Taksim Tünel Tramvay Istanbul
Nostalgic Red Tram Ride
Are you ready for a nostalgic ride of the two top sights of Istanbul from the iconic Taksim Square through the cosmopolitan Istiklal Street?
As a local, I try to avoid Taksim Square because of the loss of its former charm, but I am still in love with the Taksim-Tünel Tramway T2. The tram ride is more than just about getting from A to B – it's an opportunity to slow down, celebrate a sense of sustainability, and a great chance to connect with the city and its people. I wish that all major cities had more trams and bikes rather than cars, buses, and taxis. Don't you agree?
Digging into history, trams once held an important role in Istanbul's transportation from 1869 to 1966, eventually making way for buses. However, in 1990, the revival of the historic tram after the pedestrianization of Istiklal Caddesi injected a dose of nostalgia back into the city. The Tram, stretching 1.6 kilometres with 5 stops, offers a delightful journey from Taksim to Tünel Square, painting a vivid picture of Istanbul.
Although the ride is not that long, I insist on experiencing this unique tour. My suggestion is to take the route from Taksim Square to Tünel and continue exploring nice neighborhoods like Çukurcuma, Asmalı Mescit, or Galata.
Practical details:
- Operates from 07:00 to 22:00,
- It goes every 10 minutes,
- Payable with an Istanbul Kart or a one-pass ticket,
- Has three stops at Hüseyin Ağa Camii, Galatasaray Lisesi, and Odakule, as well as the termini at Taksim and Tünel Squares.
Enjoy the ride. :)
About this spot
Taksim Meydanı Şehit Muhtar, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Mon - Sun 07:00 - 22:00
Tram ticket:
TL
15
Find your way with 239 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul
Firuzan Hanım Çiftliği
Longevity Bites
Firuzan Hanım Çiftliği in serves farm-to-table breakfasts with homemade jams, olives, and olive oil. Enjoy this warm, wholesome spot full of love!
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
Minoa Pera
A Literary Haven
The café, nestled among the bookshelves, serves as a cosy refuge where one can savour their coffee while getting lost in the pages of a newfound gem.
by
Cemre
Sandal
CRR Concert Hall
Istanbul's Cultural Hub
From internationally acclaimed jazz masters to dynamic dance performances, the CRR Concert Hall consistently offers top-notch entertainment.
by
Cemre
Sandal
Kandilli Suna'nin Yeri
Bosphorus's maritime gem
Suna'nin Yeri's commitment to sourcing only the finest seafood is evident in every bite. Everything that is served here is fresh and sourced daily.
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
Homemade Aromaterapi
Natural and vegan products
"Homemade Aromaterapi" is a small, beautiful shop in Kuzguncuk, Istanbul. Come here for cold-pressed essential oils, cleansers, soaps, toothpaste & more!
by
Cemre
Sandal
Kuzguncuk
A neighborhood with unique beauty
"Kuzguncuk" in Istanbul is a uniquely beautiful neighborhood with old colorful houses, mansions and friendly shopkeepers - a sense of connected community.
by
Cemre
Sandal
Chandeliers in Hagia Sophia Mosque
Enlightenment
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
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Lil Bake
Lovely spot for a sweet snack
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
Cemre
Sandal
Vogue Restaurant Bar
Molecular cocktails & sushi
"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
Emre
Kamar
Banyan
High-end Asian fusion in Ortakoy
"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
Emre
Kamar
Forno Balat
Friendly cafe in the Golden Horn
"Forno Balat" in Istanbul has amazing breakfast -- the best scrambled eggs and open-buffet and homemade jams I've tasted in Turkey.
by
Emre
Kamar
Heading to Istanbul?
239 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 239 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Istanbul
Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul
As featured on:
