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. 🙂
