkey. It is on the intersection point of Barbaros Boulevard Ciragan Street. The centre is also mentioned with the famous football team Besiktas. You'll see eagle statues here and there. Eagle is the symbol of Besiktas team.

History

Apart from Besiktas team, the neighbourhood have the traces of the admiral in chief from Lesvos Island, Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha, or Barbarossa (red beard) as he is known abroad. The original name of Besiktas is Bestas, meaning five stones. It is named after the five stones Barbarossa erected on the coast.

This area was a very convenient port in 17th century. It was used to anchor the ships of Ottoman fleet. The square with Barbarossa monument and the rest was all under water back then. Later, the coast was filled in and was turned into a private garden of the sultans. Today, it is a very busy coastal neighbourhood with various transportation means and flats for rent that are preferred mainly by students.

Sights

Sinan Pasha Camii: This is one of the works of Mimar Sinan for the admiral in chief, Sinan Pasa. It is on the opposite of Besiktas pier and Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa Tomb. It was being built in 1553, when Sinan Pasa died. The mosque was completed in 1555.

Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa Tomb: This is also a work of Mimar Sinan. It is octogonal with one tomb and with many windows. There are some other tombs on the small yard.

Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa Monument: The bronze casted monument is erected on Besiktas square. The controversial city planner Henry Prost decided the location of the monument.

Besiktas Pier: This pier was built in 1913 by the architect Ali Talat Bey. Until 2000's it was used for both Kadikoy and Uskudar ferries, but today it is used only for Uskudar ferries. There is also a pier called Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha, but it is fairly a new pier (from 2004-2005) to ease the burden on the former one.

Istanbul Naval Museum: It is the biggest naval museum of Turkey. There are about 20.000 artefacts in the museum. It was founded in 1897 and reorganized in 1914. It was transferred to Anatolia at World War II. It was brought back to Dolmabahce in 1946 and was placed its permanent building in 1948.

Let's get just a little bit farther than the center.

Dolmabahce Palace: There were gardens and mansions on the area now and then, but the palace was built in 19th century. The palace was built in 1843-1855 with the order of Sultan Abdulmecit I. Ataturk also used it for his Istanbul meeting. He died there on 10 November 1938. The room where he spent his last moments is still exhibited inside the museum.

Dolmabahce Mosque: The mosque was built by the Armenian architect Garabet Balyan and was opened to service in 1855. The building was started with the order of Bezmialem Valide Sultan and was finished with the order of Sultan Abdülmecit. This was the place where the Naval Museum had been carried back from Anatolia.

Ciragan Palace: In 17th century, the location of the palace was known as Kazancioglu Gardens. Sultan Mahmud II was the first one to make changes on the gardens and to order a palace. Sultan Abdulmecit made the first palace demolished in 1857, but he couldn't see the completed version of it. It was completed at the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz. The palace is a luxurious hotel today.

Transportation

Besiktas is one of the most central places in Istanbul. You can use the bus and the ferry to get in and out of Besiktas. You can also walk from Taksim or Kabatas in 15-20, if you like walking. You can also walk to Ortakoy and maybe to farther neighbourhoods on the coast.

There are frequent bus services from Taksim or Kabatas. Likewise, Uskudar and Kadıkoy ferries are also frequent. Uskudar is only ten minutes away from Besiktas.

Accomodation

Besiktas is a cosy neighbourhood that is usually preferred by students and young adults, because it is very close to central places. However, the rents aren't so economic as it was before. (All Istanbul rents have gone crazy.) You are more lucky, if you are to stay shorter.

There are many luxurious hotels, such as Shangri-la Hotel, Point Hotel, Ciragan Palace, Four Seasons Hotel and Raddison Blue Hotel. If you aren't addicted to the stars and the sea view, you can find more economic hotels at side streets.

Tuesday, 30 June 2015

Sirkeci neighbourhood is at Fatih district. Its neighbours are Sarayburnu (Topkapi Palace) and Cagaloglu. It is also very close (ten minute upward walk) to Sultanahmet and Eminonu.

Sirkeci has always been important through history. This is mostly because of its proximity to the Ottoman porte and to Topkapi Palace. It was like the port of Ottoman porte.

In 1885, the Orient Express was put into service, and then in 1890, Sirkeci Station was opened. Today the railroads are being renovated for the speed train, so the station is like in a hibernation state. (You can still take beautiful photos!)

