Who needs a pricy Bosphorus tour by a tour company when there are local Bosphorus lines of "Şehir Hatları" (public sea transportation run by Istanbul Metropolitan)? Anadolu Kavağı - Üsküdar line is perfect for seeing the whole shore on the Anatolian side. You can also get off at one of the piers and catch the next boat after visiting the popular neighborhoods on the coastline.
Anadolu Kavağı- Üsküdar line stops at 9 piers: Anadolu Kavağı, Beykoz, Paşabahçe, Çubuklu, Kanlıca, Anadolu Hisarı, Çengelköy, Beylerbeyi, Üsküdar. Beware that some of the trips do not stop by Anadolu Kavağı; they start at the previous pier in Beykoz. The advantage of the tour is that throughout the Anatolian shore, you can see gorgeous historic mansions from the 17th-18th century. A few of the famous mansions are Çubuklu Yedi Sekiz Hasan Paşa Mansion, Kandilli Count Ostrorog Mansion, Anadolu Hisarı Hekimbaşı Salih Efendi Yalısı.
I generally start my trip from Üsküdar, and if I go all the way to Anadolu Kavağı, I get off there, stroll along the streets, eat fresh fish at the fish restaurants near the pier and then come back through the same route, but it is also possible to cross to the European side by the Anadolu Kavağı- Rumeli Kavağı line. The only problem with the Anadolu Kavağı-Üsküdar line is that they do not offer too many trips a day. There are 4 trips in the morning and 4 trips in the afternoon. You can check the up-to-date timetable at the Şehirhatları website or the piers.
Find your way with 241 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
The "Chandeliers in Istanbul's Hagia Sophia" have their own little recent story which is good to remember whenever you pay a visit... Lighting is key!
by
With it large garden and lovely ambience, "Primitif Birahane" in Istanbul resembles 'biergartens' in Germany, though here you will find plenty of cats...
by
Lil Bake is a small, lovely spot in the heart of Moda, Istanbul. My favorite used to be the pistachio Paris breast, until I tasted their croissants...
by
"Banyan" is my bar/restaurant of choice in Istanbul's Ortaköy for a drink or dinner after work. In their terrace you'll feel as if you're on a ship's deck.
by
"Vogue Restaurant Bar" is one of Istanbul's higher end spots. The food is great, but I would recommend the signature (molecular) cocktails. How about...
by
"Grand Bazaar" is my place to buy the best Istanbul souvenir: round, fat evil eyes! Just don't forget to bargain...
by
"Norm Coffee" Istanbul makes me feel as if I'm in a spaceship travelling to a coffee planet every time! It's just one of my favorite spots in the city.
by
"Forno Balat" in Istanbul has amazing breakfast -- the best scrambled eggs and open-buffet and homemade jams I've tasted in Turkey.
by
"Groove" is my suggestion for music lovers who're in Istanbul looking for record shops! Sami, "the music doctor", will guide you through this journey...
by
"The Letter Opener" is one of the best souvenirs to get for friends back home when you're in Istanbul and I recommend you get them from Grand Bazaar.
by
The "Tortoise Trainer" is one of my favorite paintings to be found in Istanbul. You can see it in the contemporary/orientalist Istanbul Pera museum.
by
Turkish Tea is had after each meal, and it's a reflection of hospitality. When in Istanbul, have it at small local tea houses in Sultanahmet.
by
241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 241 Insider Tips