Istanbul has a relatively large Cruise Port where several cruise ships can dock at the same time. Ships dock right on the Bosphorus directly across from the Old City just short of the first bridge crossing the Bosphorus near Dolmabahce Palace and Galata Bridge. The Old City is within walking distance by heading north, crossing the bridge and then entering Old City.
The walking distance between the ends of the pier is approximately 15 minutes. Where exactly you will dock depends on the traffic of the day and the size of your cruise ship. The Cruise Port of Istanbul is situated approximately 2.5 km from Sultanahmet, the district with the most highlights.
All the port guides told us that we could do this port on our own. Our first hangup was getting to the main road. We docked about as far away as we could get and it was very confusing when we got off the ship.
We had spent less time than if we had stood in the long line at the mosque plus we had a unique experience. Some more sites and an expensive lunch and we were ready to go back to the ship. We found the tram stop, asked advice as to what train to take and we were off.
Please note that just because the tram is going the direction you want to go doesn’t mean you will get to your destination. The one we were on went to the bridge we were supposed to cross to get to the ship but it reversed directions and we were across town before we knew it.
Fun day in port. Walked around town (very easy). Found a good seaside restaurant to have lunch.
It was OK.. did not see much, it was over crowded, and it was a Friday, not a good day for a visit.
Do Not Forget !
Foreigners who arrive in Turkey by cruise liner and sleep on the ship are allowed to enter Turkey without a visa for a maximum period of 72 hours, with the permission given by the local security authorities as soon as you set foot ashore. If you stay longer or stay in Istanbul (or Turkey for that matter) before or after your cruise, you are obliged to obtain a visa.
It’s a bit surreal to watch an endless line of cargo ships stream past ancient ruins, but that’s what you get in Istanbul! The port is such a vital part of the city’s function and character.
The Port of Istanbul is located where the Golden Horn inlet flows into the Bosporus River. It is a 10-minute stroll to the Grand Bazaar. Taxis and a tram are located nearby.
Metered taxis are plentiful and line up at the pier. You can skip the taxis by taking the convenient tram, located a few hundred yards from the pier. It is four stops on the tram to Sultanahmet and the Old City. Many of the historic sites are located in this area including the Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque. Walking between the major sites, including the Baazar, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, is also quite doable.
Hi, we are arriving in Istanbul on Mariner of the seas and will have a day and a half. Istanbul port close to the city for walking? would it be better to barter a taxi for a day trip or would an excursion be better?
Generally we like to explore by ourselves and see as much as we can We would like to see Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar and have a Turkish meal in the evening. Can anyone advise the best way to do this, Thanks.
Hi, Old town is very near to port, you can even walk in less than half an hour. Best way to reach old town is to use light tram. Its on the main street across port. Leave train at Sultanahmet stop.
Ships dock right on the Bosphorus directly across from the Old City just short of the first bridge crossing the Bosphorus near Dolmabahce Palace. The Old City is within walking distance by heading north, crossing the bridge and then entering Old City by the Spice Market, however, taxis are the recommended way to get there. It is best to have a taxi drop you at the Blue Mosque and you can explore the Old City’s sights and shopping from there ending up at the Spice Market for a stroll over the bridge and back to you ship (or grab a taxi back).