Sights in Sirkeci

Along with the Sirkeci Station, there a couple of things to do in Sirkeci. First of all, don't miss the Great Post Office (Büyük Postane), the biggest and the most historical post office of Turkey. The post office is still operating and it is very close to the Egyptian Bazaar and the New Mosque at Eminonu.

There are many buffets and restaurants in Sirkeci, where you can try traditional fast foods. Sirkeci is also famous for the shops focusing on cameras, lenses and other stuff. There are many old houses on the streets, if you are interested.

If you are in urgent need of such things, you can buy them from those shops. However, prices aren't cheaper than other countries, because Dollar is expensive in Turkey.

How to go to Sirkeci

You can go to Sirkeci with ferry from Uskudar and Kadikoy. Marmaray and Kabatas-Bagcilar tram have also Sirkeci stops.

Actually if you have a full day and don't have much time, you can add it to your route. Start from Sultanahmet, when you're finished walk down to Sirkeci, then straight to Eminonu, Karakoy, Galata and finally Istiklal Street.

Marmaray entrance/exit is just on the right.

Sunday, 21 June 2015

Istanbul itself is a big city and it takes so much time to get to know it. I have been living in Istanbul since I was born, but I learn new things every day, as I walk around to find something to write here. However, we pass over its proximity to some other countries, such as Greece and Bulgaria.

It may not make a big difference for European visitors, but other visitor from more distant countries may like this opportunity. Especially if you are an expat or Erasmus student, you can try a couple of the suggestions below.

Plane

Istanbul has two big airports: Ataturk International Airport and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport. Both host many flights of Turkish and international planes around the world. You can find economic tickets, if you book your ticket early enough.

Suggestion:

From Istanbul, you can fly to every capital city and some other cities of Balkans and East Europe. You can fly to Thessaloniki, Athens, Sofia, Varna, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Ljubljana, Tirana, Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Skopje, Pristine, Budapest, Prague and Bucharest. Many of these countries don't want visa from Turkish citizens, but you should act accordingly to your passport.

Bus

There are some bus companies that will take you to many of the cities above. If you cannot find cheap plane tickets, you can try the bus. Their ticket fees don't change frequently. For example, Thessaloniki bus is 150 TL for a long time, and so is Varna bus. I think 8-10 hours of bus trip is fair.

Suggestion:

As I mentioned above, Greece and Bulgaria are the best destinations for bus trips. You can go to Thessaloniki, Kavala, Xanthi, Komotini, Alexandroupolis, Athens, Skopje, Ohrid, Plovdiv, Sofia, Varna. There are buses to Hungary and even to Germany, but they will definitely take more than 10 hours. You may take the bus to go to ferries which I will explain below.

Ferry

Ferry is a lovely option, but if you're staying at Istanbul, you should go to ports either by plane or by bus. There are many local flights, so it won't be hard for you to find one. There are also many local bus services.

Suggestion:

Greek Islands! You have many options. You can go to Chios Island from Cesme, to Lesvos Island from Ayvalik, to Kos Island from Bodrum, to Samos Island from Kusadasi, to Rhodes Island (and Simi Island, but it is more complicated) from Marmaris, to Meis Island from Kas. Turkish citizens can get their visas on the island, but you should search for the visa policy of your country.

Car

Renting a car may be a good solution. In Istanbul, you can find many car rentals, including the international ones.

Suggestion:

All of above! You should learn the international driving license policies concerning your passport. Greece has cancelled the the international driving license for Turkish citizens, but I don't know the situation of other citizenships. Ferries have room for cars, but they are small ferries. So, you'd better book you ticket online before your trip.

Train

There is also the train option, but it is a little complicated right now. The railroads are being renovated for a long long time. You have first to go to Cerkezkoy, which is almost two hours away from Istanbul. For now, direct bus trips are more logical. If there is any change, I'll update the info.

Istanbul is a very special city in many ways. Besides its historical treasure, it is situated on a special territory. Istanbul, like Rome, has seven hills. Moreover, it is half on Asia, half on Europe. Changing continents may be a big deal for many people, but not for Istanbulites.

If you visit Istanbul, you can easily go from Asia to Europe or from Europe to Asia. Here are the different ways you can try.

Ferries

I think ferries are the best way to change continents. Blue sea, blue sky and seagulls. Sometimes a lovely wind and beautiful clouds. You'll really enjoy your time in there. And this pleasure costs less than 1 Euro and almost 1 Dolar (one-way).

There are actually different kinds of ferries. There are bigger ones and smaller ones. The only difference along with their designs is their destinations. You can go from Kadikoy to Eminonu, Karakoy or Kabataş. You can go from Uskudar to Besiktas or Eminonu. You can check the schedules online or just there. These ones are really frequent.

