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Istanbul – How to Get to the Main Attractions? If you are planning to visit Istanbul, you may want to know the best way to explore it. Is the taxi the best available option? Is it difficult to use public transport? Where can I buy tickets, and how do I validate them? Is it safe to use the metro and tram? How to get from the airport to the city centre? All those questions will be answered in the post below. Please read it to the end, so you will know what to do while visiting Istanbul.

Istanbul – cultural capital of Türkiye

Istanbul is a city connecting Europe with Asia. Traditional values collide here with modernity, and secularism opposes the political Islamization of the country. It is said that Istanbul is the place where East meets West. Although the administrative capital of the country is in Ankara, Istanbul is considered the cultural, commercial and financial capital of Türkiye.

Today, Istanbul is one of the largest cities in the world and the most populous city in Europe. According to official statistics, about 16 million people live here. Unofficially, it is said that there are over 24 million of them.

A short history of the city

The city has a long and colourful history. It was founded by the Greeks in 660 BC as Byzantium, and in 330 AD, it became Constantinople. First, there were Roman invasions, followed by a siege by the Arabs. Second, there was conquest and looting by the Crusaders (between 1204 and 1261). In the meantime, there were commercial visits of merchants from Venice and Genoa. Towards the end of the 14th century, the Ottomans arrived at the city gates. The city was captured by the Turks in 1453.  From that time until the 20th century, it was the capital of the Ottoman Empire. In 1517, when the Ottomans had conquered Egypt, the Caliphate was transferred to Constantinople, which made the city the centre of the Islamic world.

After WWI, in 1919, the Allied troops entered the city. In 1922, it led to the dissolution of the Sultanate and the Caliphate. The year 1923 is when the Republic of Turkey was proclaimed, and its first president was Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, called “the father of the Turks”. In the same year, the capital was moved to Ankara. In 1930, the city was officially renamed Istanbul to facilitate international contacts.

Geographical overview

Istanbul is located on the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. The western part of the city is in Europe, and the eastern part is in Asia. The town consists of three parts. There is an Asian part, located on the European side, south of the Golden Horn and the Galata district, with the so-called New Town. In the European part, there are trade institutions and the headquarters of international companies. The Asian section is primarily a residential area.

The peninsula is divided into two districts: Eminönü and Fatih, which are surrounded by the Sea of Marmara and the Bosporus. Both districts are in the place of 15th-century Constantinople. All tourists begin their visit to Istanbul from this location. They can admire the biggest “pearls” of the city here: Topkapi Palace, Sultanahmet Mosque (the so-called Blue Mosque) and the Hagia Sofia Museum.

To the north of the Golden Horn, there are historical districts. There are districts of Beyoğlu and Beşiktaş, featuring the Sultan palaces and beautiful villas, such as Ortaköy or Bebek, located on the banks of the strait.

How to get to the main attractions

Taxi

I have been to Istanbul over 20 times, and so far, I have always used a taxi. Arriving here on business, alone, I never felt confident enough to try to use public transport. It turned out that a taxi ride is neither fast nor cheap nor safe when compared to public transport.

Travelling by taxi is not fast because the word “traffic jam” in Istanbul has a new meaning. Here, you can get stuck in a traffic jam for long hours. You never know when it will start or how long it will take. I often look out the hotel’s windows late in the evening, and I can see that traffic jams are also present after 10:00 p.m.

The taxi ride is not cheap either, and there are two reasons for it. At the airport in Istanbul, it’s easy to be welcomed by local taxi drivers, who are not affiliated with the official corporation; they drive without counters and pre-set prices. You can therefore expect to pay a high bill, which will be significantly higher than in official taxis. Also, due to traffic jams, taxi drivers often take a “bypass” route – according to the principle “just go ahead”, which means that our route to the hotel is longer and the bill on the counter display is higher than it should be.

Taxi ride – my observations

Finally, it is also worth mentioning that riding in a taxi is not safe. What I mean is the technical condition of the car and the practical driving skills of the drivers. How to describe it briefly? Quite often you may find out that the majority of the legal taxis are very old and dilapidated. The seatbelts frequently do not work (sometimes they are even missing), and it can be difficult to close the door or window.

