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Showing posts with label ferry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ferry. Show all posts

Monday, 13 July 2015

Besiktas: A Naval Neigbourhood


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.

Saturday, 27 June 2015

Kabatas: Gate to the Anatolian Coast


Kabatas means "rough stone" in Turkish. The neighbourhood supposedly took its name from a big rock, but today it isn't certain where the rock is or what it looks like.

Kabatas is between Findikli and Dolmabahce. It is a rather small neighbourhood, but its importance lies in the transportation. Kabatas is like a connection point.

It is on the opposite of Uskudar. So, many people who live at the Anatolian coast prefer to go to Kabatas and then get on other transportation means.


How to get in and out


Kabatas has a port. This means you can come from and go to the Anatolian coast. There are ferries and sea buses to Uskudar, Kadikoy, Bostanci and Prince Islands.

There is also a small bus terminal here. You can find buses to Sariyer, Bahcekoy, and many more.
Kabatas is the first and the terminal stop of Kabatas-Bagcilar tram that also passes from Sultanahmet.

It is very easy to come to Kabatas. You can even walk from Taksim or Besiktas.



What to do in Kabatas


Kabatas is very close to Dolmabahce, so if you come to Kabatas, you can walk for a couple of minutes and visit Dolmabahce Palace.

It is also close to Kucukciftlik Park, where many open air concerts take place.

Sunday, 21 June 2015

Istanbul: The City Where You Can Travel Between Two Continents Easily

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).

Wednesday, 17 June 2015

Karakoy: From Old Port to New Port

Karakoy is a district of Beyoglu. It was previously called Galata district. Karakoy is its contemporary name. It has always been used as a port. It is one of the oldest parts of the Istanbul. It was also the financial center of the Ottoman Empire in 19th century. Today it is a popular port among cruise ships and has lots of fine restaurants.

Father and daugther are enjoying the view.

Karakoy is very central. Galata Bridge connects Karakoy with Eminonu, Its neigbours are Azapkapi, Sishane, Tophane, and Yuksekkaldirim, which takes you to Istiklal Street. There is an interesting detail about Karakoy. As I said, it has always been a port. Being a port means sailors. Where there are sailors, there are brothels. The brothel at Karakoy is very near to St. Benoit High School. (Parents periodically react against it.)



History


Karakoy has been used as a port since Byzantian times. The Byzantian Emperor let Genoese merchants reside and work there. So, they made solid buildings to protect themselves and their goods. Almost all the walls they built have been destroyed, but you can still see a massive artifact left: Galata Tower. It been said that by 15th century Galata looked like an Italian city.

After the Conquest of Istanbul in 1453, there were three parts at Galata: Genoese, Venice and Catalan. There were Genoese and Ottoman citizens, Greeks, Armenians, Georgians and Jews. (Edmondo de Amicis writes about this colourful at 1870's.) Later, Muslims outweighed the population.

Stairs to Istiklal Street

After 1500, it welcomed the Sefarads who escaped from the Spanish inquisition. In 1854-1856, it was raid by the Europeans (a united force of British, French and Italian soldiers) who came to fight for Crimea War. The soldiers needed a dock for the new coming equipments, but a dock couldn't be built until 1895.

In 19th century, it became a finance and banking center. Ottoman Bank founded its headquarters here. (You can visit the building which is now used as a museum.) Then Italian and Austrian insurance companies opened branches here. In 20th century, the port was widened, and the district was swarming with sailor and passengers. It was famous for its Greek taverns back then. Thousands of Belarussians who escaped from Russia after the October Revolution in 1917 came here and settled.

Kemankes Mustafa Mosque


Sights


Galata Tower: It is one of the oldest and one of the most fascinating artefacts in Istanbul. You should pay an entrance fee which in my opinion is a little bit more expensive than equivalent places (at least in Europe), but the view is worth it. Galata Tower gives you the chance to see a panoramic view of Istanbul. There is partly an elevator and partly stairs. It has a Romanesque style.
Galata Tower from Karakoy
Galata Bridge: The bridge that connects Karakoy to Eminonu. It is both open for pedestrians and vehicles. (Nice walk, nice view and nice seafood restaurants!) It isn't the first bridge built on the Golden Horn and it won't probably be the last. In 1502-1503, Leonardo da Vinci presented a bridge project to Sultan Bayezid II. But it was rejected. Later, Michelangelo was invited to Istanbul for him to present a project. This time, he rejected the Sultan. This last bridge is the fifth Galata bridge and was finished in 1994.

