For the best part of two millennia, Istanbul, Turkey, has been one of the greatest cities in the world. Though no longer a world metropolis, Istanbul remains one of the most vibrant and magical places in Europe and the Middle East. It is not the capital of Turkey—that honor was bestowed on Ankara in the 1920s—but Istanbul is the country's largest city, its main commercial center and at the heart of its tourism industry.
Istanbul's centuries of empire have left an extraordinary collection of palaces, churches, mosques and markets from every period of history. Its unique position as a city that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia, has given Istanbul an unmistakably cosmopolitan atmosphere. Alongside all the life and color of the Middle East, Istanbul has a high standard of living with many of the accoutrements of a European capital, such as shopping malls and upscale international restaurants.
But Istanbul's charm is that despite its great history, it has not become a static museum-city like its historic rival, Venice. Istanbul is very much a living city, and although its traffic jams, air pollution and high-rise buildings lack the grace of its venerable landmarks, they're proof that Istanbul remains the hub of Turkey, a vital metropolis that's made up of more than ancient palaces and smoky bazaars.
Location
Cruise ships dock at Karakoy, in the heart of the city close to the Galata Bridge, which marks the entry to the Golden Horn. The passenger terminal there has been modernized in recent years but is still short on amenities. There are bright yellow taxis available right outside and a few restaurants and eateries close by, but inside there's only a sleepy tourist office. The customs and immigration formalities work efficiently enough, though. Despite its few facilities, Karakoy remains one of the great docks of the world thanks to its view across the Golden Horn to the palaces and mosques of Sultanahmet.
Shore Excursions
Consider signing up for the excursions offered by your ship. They may not be the least expensive way to see the city, but you won't have to waste your limited time making arrangements—and you won't have to worry about missing the ship. Shore excursions—and their prices—vary from cruise line to cruise line. Typical Istanbul tours include the Grand Bazaar, Haghia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, the Yerebatan Sarayi (the Basilica Cistern) and a boat ride up the Bosporus. Check with your ship's shore-excursion staff or your travel agent for additional information.
