Cruises to Istanbul

387 Reviews
Istanbul (Photo:muratart/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Istanbul

A geographic and metaphoric melding of East and West, Istanbul is the world's only city covering two continents. The Bosporus runs through the center; Europe lies to the west, Asia to the east.

For nearly 2,000 years, the ideally situated metropolis has been the keystone of some of the world's great empires, serving as capital city for the Romans (under the name Constantinople, as noted by the informative "They Might Be Giants" tune), Byzantines and Ottomans.

Inside the sprawling city, the secular and the sacred mingle -- minarets with nightclubs and dusty prayer rugs with designer digs. The idea of Istanbul as collision between East and West reveals itself immediately, with monumental churches cum mosques (the Hagia Sophia), Roman ruins (the Hippodrome, where horse and chariot races were held in Roman times) and unadulterated symbols of consumerism (the Grand Bazaar with its thousands of shops).

Even if the these iconic attractions are what draw many of its tourists to this vast (second only in size to Shanghai) city of 17 million inhabitants, visitors, dutifully plodding through them, may easily miss what makes this city one of the world's most vibrant right now.

Increasingly prosperous, Istanbul has exciting neighborhoods, upscale shops (not just the usual international brands like Prada but also fashion designs by Turkish clothiers) and a thriving restaurant scene that ranges from classic fare to newer, Mediterranean-infused interpretations of local standards. Its Museum of Modern Art -- handily located pierside, where ships dock -- is new and offers both rotating internationally-minded exhibitions and works from Turkish artists.

Istanbul is increasingly popular as a port of embarkation (or disembarkation) for a range of Turkey cruise itineraries, from the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean Greek Isles trips to the migration, twice a year, of ships between Europe and Asia. You can find as many as six ships a day docking there. This noisy place, in which the magical call to prayer several times a day manages to overcome the sound of honking cars, is a great place to add a pre- or post-cruise stay.

  • More about Istanbul

  • Why Cruise to Istanbul?

  • Istanbul Cruise Port Facilities?

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More about Istanbul

Why Cruise to Istanbul?

Pros:

Famous landmarks, like Hagia Sophia, can be seen from a variety of vantage points around the city

Cons:

Some sellers in the Old City and Grand Bazaar can come across as too pushy

Bottom Line:

Istanbul is rich in history and culture, thanks to its location between Europe and Asia

Istanbul Cruise Port Facilities?

There are no facilities inside the port, but just outside there's a collection of cafes, though these are generally oriented to young people enjoying the Turkish tradition of Narjile (which my guide described as "hubble bubble" -- hookah in other countries). Better yet, head over to the cafe and bar at the Museum of Modern Art, which is also within easy walking distance.

Good to Know?

In Istanbul's bazaars and many tourist shops, sellers can be quite brazenly and annoyingly persistent. When shopping for rugs, know that it's customary for the seller to offer shoppers cups of tea. It's considered good manners to accept, particularly if you are genuinely shopping (as opposed to browsing casually).

Also, in deference to Istanbul's beautiful mosques, churches and synagogues, it's advisable to wear respectful attire -- long pants or long skirts if you want to enter these historic sites.

Gratuities are expected, even at restaurants that levy surcharges. (Locals tell us to plan to tip 10 percent of the check and to pay in cash; otherwise the waiters don't get the money.) In taxis, just round up.

Getting Around?

By Cab: Metered taxis are plentiful, and they line up right at the pier; credit cards are generally not accepted. Be wary of any taxi driver who doesn't operate on the meter system.

By Tram: There's also a convenient tram, located a few hundred yards from the pier.

On Foot: If you have strong legs, it's possible to walk up one of Istanbul's infamously steep hills to the Beyoglu, the heart of the city's shopping district. Walking between the major sites, including the Bazaar, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia, is also quite doable.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

Currency is the Turkish lira. For the latest currency conversion figures, visit www.xe.com. ATMs are readily accessible.

Language?

Turkish is spoken there. English is generally spoken at major tourist sites and hotels, but not necessarily otherwise.

Where You're Docked?

Cruise ships dock at the Yolcu Salonu ("Passenger Terminal") in Karakoy, which is centrally located.


Istanbul Cruise Reviews
The city is extremely large, but the old historic section of Istanbul is where all the tourists head. We took a tour, but also explored on our own, as this area is quite walkable. Yes, it is important to see the HaRead More
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LibertyBella
We had two days in Istanbul. Day one, we went to the grand bazar. I would skip this in the future it is crowded and very uncomfortable with all the venders. Not what I expected. However, the next day we went to tRead More
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Sthrngary
We have been several times to Istanbul. Try to fit in the Blue Mosque (currently closed for rennovation), the Hagia Sofia and the Topkapi Palace, as well as the spice market and the grand bazaar. All within easy walkRead More
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virginmojito
The port in Istanbul was dirty and chaotic. Read More
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Troylet

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