Taxi drivers also drive in a pretty original way. They always hold a phone to their ear and talk on it all the way (sometimes for an hour). They perform all other manoeuvres with the other hand. With one hand, they hold the steering wheel, change gears, and press the horn regularly. In terms of temperament, I would compare it to the driving style of Italians :-). In general, it seems to me that there are no rules except one – “first come, first served”. What is happening on the city streets and how drivers drive their cars here – you have to experience by yourself to understand. Nevertheless, I would never dare to drive a car in this city. I know that I would not be able to enter the traffic, find a parking spot or manage to survive in the never-ending traffic jams.

It is also worth remembering that in the majority of taxis, you can’t pay with a credit card, as drivers do not have terminals. At the airport, you can find ATMs and currency exchange offices. To avoid surprises afterwards, it is worth exchanging some money before we get into a taxi.

Officially registered taxis

As you step out of Istanbul Airport, the anticipation of exploring the bustling streets of this vibrant city fills the air. But before you immerse yourself in the sights and sounds, there’s the matter of transportation to address. Istanbul Airport’s taxi service is available, offering a convenient and reliable way to kickstart your adventure.

But there’s more to these taxis than meets the eye. UKOME has introduced differentiated pricing tariffs for the various taxi categories to enhance service quality and promote eco-friendly transportation. This move not only ensures fair pricing but also incentivises the adoption of zero-emission vehicles.

Taxi in Turkey – three distinct categories

Among the fleet of taxis waiting to whisk you away, you’ll notice three distinct categories: the energetic orange ‘C‘ type taxis, the vibrant turquoise ‘D‘ type taxis, and the sleek black ‘E’ type luxury taxis. Each category offers a unique experience, catering to different preferences and budgets.

According to the UKOME-administered tariff, turquoise taxi fares are set 15% higher than those of orange taxis. This adjustment reflects the commitment to promoting environmentally friendly transportation options while maintaining affordability for passengers. So, if you’re conscious about reducing your carbon footprint, opting for a turquoise taxi is a step in the right direction.

For those seeking a touch of luxury and elegance, the black ‘E’ type taxis await. However, indulging in luxury comes at a premium, with fares set 70% higher than those of their orange counterparts. Yet, for many travellers, the promise of comfort and sophistication is well worth the additional cost.

As you settle into your chosen taxi, you can rest assured that the pricing structure is designed to be transparent and fair. Gone are the days of haggling over fares or worrying about being overcharged. With UKOME’s regulated tariff in place, you can focus on enjoying the journey ahead.

So, whether you opt for the eco-friendly turquoise taxi, the luxurious black taxi, or the vibrant orange taxi, know that you’re not just embarking on a ride through Istanbul’s bustling streets – you’re also contributing to a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Public transport

Public transport, despite my earlier doubts, has many advantages. It’s fast, cheap, convenient, modern and safe. I mentioned only the pros, as the only downside is that it is not possible to get everywhere by metro or tram. By now, I have not had a chance to experience travelling by bus. The city bus system (IETT and Otobus A.Ş. Bus Fleet) still seems to be quite complicated. Fortunately for tourists visiting the city, the metro and tram will be enough to see all the major attractions.

Istanbul Kart

Initially, I recommend purchasing the Istanbul Kart, a type of universal city card. The best moment to buy is right after your arrival. At the Atatürk airport, in front of the entrance to the metro station, there are ticket machines where you can buy this card. The card costs 50 TLY (approximately 1.5 USD) and is a non-refundable fee. After buying the card, you must charge it, because it is a prepaid card. To use it, you first need to top up your account on the card.

Card charging machines stand at almost every subway station. They are also available at every tram stop. That means this option is very convenient for regular use. When going through the gate at the subway or tram stop, the card reader will display the available limit on our account, allowing us to know when it needs to be topped up. The charging machines accept only banknotes of 5, 10, and 20 TL.

It is also worth noting that several (up to 5) people can ride simultaneously using only one Istanbul card. The cardholder must stand at the gate and open it for other people travelling with them. While exiting the tram/ metro, a card is not needed, as the gates open automatically. It is, therefore, an ideal form for couples travelling together or families with children. The card is the size of a standard credit card, making it convenient to carry in your wallet.

Sea transport

For a long time, boats have been crossing the waters of the Bosphorus. It may be hard to believe, but until 1973 (when the first bridge was built on the Bosphorus), it was the only possible means of transport between the European and Asian parts of the city. Today, despite three bridges and a subway passing under the water, ships remain a very popular means of urban transportation. It is used not only by city residents but also by tourists who travel by boat on the Bosphorus, making it an attraction in itself.

