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Most visitors in Istanbul will pass through Kabataş at one point or another. It’s a busy transportation hub located between Fındıklı and Dolmabahçe. There’s not much to see in the area other than a couple historic fountains.
Transportation in Kabataş
Kabataş contains the first stop on the T1 tram line running to Bağcılar and the F1 funicular line that runs up to Taksim Square and Istiklal Street. There’s also a busy bus terminal with routes running to the districts of Şişli, Beyoğlu, and Beşiktas, and north along the Bosporus.
If you’re looking to get across to the Asian side or the Princes’ Islands, the Kabataş ferry terminal is located there as well. There are city-run ferries (İstanbul Şehir Hatları) to the islands and up the Bosporus while Dentur runs ferries to the islands, Kadıköy, and Üsküdar.
During my last few visits to the area, there was a major construction project underway. The station for the M7 metro line running to Mahmutbey is currently under construction and expected to open in November 2025 (as of May 2024).
Bosporus Tours from Kabataş
Kabataş is a great place to catch a touristic Bosporus tour. Dentur Avrasya offers tours five times a day starting at 10:40am. They cost 150₺ (as of May 2024) and stop for pickups at Beşiktaş Pier. The boat works its way up the Bosporus, crosses under the 2nd bridge, and returns to Beşiktaş and Kabataş to drop off passengers.
Kabataş Square
Kabataş Square opened in 2024 and was partially complete during my last visit. It’s an open space where you can catch the City Lines ferries. There’s a city-run café as well.
Paths along the sides of the square take you to the top of a grass-covered structure for spectacular views of the Bosporus. I’ll update once I have a chance to visit the completed version of the square.
Hekimoğlu Ali Pasha Fountain
In front of Kabataş Square is the Hekimoğlu Ali Pasha Fountain (Hekimoğlu Ali Paşa Çeşmesi). It was built in 1732 by Ottoman Grand Vizier Hekimoğlu Ali Pasha (1689-1758). The fountain was moved to its present location in 1958 and restored in 2009. Unfortunately, it sits in the construction zone for the metro and I was unable to get a good photo.
Koca Yusuf Pasha Fountain
Across the street from the Dentur ferry terminal is the Koca Yusuf Pasha Fountain (Koca Yusuf Paşa Sebili). It was built by Ottoman Grand Vizier Koca Yusuf Pasha (1730-1800) in 1786 to provide water for the less fortunate citizens of the area. The fountain now functions as a small café.
