Cruise port

Cruise from Istanbul

Istanbul cruise port, Galataport: information on alternative berths, tram line T1, and shore excursions in Karaköy, Galata and Sultanahmet.

Galataport and getting around

Many cruise ships arrive in Istanbul via Galataport, in the Karaköy district at the entrance to the Bosphorus. The Turkey cruise region includes both Aegean and Mediterranean ports, as well as Istanbul. The port is integrated into the city: Karaköy, Galata and Tophane are all within walking distance. When the port is busy, other berths along the Karaköy–Salıpazarı waterfront may also be used.

For longer journeys, tram line T1 is a convenient option. Tophane and Karaköy stops are nearby boarding points; allow around 20 to 25 minutes to reach Sultanahmet. The main historic sights there are located along the same visitor route. Allow extra time for transfers, waiting and the return journey; traffic can make a taxi ride longer than expected. By comparison, the port of Kuşadası is just 50 metres from the city centre, according to the port operator; in Istanbul, Galataport is the starting point for getting around Karaköy and Galata and continuing on to Sultanahmet.

Karaköy, Galata and Tophane

If you would rather explore on foot, choose a destination close to the port. From Karaköy, you can walk through Galata’s narrow streets to Galata Tower, or continue towards Istiklal Street. Tophane and the waterfront promenade are also good choices for a shorter city stroll. The proximity of these districts makes it possible to spend your time ashore without a long transfer.

Sultanahmet and the historic peninsula

Sultanahmet is the ideal focus for a visit to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace. Take the T1 from Karaköy or Tophane, and plan your visit to the historic peninsula as one continuous excursion. The sights and bazaars attract many visitors, so decide in advance which interiors you would like to visit. A 12-night itinerary announced on August 16, 2022, for Azamara Pursuit was due to begin with an overnight stay in Istanbul and then call at Burgas, Varna and Constanța, among other ports. The itinerary announced at the time linked Istanbul with other ports on Black Sea cruises.

Planning your time ashore

You can make the most of a port day in Istanbul by focusing on one area rather than drawing up a long list of far-flung places. If your time is limited, stay in Karaköy, Galata and Tophane. With more time, you can take the T1 to Sultanahmet. Plan your return journey and any transfer around your ship’s departure time.

Istanbul — Port and City

Schematic map of Istanbul: Galataport on the European Bosphorus shore, Sultanahmet and Sirkeci Station south of the Golden Horn, Esenler Bus Terminal farther west, Istanbul Airport northwest, and Sabiha Gökçen Airport southeast on the Asian side. — Istanbul: Galataport by Karaköy, the historic Sultanahmet district and Sirkeci Station; the regional map also shows Esenler Bus Terminal and Istanbul and Sabiha Gökçen airports. Graphic: Max-TD / OpenAI · AI-localized schematic map

On shore

Excursions around Istanbul (Turkey)

Tour of Istanbul

The excursion through the city on the Bosphorus takes in Istanbul's most significant tourist sights; including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Serail and the Hippodrome. A visit to the bazaar provides an opportunity to learn the most important facts about Turkish carpets and to sample some Turkish tea. Clothing suitable for visits to religious sites is required.

Tour of Istanbul with lunch on board

Tour to the most important tourist sights in the city of 1001 nights. Past the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome to the Topkapi Serail and the Hagia Sophia mosque. Lunch on board. Back in Istanbul, a visit to the bazaar provides an opportunity to learn something about Turkish carpets and to sample some Turkish tea.

Super Istanbul

This tour takes in the most significant tourist sights in the city: the Blue Mosque. Hippodrome. Topkapi Serail. Hagia Sophia. The cisterns of Giustiniano. Lunch in the old imperial palace. A visit to the bazaar provides an opportunity to learn the most important facts about Turkish carpets and to sample some Turkish tea.

Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and bazaar

Half-day tour to the artistic and cultural highlights of Istanbul: the Blue Mosque of Sultan Ahmed. The Hippodrome (2nd century). Hagia Sophia. A visit to the bazaar provides an opportunity to learn the most important facts about Turkish carpets and to sample some Turkish tea. Clothing suitable for a visit to a mosque is required.