There are some ferries that stop at beautiful Bosphorus ports, such as Bebek, Ortakoy, Arnavutkoy, Rumelihisari, Anadolu Hisari... This destinations are both useful and touristic. But these ferries aren't as frequent above. So, make your plans accordingly.

You can also use sea buses that will take you from Kadikoy to Bakirkoy and Avcilar, a very long destination shortened compared to the road. But this one is closed and lets you to enjoy the view less.

Bridges

Bridges are the second best way to change continents, unless you aren't on them at working hours. Istanbul has a heavy traffic jam at those hours. Apart from traffic, you'll be fine. The view on the bridge is near bird's eye and very panoramic. Prepare your cameras, because the shortest part of your road trip will be on the bridge (the traffic jam usually subsides just on the bridge).

You'll see different parts of Bosphorus, according to the side you sit on the bus. One-way ticket fees change due to the bus you are in, but it will be a little highter than 1 Euro at most. So, you can go back and fort to see different parts of the view, or combine your trip with one way ferry.

Subway

This is, for me, the less interesting way to change continents. It seems interesting to go from underground, but you don't see a single view. This subway has a special name: Marmaray. However, if you are in a hurry, this is quite useful. As a tourist, the most useful stops for you will probably be Uskudar and Sirkeci (this one is very close to Sultanahmet).

Friday, 23 January 2015

Tunel means tunnel in Turkish, but it has come to define especially this particular one. It is actually a funicular line between Taksim and Karakoy. The journey takes 1,5 minutes, but add a couple of minutes for the passengers to get in and get off.

It is the second oldest (1875) underground line after the London Underground (1863). It was built in Moresque style. I like the colours and the patterns. In 1910 the electrical system became operational. There was originally two parallel lines. Today it has only one line with a short double section. When the two trains come side by side, you can see other passengers.

If you have the lungs, I'll recommend you walk the Yuksek Kaldirim Street, which inspired the famous poet Orhan Veli Kanik. His poem was sung by Levent Yuksel, if you like to listen modern Turkish pop.

Where is Tunel?

Tunel is at the Pera part of Taksim, on the other end of the Istiklal Street other than the Taksim Square. You can get on it either from Karakoy or from Taksim. There are three options for you to reach there: on foot, by tram and by the underground passage of the metro to Sishane.

Thursday, 18 December 2014

Transportation in Istanbul is rather developed. You can reach almost everywhere with public or private transport. We have tickets and tokens but we prefer "Akbil". Akbil is a practical and electronic ticketing system which is cheaper than the individual tickets and helps you to save time.

Istanbul always have a traffic jam, but it is important to avoid working hours, 7 to 9 in the morning and 6-8 in the evening. At those times both the traffic jam is heavy and everywhere is too crowded. Here are the public transport means you can use:

1. Metro

Metro is one of the most comfortable vehicles in Istanbul. The only downside is that sometimes it is so deep underground that you have to walk much. They are frequent, you won't wait long.

Metro lines available in Istanbul:
- Yenikapi-Ataturk Havalimani
- Yenikapi-Kirazli
- Yenikapi-Haciosman (among it stops are Taksim, Osmanbey, Mecidiyekoy and Levent)
- Kirazli-Olimpiyat-Metrokent
- Kadikoy-Kartal

With the new Yenikapi line, it is possible for us to go from Taksim to Ataturk International Airport with transfers.

Marmaray is the newest "phenomenon" in Istanbul, but it is actually a metro, too. It goes under the Marmara Sea (but you don't see any scenes). Its stops are Ayrilik Cesmesi (near Kadikoy), Uskudar, Sirkeci, Yenikapi, Kazlicesme.

2. Metrobus

Here comes the most exciting!? transport in Istanbul. It is an adventure, if you want to sit. Be ready to actualize the "Survival of the fittest" principle. Joking aside, it is convenient (apart from working hours, of course.)

Metrobus lines in Istanbul:
- 34 Avcilar-Zincirlikuyu
- 34A Sogutlucesme-Cevizlibag
- 34C Beylikduzu-Cevizlibag
- 34G Beylikduzu-Sogutlucesme
- 34Z Zincirlikuyu-Sogutlucesme
- 34U Uzuncayir-Zincirlikuyu
- 34AS Avcilar-Sogutlucesme
- 34BZ Beylikduzu-Zincirlikuyu

A view from Mecidiyekoy. You can see the metrobus stop in the middle, then the bus stop. At the right of the road, the stairs going down takes you to the metro. The green area ahead is the sum of Armenian Catholic Graveyard and Italian Jewish Graveyard.

