Galataport Istanbul Guide: Where to Eat, Shop and How to Explore the City

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The Galataport cruise ship terminal in the Karakoy area of Istanbul is billed as the World’s First Underground Cruise Ship Terminal. Historically this neighborhood was a melting pot of culture and commerce and an important commercial center in the city.

After years of redevelopment, the massive seaside project has finally been opened to the public. Whether you are visiting by ship yourself or just passing through, it’s a popular place to meet up because of the easy access to public transport (especially tram & ferry) and an abundance of shopping, dining and nightlife options.

Even though I live on the Asian side of the city, I am always passing through Karakoy’s ferry port or coming to the backstreets of Karakoy to meet up with friends. These days you can’t help but notice the big cruise ships docking along the waterfront. My family even came to visit by tacking on a few days at the end of a cruise that ended up in Istanbul.

Here are a few of my favorite things to do in and around Galataport!

17 Fun Things to Do Near Galataport, Istanbul

1. Visit a historic hammam – Book ahead for the Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami (separate hours for men and women) and admire the stunning architecture while you unwind.
2. Check out contemporary art – The Istanbul Modern is easily recognizable at the entrance to Galataort right along the seaside. It houses permanent and rotating exhibits, a restaurant, cafe and library. Don’t miss the rooftop viewing terrace meant to reflect sky and sea.
3. Eat at a restaurant dedicated entirely to soup – Turks love soup (corba) and Karakoy Corba Evi is a great place to try them. Pick from around two dozen daily options, you can also ask for a half portion (az porsyion) if you would like to try more than one! Mercimek corbasi (red lentil soup) is a classic.
4. Sample the city’s best baklava – There are many places to try baklava in the city, but the best is Karakoy Gulluoglu! Get a mixed portion to sample or try “havuc” with a slice of Turkish ice cream sandwiched between it, and don’t forget a cup of tea (cay). Pro tip: You can also get your order vacuum packed to take home as a souvenir!
5. Take the historic funicular up to Galata Tower – It’s only a 90 second ride from sea level up to the Sishane stop above Galata Tower, but I always love to take the historic funicular, Tunel, to avoid having to walk up the steep hill. It’s also quite historic – having been in operation since 1875!
6. Try native grapes at a Turkish wine bar – Many visitors to Turkiye don’t realize that there are so many native grapes to try! If you’re a wine lover, a nice little hideaway is Solera Wine Bar, where they can walk you through the basics. Or book a wine tasting with Andrea Lemieux who literally wrote the book on Turkish wine.
7. Watch an amazing sunset over the Bosphorus – There are many places to enjoy beautiful sunsets in Istanbul – my favorites are all on the Asian side, so that the sun sets over the water and the historic peninsula skyline. I did enjoy the sunset vibe at the rooftop of the JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus near to Galataport though. Pricey drinks, but the view made up for it.
8. Fill up on Turkish Breakfast – There are tons of places where you can get a legendary Turkish breakfast. Walk up into Cihangir for Van Kahvalti Evi, which is one of the most famous spots for a traditional breakfast spread. For a Turkish-Lebanese twist, try Arada (two locations, both very close by).
9. Walk over the Galata Bridge – if you need to stretch your legs, take a walk over the Galata bridge into Eminonu. Note that 365 days a year and in all weather, you are bound to see fishermen lining both sides of the bridge!
10. Take a ferry to another continent – From Karakoy pier, you can catch a ferry to Kadikoy (my favorite!) or Uskudar both on the Asian side of the city. It’s a novelty to say you went from Europe to Asia and back for less than $2, but it’s true! Keep an eye out for dolphins too – there are 4 species that live in the Bosphorus!
11. Sign up for a foodie adventure – like a food tour or a cooking class. If you have enough time, a culinary experience can be a great way to learn about Turkish cuisine and see more of the city. Plus, you get lots of local insight and you will be absolutely stuffed!
12. Try a famous horizontal kebap (my favorite in the city!) – Sehzade Cag Kebap is my favorite kebap and it’s often people’s favorite things they try here when I ask at the end of their trip! Cag kebap is a specialty of the city of Erzerum and this is the best place to try it! Get ayran (salted yogurt drink) along with it even if you think you won’t like it and think of it like a sauce. You can thank me later! 😉
13. Visit the train station where the Orient Express used to depart – There’s a tiny train museum hidden away in Sirkeci Station that is full of vintage artifacts, it’s like stepping back in time. To the right of the museum, you’ll see one of the waiting rooms and if you continue down towards the tracks, you’ll come to the Orient Express restaurant, which is always a nice place for some calm in the middle of the busy city.
14. Admire the trees (and tulips!) – Walk among the huge trees in Gulhane Park which is just under Topkapi Palace. There’s a small hidden cistern in the middle of the park that’s free to visit. And if you’re visiting in April this is one of the best places to see the Istanbul Tulip Festival.
15. Try a famous street food and visit a beautiful waterfront mosque – If you head north along the Bosphorus from Galataport towards the 15 Temmuz Bridge, you will come to Ortakoy. People come here to visit the beautiful mosque (the inside is stunning, and outside is a lovely photo op with the bridge in the background. Also, to try kumpir – a stuffed baked potato packed with your choice of toppings.
16. Visit with Istanbul’s famous street cats – to be fair this city is run by the cats, so if you’re a cat lover you can do like the locals do and pick up a bit of cat food (it’s often sold by weight) and leave some for your favorite street kitties. You wouldn’t be the first to adopt one to take home!
17. Take an art class – make your own Turkish Mosaic Lamp, traditional stained glass design, or make your own perfume!

If you’ve noticed that a lot of the things on this list include food, that’s because Istanbul is a foodie paradise! Whether you are after Michelin stars or a day of eating your way around the street food and markets, there is something for everyone here. >> Check out my tips on How to Choose a Culinary Experience when you travel