The largest ferry operator in Istanbul, Istanbul Sea Buses (İDO), has passenger and car ferries.  In their offer, there are trips to ports on both sides of the Bosporus. In 2011, the city decided to entrust the company’s management to a private company (IDO) for a period of 30 years.

There are currently 50 passenger ferry ports in Istanbul, 37 of which are open year-round. During the summer months, there are approximately 600 passenger journeys daily in the waters of the Bosphorus. They are serviced by 28 vessels. There are currently 3 types of ferries in Istanbul: Sea Buses (İDO) – mainly catamarans, Vapur (suburban ferries) and private motorboats.

Sea transport is part of Istanbul’s integrated urban transport system and can be used by those who hold a valid Istanbul Kart.

Istanbul – Metro (M)

There are currently 10 metro lines in the city (2024). Lines 1, 2, 3, and 6, 7, 9, and 11 are located on the European side of the town, and lines 4, 5, and 8 are on the Anatolian side. The plans include the construction of new lines 10, 12, and 14 on the Asian side, as well as the expansion of existing metro lines, including the new M11 line from the new Istanbul Airport.

M1A (red line) Yenikapi-Ataturk Airport Metro Line

The M1A runs from the already closed Atatürk Airport to Yenikapı. That line was Istanbul’s first rapid transit system. With that line, you can get to the Coach Terminal Station. The full journey of this metro takes 35 minutes. During peak hours, the metro goes every 2,5 minutes.

M1B (red line) Yenikapi-Kirazli Metro Line

M1B operation is carried out jointly between Yenikapı and Otogar stations, utilising the M1A line. Separated after Otogar Station, the line passes through Esenler and Bagcilar Square, and ends in integration with the M3 Kirazlı-Kayasehir Merkez metro line in the Kirazlı region. There are 23 stations on that line. The whole journey with that line will take 35 minutes.

M2 (green line) Yenikapi-Seyrantepe-Haciosman Metro Line

The M2 goes from Yenikapi to Haciosman. With that line, you can get to Taksim and Levent (the business part of the city). The whole journey with that line will take 27 minutes.

M3 (blue line) Kirazali-Kayasehir Merkez MetroLine

The M3 line runs from Kirazli to Olimpiyat, primarily serving the local inhabitants, as it connects the city’s “sleeping” areas. There are 11 stations on the way, and the whole journey will take only 20 minutes.

M4 (pink line) Kadikoy-Sabiha Gokcen Metro Line

The M4 line connects districts located on the Anatolian side. Goes from Kadikoy to Tavsantepe. The entire line was built underground, including the depot and workshop areas. There are 19 stations on the way, and the entire journey can take up to 65 minutes. Used only by the locals.

M5 (purple line) Uskudar-Cekmekoy Metro Line

The M5 Line is the second metro line on the Anatolian Side and the first driverless metro line in Turkey. The line starts at Uskudar Square, then passes through the Umraniye district centre, and ends at Cekmekoy Square. The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality plans to extend the M5 Line to the Sultanbeyli District and Sabiha Gökçen Airport, thanks to works being carried out within the framework of its rail system vision.

M6 (beige line) Levent-Bogazici U./Hisarustu Metro Line

This line ensures access for passengers travelling to Boğaziçi University. It was built using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) and as a single tube. Built on the monorail, the system intermixes at the station areas only. There is only one train which runs One Way in other regions due to the construction techniques. There are 4 stations on the way, and the journey takes 7 minutes.

M7 (pink line) Yildiz-Mahmutbey Metro Line

The M7 Yildiz-Mahmutbey Metro Line is commissioned as the first fully automatic driverless metro of the European side of Istanbul. The Mecidiyekoy-Mahmutbey stage section is the first stage of the relevant line and will provide services between Kabataş and Esenyurt upon completion. It will pass through Sisli, Kagithane, Eyüp Sultan, Gaziosmanpaşa, Esenler, and Bağcılar districts, where approximately 3 million people reside.

Fulya and Yıldız stations, located in the 2nd phase of the line, were commissioned on January 2nd, 2023, and their connection with Besiktas was established. There are 17 stations on the way, and the whole journey will take only 32 minutes.

M8 (dark blue line) Bostanci-Dudullu-Parseller Metro Line

The construction of the line, initiated by IMM in February 2016, was planned to connect the east-west lines on the Anatolian Side in a north-south direction and was built accordingly. There are 13 stations on the way, and the whole journey will take only 25 minutes.