3. Tram

Tram is also quite convenient. But again, beware of the working hours. Then, beside from being crowded, it may stuck a little bit in the traffic jam.

Tram lines in Istanbul:
- Bagcilar-Kabatas (among its stops are Sultanahmet, Gulhane, Beyazit, Laleli and Aksaray)
- Taksim-Tünel Nostalgic Tram
- Kadikoy-Moda (also nostalgic)
- Topkapi-Habibler

4. Bus

Buses are very colourful in Istanbul, but their colours don't mean anything. Just look at the numbers. There are many local buses (too many to write here down). You can find the stops and schedules here: http://www.iett.gov.tr/en

Esenler Bus Terminal (Esenler Otogari) is the biggest bus terminal in Istanbul. Here, there are buses going to every province in Turkey. If you are going to get on transfer vehicles from Taksim, they usually take you to the closer Alibeykoy Bus Terminal, which was renewed recently and looks better than Esenler Bus Terminal. At Anatolian coast, you can go to Harem Bus Terminal and Salipazari Bus Terminal.

5. Minibus

Here is one of the most trickiest vehicles. Minibuses in Istanbul are almost equal to rollercoasters. No akbils and don't try to make jokes about it. Minibuses are usually blue. They take you to shorter distances and to smaller neighbourhoods. No akbils in minibuses and don't ever ask the drivers about it. Minibuses are blue in colour.

6. Dolmus

Dolmus is a yellow vehicle, bigger than taxis and can have 6-7 passengers. Dolmus lines accept no akbils, only cash. It is a comfortable vehicle, but it is more expensive than buses and others (still cheaper than taxis).

Dolmus lines in Istanbul:
- Kadikoy-Taksim
- Kadikoy-Nisantasi
- Kadikoy-Sisli
- Kadikoy-Bostanci
- Bostanci-Sisli
- Bostanci-Taksim (two types of this, one goes from "minibus" street, the other from the coastline)
- Bostanci-Pendik
- Sogutlucesme-Bostanci
- Uskudar-Kadikoy
- Uskudar-Baglarbasi
- Baglarbasi-Kadikoy
- Uskudar-Beykoz
- Uskudar-Baglarbasi-Erzurum Sitesi
- Uskudar-Cekmekoy
- Uskudar-Acıbadem
- Kadikoy-Cekmekoy
- Kadikoy-Beykoz
- Aksaray-Taksim
- Kocamustafa-Taksim
- Bakirkoy-Taksim
- Bakirkoy-Sisli
- Yenibosna-Taksim
- Besiktas-Harbiye
- Cevizlibag-Topkapı
- Cevizlibag-Taksim
- Topkapi-Taksim (Have in mind that this "Topkapi has nothing to do with "Topkapi Palace)
- Eminonu-Sisli
- Eminonu-Taksim
- Tesvikiye-Taksim
- Yesilkoy-Taksim

You can find the lines and fares here: http://www.saridolmus.com/tarifeler

7. Train

There is no inner city train lines nowadays. The railways are being rebuilt for the high speed train. Some speed trains started to operate, but their destinations are out of Istanbul. There used to be a Haydarpasa-Gebze line.

8. Funicular

Funicular lines are used as connections and they don't take more than 3-4 minutes. Taksim Tunel funicular line is the world's second oldest underground public transport. It is nice to be there at least once. Kabatas line begins 10 m below the sea, you'll see the signs about it.

Funicular lines in Istanbul:
- Taksim-Kabatas
- Karakoy-Beyoglu (Tunel)

9. Telpher

Telpher lines are also short, but they are rather scenic. They are touristic, but fare are the same as the public transport.

Tephers in Istanbul:
- Macka-Taskisla
- Eyup-Piyer Loti

10. Taxi

Taxis are one of the most expensive vehicles of transport. No akbils of course. We all need taxis at some time. Most taxi drivers do their job decently, but as a tourist, don't forget to take a look at the taximeter. Some taxi driver don't want to take you in for short distances. There is a complaint line for those problems. There is also a mobile app that helps you to call a taxi. By the way, in Istanbul taxis are yellow.

11. Steamship (Vapur)

No traffic, no cry. If you are not seasick (like me) this is the heavenly vehicle that offers you beautiful scenes, gives you the chance to meet seagulls and does those without entering traffic jams.

