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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 Bosphorus.
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 Bosphorus while Dentur Avrasya runs ferries to the islands, Kadıköy, and Üsküdar.
A major construction project for the metro has been underway for several years. The station for the M7 metro line running to Mahmutbey is expected to open in sometime in 2026 (as of May 2025).
Bosphorus Tours from Kabataş
Kabataş is a great place to catch a touristic Bosphorus tour. Dentur Avrasya offers tours several times a day starting at 10:30am. Tickets are 250₺ or free for kids up to 6 (as of May 2025). The boat stops for pickups at Beşiktaş Pier, works its way up the Bosphorus, crosses under the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, and returns to Beşiktaş and Kabataş to drop off passengers. All in all, it lasts about 75 minutes.
Kabataş Square
Kabataş Square opened in 2024. 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 Bosphorus.
Hekimoğlu Ali Pasha Fountain
In front of Kabataş Square is the Hekimoğlu Ali Pasha Fountain (Hekimoğlu Ali Paşa Çeşmesi). It was built in the Baroque style in 1732 by Grand Vizier Hekimoğlu Ali Pasha (1689-1758). The fountain was moved to its present location in 1958. It was restored in 1986-87 and again in 2009.
The inscription facing the street is a poem by Müderris Vâkıf Mahmud Efendi, and facing the sea is a poem by Seyyid Vehbî (1674-1736). The side facing the sea is more elaborate, but it has been inaccessible during my last few visits due to the construction zone.
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 in 1786 by Grand Vizier Koca Yusuf Pasha (1730-1800) to provide water for the less fortunate citizens of the area. The Baroque fountain features latticed windows and a long inscription under the eaves. It was moved to its current location in 1956. The fountain now functions as a small cafe.