M9 (yellow line) Bahariye Olimpiyat Metro Line

The Bahariye and Masko stations of the first stage of the M9 Atakoy-Olimpiyat Metro Line will be commissioned on May 29, 2021. The M9 Line was combined with the Ikitelli Sanayi and Ziya Gokalp Olimpiyat stations, which provide shuttle operations within the M3 Line, and began providing services between Bahariye and Olimpiyat stations. There are five stations on the way, and the whole journey will take only 10 minutes.

M11 (a new line)

The long-awaited Metro Line M11 finally started its routes in January 2023. Providing Istanbul airport’s passengers with the opportunity to travel quickly and comfortably to the city of Istanbul, the airport subway is expected to become the most popular transportation mode among IST passengers. For the time being, the driverless M11 covers a 34-km distance from Istanbul Airport to Kâğıthane. A further expansion during the first semester of 2023 will link Istanbul Airport to Gayrettepe Station, giving the line a total length of 37.5km.

The Istanbul airport metro line currently serves seven subway stations. Hence, after leaving the airport (IST terminal and Cargo terminal stations), M11 calls at İhsaniye, Göktürk, Kemerburgaz, and Hasdal before ending its journey at Kâğıthane.

Tip: After arriving at Kâğıthane, you can hop on Metro Line M7, whereas once Gayrettepe Station is added to M11’s itinerary, Istanbul Airport will be linked to Metro Line M2 and the Metrobüs network (Zincirlikuyu Metrobüs Station) at Gayrettepe.

How to get there from the airport?

The new subway station of Istanbul International Airport lies opposite Exit 11, on the front side of the car park. Being within a 300-meter distance from the terminal’s entrance, it is easy to locate. Nevertheless, as the IST terminal is vast, reaching the metro station can be tedious and time-consuming. In the future, a second station is expected to be added to the airport’s complex. However, no further information is available about the exact timeline of this project.

Tickets

Subway tickets can’t be bought with cash or bank cards. You’ll need to purchase a rechargeable card, known as Istanbulkart, and top it up with money (using only cash). Hence, Istanbul airport metro tickets can be purchased only via Istanbulkart. Costing 60₺ (approximately 2.94€/3.10$), Istanbulkarts can be purchased and loaded at the automatic machines located at the airport subway station. The price for a one-way ticket is 9.90₺ (0.48€/0.50$), and as the line’s construction progresses and its traversed distance increases, the ticket cost will be up to 12₺ (0.59€/0.70$).

What is worth knowing about Metro

• The Istanbul Railway Network Map shows the integrated Istanbul Rail Network. There are underground metro, tram, cable car, heritage tram, Tunnel metro, funicular lines, Marmaray line, and Metrobus services.
• The Istanbul Metro operates from 06:00 a.m. to 00:00 a.m. midnight. In peak hours, it goes every 2,5 to 5 minutes.

Istanbul Transportation – How to Get to the Main Attractions in the City?

The tram T1 line can take you to almost all major attractions in the city. You can easily get to the Grand Bazaar, Sultan Suleiman Mosque and museum Hagia Sofia. With that line, you can also get to the Topkapi Palace, Galata Bridge, Karaköy district and the Dolmabahçe Palace. Kabatas is the last stop on the T1 tram line.  Here you can get a ferry to the Princes’ Islands, a Bosphorus cruise or the Maiden’s Tower.

With the tram line T1, you can also reach the metro M2, which takes you to the business district of the city. You can also connect with the Marmaray train (crossing the Bosphorus) or with the underground funicular line F1.

Future of the Istanbul Railway Network

It is also worth noting that currently, the city of Istanbul is continuing a great construction project, under the slogan “Metro everywhere”. To emphasise the speed at which construction works take place here, there are a few brief facts below:

• Before 2004, there were only 45 km of metro lines in the city
• Currently (2018), there are over 160 km
• In 2019, it is planned that the metro will cover over 350 km
• In 2024, it is over 1,100 km

Istanbul transport – interesting facts

Historic trams / Nostalgic tramways

The city has two historic tram lines. One of them is on the European side (Taksim-Tünel) – T2 line. The second one is on the Anatolian side (Kadıköy-Moda) – T3 line. In the past, horse-drawn trams ran around the city. When the development and modernisation of Istanbul started, horse-drawn trams were replaced with electric trams. The most developed tram network in the city was established in 1956. Unfortunately, the rapid development of the city and the rather chaotic architecture led to the decision in 1966 to withdraw the trams from the city. At the same time, all road investments were concentrated on developing the highways.

