Update: as of 7 April 2019, the new Istanbul Airport (IST) is operational and the only airport on the European side of Istanbul for commercial passenger airlines! Here you can find information on how to reach your hotel from the new Istanbul Airport. New Istanbul Airport is Istanbul’s third international airport. The grand ceremonial opening was on 29th October 2018, … [Read more...]
Why You Should Consider a Private Bosphorus Cruise
Two weeks ago I took a private Bosphorus cruise on the Zoe yacht. I’ve been living in Istanbul for over 10 years now, so I’m no stranger to sailing the Istanbul strait. But this Bosphorus cruise was the best I have taken so far. Here are the details of this beautiful day, and why you should consider it, too. Getting to the Pier A week earlier I booked the Daily Bosphorus … [Read more...]
Istanbul Transportation Map With Places of Interest
This Istanbul transportation map is geared toward tourists. To avoid confusion, it doesn't show every single line available in Istanbul. No, instead it only shows the most the important metro, tram, and funicular lines from a tourist's point of view. And to make finding your way in Istanbul even easier, I put the most common places of interest on the transportation map as … [Read more...]
Marmaray Tunnel Connects Istanbul’s European and Asian Side by Train
The Marmaray Tunnel is a 13,6 km tunnel, partially running under the Bosphorus, and connecting the existing train railways on Istanbul's European and Asian side. This public transportation project, inaugurated in October 2013, is another attempt to ease the traffic over both Bosphorus bridges by offering people an alternative on rails. So, how can this be of any use for … [Read more...]
Main Istanbul Metro, Tram and Funicular Lines for Tourists
Here's a list of essential Istanbul metro, tram and funicular lines. For every line I highlight important places of interest it passes and the respective stop you have to get off to reach those. You'll also find the operating times and frequency. This is also by no means an overview of every public transportation line Istanbul has to offer, but merely the most interesting ones … [Read more...]