Kabatas

Located on the south-eastern side of the Beyoglu district, on the banks of the Bosphorus, Kabataş is a well-positioned neighborhood, full of visitors, both local and tourists, every day. It may not have the historical attractions as nearby areas, such as Sultanahmet, or the modern shopping possibilities of Nisantasi, but its location on one of the most strategically important straits in the world, and a central position in the magnificent city of Istanbul, make it a transportation hub that almost can’t be avoided when visiting this tourist-packed metropolis.

With transport possibilities including the tram, funicular, and ferries, you will find it easy and affordable to get to any point of the city, be it on the European or Anatolian side of Istanbul.

If you want to get from Kabataş to Taksim square, the busy central spot of the Beyoglu district, crowded with tourists day and night, there is the option of the F1 Taksim – Kabataş Funicular line. It is a recently established line taking you to your destination in just 2.5 minutes, spearing you through the uphill journey, across the densely populated area. It was opened on 29 June 2006 and even though it is only 594 metres long, its importance should not be underestimated. It serves as a bridge that connects the various means of public transportation leading up to Taksim square, mostly rail-based, and the important maritime traffic of the Kabataş docks. Thus, it integrates lots of lines into a unique system, making it easy for both the commuters and tourists, linking the Bagcilar – Kabataş tram line and Kabataş docks to the Metro station and Istiklal nostalgic tram.

This way, for example, it is possible to get from the airport to the areas rich with maritime traffic possibilities such as Besiktas and Kabataş itself, using only the rail system, which was significantly more complicated before 2006. This crucial link operates every day from 6.15am until midnight, and with four air-conditioned cars servicing the line, it leaves every three minutes during peak hours, transporting over 30 thousand passengers a day. However, if you want to go from Taksim to Kabataş, provided you have plenty of time on your hands and don’t mind the walk, you could go by foot, since its downhill. You just need to go down the street leading to the German Consulate and then take  Beytulmalci Street, which is pedestrian only, and go down the steep stairs leading you right to the ferry docks of Kabataş, in around 15 minutes, depending on your walking speed.

If you are off to visit Sultanahmet from Kabataş, the Bagcilar – Kabataş tram line is the one you’re looking for. Starting from the Sirkeci – Aksaray phase in 1992, this line was slowly extended to the 18.5 kilometers it has today, linking Kabataş and, through the funicular also Taksim square, to the most popular areas and attractions, such as Sultanahmet, Eminonu, and Grand Bazaar, with plans to extend it further to Besiktas in the near future. The line also provides uninterrupted rail-based transportation from Ataturk airport to 4. Levent.

It starts from Kabataş ferry docks and goes on to Karakoy Square, on the shore of the Golden Horn, where it passes across the Galata Bridge, to the ferry docks of Eminonu. From there, the tram goes to popular Sultanahmet, the historic center of old Istanbul and through to Grand Bazaar and the Topkapi Gate, before passing by the shores of the Marmara Sea to get to Bagcilar. It operates every day from 6am to midnight, with the trip taking around 65 minutes, if going the full length. With 92 cars leaving every 10 minutes or less, the tram transports more than 300,000 passengers daily.

The Kabataş ferry docks are not only a good and fast way across the Bosphorus, but also provide an enjoyable sea trip, no matter if you are just travelling to the Asian side of the city, or going on a cruise. Ferries depart regularly for docks on the other side of the strait, namely Uskudar, Kadikoy, Bostanci and Harem, and is highly recommended instead of the Marmaray line, provided you have enough time on your hands. You can also travel to Prince’s Islands for a relaxing day without the noise of motorized vehicles, or take a breath-taking cruise of the Bosphorus, taking you all the way up north to Anadolu Kavagi, stopping at various places on the way.

The usual fare for public transportation is 4TL, but you can get a better price using Istanbul Kart.

If you’re a passionate ciclyst or want some relaxing time involving physical activity and a great view, there’s always the Kabataş – Yenikoy bicycle track, right on the Bosphorus bank.