Port of Istanbul, Türkiye
We stopped in Istanbul, Türkiye on our cruise aboard the Oceania Riviera in November 2023. Here’s a view of what we did while we were there, and you can also watch it on YouTube!
Docking in Istanbul
The Istanbul harbor is utterly mesmerizing. Amidst the lively port activity, the vivid crimson Turkish flags fluttering in the breeze, and the city enveloping you from every angle, it’s an awe-inspiring spectacle. Our ship docked at the harbor, and before long, we embarked on our journey into the heart of the city.
Galataport Terminal
The newly built and modern Galataport is situated on the European side of Istanbul. Galataport boasts the distinction of being the world’s first underground cruise ship terminal. The terminal features a special hatch system that allows it to be placed underground. When no ship is berthed, this system separates the customs and security areas, keeping the promenade open to the public. This innovative approach ensures both safety and accessibility. All passenger and luggage traffic is carried underground, including passport control, customs, and road access by taxi, minibuses, and tour buses. Prepare to ascend several escalators and pass through a few checkpoints before reaching the terminal exit. The Galataport terminal offers a secure promenade where visitors can enjoy dining, shopping, and exploration. To exit and enter this area from the city, you’ll pass through a security checkpoint.
Exploring the City
While venturing into the city, we traversed numerous streets adorned with vibrant and distinctive restaurants and shops. You can explore these streets on foot without the need for transport.
Galata Tower
Eventually we came to The Galata Tower. The Galata Tower, also known as the Galata Kulesi, is a historic landmark located in the Galata part of Istanbul. The Galata Tower (known as the Christea Turris in the past) was constructed in Romanesque style in 1348. At the time of its completion, the Galata Tower stood at an impressive height of 219.5 feet, making it the tallest building in the city. After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the Genoese colony was abolished, and most of the walls of the citadel were later pulled down. The tower survived and was repurposed as a prison. Over the years, the tower has underwent various renovations and restorations.
Today, the Galata Tower serves as an exhibition space and museum. Visitors can explore its historical significance and enjoy sweeping views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus Strait from the observation deck.
If you come to this part of Turkey, you may notice a lot of birds. Istanbul is in a unique position, making it a crucial migration route for birds traveling between Europe, Asia, and Africa. The city’s coastal and wetland areas provide essential stopover points for migratory birds.
Galata Bridge
As we made our way into the city, we came upon the Galata Bridge. The Galata Bridge, steeped in history and symbolism, gracefully spans the Golden Horn, linking the vibrant districts of Eminönü and Karaköy. This multifunctional marvel serves as both a road bridge and a tram line, seamlessly connecting Istanbul’s ancient and contemporary realms. Symbolically, it represents the connection of cultures. You have the option to stroll either above or below the bridge. Beneath the bridge, a collection of restaurants awaits.
New Mosque
We walked toward the New Mosque, also known as Yeni Cami. This beautiful mosque is conveniently reachable on foot from the Galata Bridge and is situated in the bustling district of Eminonu. Despite the lively atmosphere, it remains an excellent stop for cruise travelers due to its proximity and the inclusion of the vibrant Spice Bazaar.
If you’re planning to visit a mosque in Turkey, keep these essential points in mind:
Women should wear head coverings, and a scarf is suitable for this purpose.
It’s advisable for both men and women to don long sleeves and either long skirts or pants.
Upon entering a mosque, remember to remove your footwear and place it in the designated areas.
Show respect and mindfulness while inside.
Mosques are free to enter but are closed during prayer times.
Spice Bazaar
Afterward, we stepped into the Spice Bazaar, which is conveniently located nearby. Also referred to as the Egyptian Bazaar, it stands as one of Istanbul’s most ancient markets. Initially, the bazaar exclusively traded in spices, but over time, it expanded its offerings to include a variety of goods. The rental income generated by the shops within the Spice Bazaar plays a crucial role in maintaining the adjacent New Mosque. Within the bazaar’s bustling walls, you’ll find 85 shops brimming with enticing items such as spices, Turkish delight, jewelry, souvenirs, and other delectable food items.
Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque
We hailed a taxi to visit Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Our initial reaction was one of sheer awe. However, we soon noticed that the queue to enter Hagia Sophia stretched seemingly for miles. The secret is to arrive early in the morning; otherwise, you’ll find yourself waiting in line for an eternity or like us, content with admiring the exterior. Hagia Sophia, which translates to “Holy Wisdom” in Greek, was initially constructed as a Christian cathedral during the Byzantine Empire. Completed in 537 AD, this awe-inspiring monument stands as a testament to human creativity and endurance. While we didn’t have the chance to explore its interior, witnessing its grandeur in person was truly a surreal experience.
As we shifted our gaze in the opposite direction, the Blue Mosque emerged before us. Also referred to as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, this architectural marvel was finalized in 1617. Fortunately, we found ourselves in a significantly shorter queue to step inside this magnificent mosque.
Returning to the Terminal
As the day progressed, we opted to return to Galataport. Despite numerous taxis passing through the area, finding one proved to be an arduous task. Although there are rideshare apps purportedly functional in Istanbul, none of them worked on our phones. Thankfully, a kind store owner stepped in to assist. Eventually, a hesitant taxi driver allowed us into his car. When using taxis, having Turkish Lira on hand is advisable. While many taxi drivers in Istanbul may accept euros, our particular driver struggled with handling them, leading to a protracted negotiation for a reasonable fare. To preempt such situations, we recommend using Google Translate to discuss and agree upon the price beforehand.
Trying Turkish Delights and Coffee
Before embarking on our ship, our final mission was to settle down for a delightful session of Turkish delights and coffee. While we suspected this spot might cater to tourists and perhaps be a tad pricey, we decided to embrace the experience right within Galataport. Being unfamiliar with Istanbul, it seemed like a fitting choice. The place we chose is the first offering you will see as you exit the Galataport Terminal into the Promenade. It’s called Hafiz Mustafa 1864. The Turkish coffee was quite robust, while the tea offered a delightful contrast. We opted for a variety of Turkish treats to try, and they did not disappoint!
At last, we embarked on the lengthy journey back through the terminal and boarded the ship, where we witnessed the sun gracefully sinking below the horizon in Istanbul.
Watch our full vlog on Istanbul below! (Don’t forget to subscribe too!)
