How to Avoid the Steep Climb to Taksim or Cihangir?

Istanbul, just like Rome, is built on seven hills. So, when you’re exploring the city on foot - which is the best way - at one point or another you will be challenged with a rather steep slope to reach your destination.

This is for instance the case if you’re coming from Eminönü after visiting the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşı) or after disembarking from a Bosphorus TourWhat Bosphorus Cruise Tour to Take in Istanbul? and planning to take a stroll on Istiklal Caddesi in Taksim. Or if you just want to visit Cihangir, home to many excellent restaurants, cafés and bars as well as the luxury design Witt Istanbul hotelWitt Istanbul Hotel. Here are a few inexpensive and quick options to avoid the steep climb.

With the Funicular to Taksim Square

If Taksim or Cihangir is your final destination and you find yourself in Sultanahmet or Eminönü, the easiest and cheapest way is to hop onto the Zeytinburnu-Kabataş tram line (T1) in the direction of Kabataş. Since Kabataş is the final station, you can’t go wrong. There you will connect with the Taksim-Kabataş funicular (F1) to reach Taksim Square.

Then you can either hang around Taksim or walk down (always easier) to Cihangir. These tram lines operate daily from 6:00 till midnight. Jetons are no longer sold; instead you tap an Istanbul Kart, and a ride costs the standard flat fare of 46.20 TL per person (July 2026 tariff).

With Tünel to Istiklal Caddesi or Galata

If you want to reach the other end of Istiklal Caddesi and visit the Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) or walk the full stretch of Istiklal Caddesi in the direction of Taksim Square, then this is your best option. From Sultanahmet take the Zeytinburnu-Kabataş tram line (T1) in the direction of Kabataş and get off in Karaköy (the first stop after crossing the Galata Bridge) to connect to Tünel. If you’re already in Eminönü, just cross the Galata Bridge on foot and enjoy the view.

When looking in the direction of Taksim, you’ll find the Tünel entrance on your left in a building on a corner. Tap your Istanbul Kart and hop on the world’s shortest and third-oldest underground railway system. A mere 90 seconds later, you’ll find yourself on Tünel Square. Tünel operates from 7 a.m. to 10:45 p.m.

By Taxi

Taking a taxiIstanbul Taxi Fares Every Tourist Ought To Know is of course the easiest, but probably not the quickest nor the cheapest way. During rush hour, you’re better of with public transportationUse Public Transportation in Istanbul to Reach Most Places of Interest. And unless you’re with a party of 3 or more, taking a taxi may not be the cheapest solution either. But, of course the taxi driver will drop you off in front of the door and you won’t get wet in case it rains.