Steamship lines in Istanbul:
- Kadikoy-Eminonu
- Karakoy-Kadikoy
- Karakoy-Haydarpasa
- Uskudar-Eminonu
- Uskudar-Besiktas
- Kadikoy-Kabatas
- Halic Line
- From Bosphorus-To Bosphorus
- Sariyer-Anadolu Kavagi
- Kucuksu-Besiktas
- Cengelkoy-Istinye
- Kadikoy-Sariyer
- Kucuksu-Istinye
- Kabatas-Kadikoy-Adalar-Bostanci
- Bostancı-Adalar

There are also short and long Bosphorus tours. Don't confuse them with the touristic tours that begin from Eminonu. Touristic tours accept cash and they are more expensive than cityline steamboats.

12. Motorboat

Motorboats are faster and also more courageous than steamboats. Courageous, because they are the last thing to be cancelled in case of fog and other extreme weather conditions. Quick tip: If the weather is fine, sit upstairs and feel the air.

Motorboat lines in Istanbul:
- Eminonu-Kadikoy
- Karakoy-Kadikoy
- Karakoy-Uskudar
- Bostanci-Adalar (It may take you to particular islands, so check if your island is included)
- Kartal-Adalar (Prince Islands)
- Yesilkoy-Adalar
- Cinarcik-Kadikoy-Eminonu
- Eminonu-Cinarcik
- Eminonu-Esenkoy
- Eminonu-Kocadere
- Esenkoy-Kadikoy-Eminonu
- Kadikoy-Cınarcik
- Kadikoy-Esenkoy
- Kadikoy-Kocadere
- Eminonu-Armutlu
- Kadıkoy Armutlu

13. Ferry

Ferries are frequently used in Istanbul, especially by the car owners.

Ferry lines in Istanbul:
- Eskihisar-Topcular
- Sirkeci-Harem

Speed ferry lines:
- Yenikapi-Bursa
- Yenikapi-Bandirma
- Yenikapi-Yalova
- Pendik-Yalova

14. Seabus

Seabus is a little more expensive than steamships and motorboats, but it is definitely much more faster. If your focus is time, then this is your vehicle on sea.

Seabus lines in Istanbul:
- Bostanci-Kadikoy-Yenikapi-Bakirkoy
- Bostanci-Kabatas
- Adalar
- Bosphorus
- Maltepe-Bostanci-Kabatas-Bakirkoy
- Bostanci-Kadikoy-Yenikapi-Bakirkoy-Avcilar
- Kadikoy-Yenikapi-Armutlu-Bursa
- Kadikoy-Yenikapi-Bursa
- Bostanci-Yenikapi-Marmara-Avsa
- Kartal-Yalova

15. Sea Taxi

It's expensive for backpackers and students. If you have money and have really really no time, it may be very helpful. One of its advantages is that it can go anywhere on the coast, even to small piers. No akbils.

16. Seabird

It's kind of a fantasy transport (actually charters) and it needs reservation. If you have enough time and if you are a backpacker or student, you can find cheaper alternatives for the destinations it will take you.

17. Airplane

Istanbul has two big airports: Ataturk International Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Ataturk International Airport is one of busiest airports in Europe. Sometime it takes several minutes to find an available spot and land. Sabiha Gokcen Airport is relatively smaller, but it is also cheaper in terms of food and drink.

There is also a private airport, Hezarfen Airfield. It hosts big music events and youth festivals.

As mentioned above the metro goes to Ataturk International Airport with a couple transfers. There are public buses to Sabiha Gokcen Airport from Kadikoy. But if you like, there are inexpensive Havatas buses that takes you to both airports. Their terminal is at Elmadag, in front of Point Hotel.

18. Coach

Motor vehicles are forbidden at Prince Islands, so the vehicle at Buyukada, Heybeliada and Burgazada is the couch. However, because of the ruthless treatments to the horses, I recommend you not to use them. I always walk or rent a bike instead. There is no motor vehicle, after all!

You can also travel by rental car, by your car, by motorbike, by bike and on foot. But you should be extra careful when you are travelling by bike or on foot. Unfortunaly, majority of Istanbul drivers have nothing to do with traffic rules and most of them don't count bikes, even motorbikes, as transportation means.

Life is also hard for pedestrians. Crosswalks are usually ornaments, so don't trust them. Don't even trust the traffic lights, because the vehicles, especially taxis think it is possible to avoid them in order not to stop for a few more seconds.