Galata Bridge

Kamondo Stairs: These twin stairs were built in 1850's in the name of Abraham Salomon Kamondo, a member of one of the most important banker families of the time and also a Sefarad. They are made from marble in art nouveau style. People like to take photos there. You may even see brides and grooms from time to time.

Kamondo Stairs

Banks' Street: Its actual name is Voyvoda Street, but if you ask a local "Where is Voyvoda Street?" you probably won't get an answer. (Voyvoda means "governor, landlord" in Slavic. Vlad III, who is thought to be Dracula, is called Kazikli Voyvoda in Turkish. Kazikli means "piled" which refers to the killing style of Vlad III.) The street begins with Karakoy Street and finishes with Yuksekkaldirim Street. The banks here are Ottoman Bank, Deutsche Bank, Russian Foreign Trade Bank, Bank Athens, Commercial Bank of the Near East Ltd, Sumerbank, Garanti Bank. The insurance companies are also interested. (Generali Passage is one of the prominent buildings.) You may recognise other building with round reliefs on them. They used to show what kind of trade the building owner made. For example, if you see a sheep relief, you have right to think that the original owner used to sell sheep.

Generali Han

Turkish Jewish Museum of 500th Year Foundation: This is fairly a new museum. The foundation was founded in 1989, to celebrate the 500th year of Sefarads' coming to the Ottoman Empire. The museum was opened in 2001. The building was previously Zulfaris Synagogue. It is said that the building existed in 1671 and there is also evidence that it was built upon another building from Genoese time. The museum is mainly in chronological order and there is an etnographic section.

Synagogues: There are many synagogues at Karakoy: Neve Salom Synagogue, Tofre Begadim Synagogue (today, an arts center), Italian Synagogue, Or Hodes Synagogue, Yuksekkaldirim Ashkenazi Synagogue.

Churches: And so are churches. San Petro and Paulo Church, Sankt Georg Church, Saint Michael Church, San Francesco Church, Santa Anna Church, Santa Maria Church, San Domenica Church, San Zoni Church, Surp Sarkis Church (oldest Armenian church at Istanbul, dating back to 1360), Surp Hisus Pirgic Church, Saint Benoit Church (as a part of the school), Galata Bulgarian Church, Haghios Nikolas Turkish Orthodox Church, Haghious Ioannis Assyrian Church.


St. Benoit High School: It is one of the oldest schools in Turkey and one of the most deep-rooted Latin-Catholic institutions in Istanbul. It seems to date back to 1783, but its history actually begins in 1362. You can see some part of the building from Kemeralti Street.

Arabic Mosque: It was previously San Paolo Church. Then it was converted into a mosque after 1453. It is the only Gothic church, remaining before 1453. There are few but important documents that show insight about Gothic history.

Underground Mosque: This mosque took its name for being a little lower than the ground. It is nicely decorated, and I think it has a good atmosphere for worshipping. The place was originally a Byzantine dungeon. It dates back to estimated 570's.

Underground Mosque

Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Mosque: This mosque is situated in Azapkapi neighbourhood. It is made in the name of Sokullu Mehmet Pasha. And the architect is: Mimar Sinan! It was built in the style of Selimiye Mosque at Edirne. (Edirne is one of the best places near Istanbul you can visit for the weekend.

How to get to Karakoy


It is very easy to get to Karakoy, except renting a car. The streets are narrow and there is always traffic (and no parking lots), so I suggest you to use public transportation or your feet. You can walk up to Istiklal Street or use the Tunnel. You can use the tram line to and from Kabatas. You can enjoy the Marmara Sea by getting on the ferries to Kadikoy, and you can feed the seagulls with bagels.

You can see Topkapi Palace from Karakoy.


What to eat at Karakoy


There are many restaurants and cafes at Karakoy. If you walk along the port, you'll see restaurants focusing mainly on seafood. The prices are a little high at some places (In Istanbul, everywhere with a sea view is expensive, get used to it), but I think the service is usually good. If you walk inside and around the small streets, you'll find lots of cosy cafes. Karakoy is the new rival of Istiklal Street.

Some cafés at Karakoy


Where to stay at Karakoy


There are many Karakoy hotels, some of which can be expensive (remember the sea view rule), but if you search enough you may find more budget hotels. You can also stay near Karakoy. Then your options will be Taksim, Eminonu, Besiktas, and even Kadikoy.

Unfortunately this isn't a hotel :)

Thursday, 18 December 2014

Transportation in Istanbul

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.
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