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Every ferry route in Istanbul is fun to ride, but my favorite is the route between Kadıköy and Eminönü. It gives you some of the best vistas of the UNESCO World Heritage listed historic city and its famous landmarks.
Riding the Ferry
Using your Istanbulkart, noard any one of the Istanbul City Lines ferries (İstanbul Şehir Hatları) at Kadıköy or Eminönü, find a seat on the top deck (if it’s not too cold), and settle in for the lovely cruise between the continents of Europe and Asia. If you want, you can even order a çay (tea) or Turkish coffee from one of the servers walking around the boat. Inside the ferry, you’ll find snack bars selling all kinds of goodies as well.
No matter which direction you ride, you’re guaranteed a scenic voyage. In the old city, you can see the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya Camii), and Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı). It’s quite a sight when all six minarets of the Blue Mosque come into view. Other landmarks you can spot are the dome of Hagia Eirine, the Beyazıt Tower (Beyazıt Kulesi), and the huge Turkish flag flying over Sarayburnu Park.
As you approach (or leave) the bustling Eminönü Ferry Terminal (Eminönü İskelesi), you can see the Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii) in its commanding position atop of the Third Hill of Istanbul. Across the mouth of the Golden Horn in Karaköy you can see the Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) rising above the colorful neighborhood of Galata and the historic Galata Bridge (Galata Köprüsü).