Over time, it became clear that crowded streets require a modernised public transportation network. After a 24-year absence, trams returned to the streets of Istanbul.

In 1990, it was decided to restore the historic streetcar to İstiklal Caddesi (“Avenue of Independence”) in the Taksim district. The purpose was to check the potential of such transport. The huge interest in the tram was mainly among the tourists. Its popularity was so great that in 1992 and 2007, modern trams were introduced to the city streets – both on the European and Anatolian sides (lines T1, T3, and T4).

A trip by tram along İstiklal Caddesi takes only a short time. It may be from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the traffic. There are only five stops on the route, but the tram moves very slowly. On its way, it passes through the middle of a popular shopping street and turns into a pedestrian walk promenade. The tram moves quite slowly and rings frequently to clear its way. It’s worth taking advantage of this attraction or at least seeing the tram from outside.

F2 – the Tunnel

This underground cable car, “the Tunnel”, is the oldest subway line in continental Europe. It is also the second one in the world after London. The queue was commissioned for the first time in 1875 and remains in use to this day. The tunnel is 573 m long, and the height difference between Karaköy and Tünel Square stations is 60 meters. The journey by train takes about 90 seconds. Approximately 15,000 people use it daily, including tourists. Formerly, the wagons were powered by steam, but after modernisation in 1971, they are now powered electrically. There is no doubt that both attractions are super interesting and worth visiting.

You can use your Istanbul Kart on both historical trams.

How to get to and from the IST Airport

Please check my travel pots below.

Istanbul New Airport

Internet – how not to be bankrupt due to phone bill, in a country where roaming does not work

Unfortunately, roaming does not work in Türkiye. Therefore, we should consider the fact that we will only be able to use the internet in the hotel or in internet cafes. And what if we want to use the Internet after leaving the hotel? What if we’re going to turn on the GPS, check the address, check the museum’s working hours, and find out how to get to the place we are looking for? What if you want to order Uber (yes, Uber works in Türkiye) or check the number for a taxi corporation? I have my patent for such situations. I tested it in Japan, South Korea and Europe when we didn’t have integrated EU regulations yet.

Whenever I have such a need, I am looking to see if it is possible to rent a pocket Wi-Fi. This is a small, portable device that can be connected to up to five devices simultaneously.

• 4G Portable WiFi with Delivery for Turkey*

What is usually included in the price?

• Internet 4G service
• connect up to 5 devices
• unlimited and safe internet
• The small size of the device allows you to always have it with you
• coverage – all over Türkiye

The most important thing to know after placing your order is that a Wi-Fi device will be delivered to the hotel you specify. The device will be delivered with a charging cable and connection security code. On the day of departure, simply place the device in the same envelope in which you received it and leave it at the hotel reception. In some companies, you must return it in the original envelope to the rental company, which means you have to put the envelope in the mailbox.

Connect with the top travel destinations to and from Istanbul or the main Turkish cities.

• • Sofia Serdica Bus Station – Istanbul Central Bus Station
  • Göreme Bus Station – Istanbul Central Bus Station
  • Istanbul Central Bus Station – Göreme Bus Station
  • Göreme Bus Station – Pamukkale
  • Göreme Transfer – Kayseri Airport
  • Antalya Bus Station – Alanya Bus Station
  • Göreme Bus Station – Antalya Bus Station
  • Istanbul Central Bus Station – Bucharest Marina Travel
  • Istanbul Central Bus Station – Sofia Serdica Bus Station
  • Istanbul Central Bus Station – Göreme Bus Station
  • Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport – Göreme Transfer
  • Bucharest Marina Travel – Istanbul Central Bus Station
  • Ortachala Bus Station – Harem Bus Station
  • Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport – Istanbul New Airport

Türkiye – my other posts

I also encourage you to read my other posts about Istanbul, Cappadocia and Türkiye:

• • Istanbul and Cappadocia – tailor-made travel plan
  • Cappadocia – a land of beautiful horses
  • Istanbul New Airport
  • Istanbul – Secrets of the City 
  • Türkiye photos
  • Istanbul – an idea for sightseeing

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