Galata Port Istanbul Travel Guide
Galataport Istanbul is an ecosystem in the center of the city that offers all the possibilities and cutting-edge technologies that make daily life easier with digitalization.
The World's First Underground Cruise Terminal
Galataport Istanbul is positioned as a ‘main port’; With a world-class cruise port, the country brings mobility to cruise tourism in a wide geography from the Mediterranean basin to the Black Sea. The unique coastline of Karakoy, which has been closed for years thanks to its underground terminal with a special cover system implemented for the first time in the world, becomes one of the most special walking routes of the city and remains open to access.
Galataport Istanbul Cruise Terminal of 29 thousand square meters, passport control, and customs procedures; By directing vehicle traffic such as taxis, minibusses, and tour buses underground, it allows the sea view at the ground level to be watched to the fullest.
What is Galataport Istanbul? What Kind of Project is it?
Galataport is a cruise port on Istanbul’s 1.2 km waterfront along the Bosphorus. It is also home to world-renowned hotel brands, cafes and restaurants, boutique shops, art museums and offices. Galataport is a major destination project that serves many areas and is unique in Turkey. It is also one of the most important destination projects worldwide. What makes it so important is the combination of many services and of course its location.
In fact, the main function of Galataport Istanbul is to be a cruise terminal. So, what is a cruise terminal or a dock? Let’s explain that too. A cruise terminal or dock is a place with high standards where many services are provided and where cruise ships used for tourism travel stay or pick up and drop off passengers. Therefore, the areas we call cruise terminals or docks strengthen the tourism sector of the country they are located in. Galataport Istanbul is the world’s only underground cruise port. Because of this, a large stretch of coastline that has been inaccessible to the public for 200 years can now be used. You can use the waterfront to have a coffee or take a walk. You can even follow Galataport Istanbul’s posts and participate in various events taking place in this area.
What is Inside Galataport Istanbul?
The main purpose of the Galataport project is to create a cruise terminal and ticketing counters. But the project is not limited to this. Because it wants to find solutions to many problems of its surroundings and become a center. In addition to the cruise terminal, there are sections such as a hotel, restaurants, technical areas, 250 retail stores and food and beverage areas consisting of exclusive brands, two museums, areas for sports and art events, office areas, and a parking garage.
The work of this destination project, which aims to revitalize ports that have not been actively used for nearly 200 years, started in 2016 and was put into use in October 2021. Located on a 1.2 km long coastline, this port is one of the most important destination projects in the world by hosting many cafes, restaurants, shops, offices, and art museums. In this place, where millions of tourists and cruise ships are targeted, different events are organized, attracting the attention of the guests and creating pleasant moments.
Galataport is located on the coastline between the Istanbul Karaköy Ferry Terminal and the building belonging to Mimar Sinan Güzel Sanatlar University Fındıklı Campus.
Galataport, which is very easy to reach due to its location, can be reached by many public vehicles. In addition to being very accessible to metro, bus, tram, and Marmaray stops, the sea route can also be preferred as it is close to Karaköy and Kabataş piers.
If you want to go in your vehicle, not by public transport, it has a car park with a capacity of 2 thousand 400. The first 30 minutes of the car park, which has two entrances, Fındıklı and Karaköy, are free of charge. In addition, you can use it free of charge for up to 2 hours for spending 150 TL or more. If you say you will go to Galataport by bicycle, you can leave the bicycle in the parking areas in Clock Tower Square.
You do not have to pay any entrance fee. However, some of the events, museums, and exhibitions at the Galataport may be paid for.
In this place designed with the concept of neighborhood, you can find many areas suitable for you. You can spend your time as you wish in this place, which has 135 shops and 54 restaurants.
Galataport, which will make art lovers smile, also hosts Istanbul Modern and Istanbul Painting and Sculpture Museum. Istanbul Modern’s building bears the signature of Pritzker Prize-winning world-renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano.
Those who want to visit other than these can visit historical buildings.
This building, which is still known as the Package Post Officeand also known as the Galata Rüsumat (Customs) Building, served as passenger lounges on the lower floor of the building, while the upper floors were the French Istanbul Rihtım, Dok, and Warehouse Company Administration Center, and Customs Building. administrative divisions.
Within the scope of the Galataport Istanbul project, the Package Post Office Building, which has undergone a meticulous restoration process, especially the special slate roofs, and is prepared to be re-functionalized, has a leasable area of 6,200 m2.
The Çinili Han, which has become the symbol of Karaköy, is one of the most striking structures of Galataport. It was used as a passenger lounge before, and after 1940 as a Postal Center by the PTT following the construction of the new passenger lounge.
This place, which was in service until May 2014, is a former warehouse area together with Merkez Han, Karaköy Passenger Hall, and Çinili Han within the scope of the Galataport Istanbul project, and was leased by Peninsula Hotels, the world’s leading elite hotel chain, to be operated as Peninsula Istanbul.
Nusretiye Clock Tower, also known as Nusretiye Clock Tower, is a four-storey building with a clock section that gradually narrows upwards. There is a tughra of Abdülmecid above the sea-facing door of the tower, whose four facades are designed as equal to each other. What makes it interesting is that it is 1.5 degrees inclined like the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque and Complex, located in the vibrant and historic city of Istanbul, is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage. Commissioned by the renowned Ottoman admiral Kilic Ali Pasha in the 16th century, the complex comprises not only a magnificent mosque but also a school, library, tomb, and a public fountain. The mosque’s distinctive design, characterized by its elegant domes and soaring minarets, is a prime example of the architectural prowess of the Ottoman era. Inside, the intricate tile work and decorative elements are a sight to behold. The complex is not just a place of worship but also a center for learning and culture, reflecting the multi-faceted nature of Istanbul’s historical significance. Visiting the Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque and Complex offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s past, showcasing the artistry, spirituality, and scholarship that have thrived here for centuries.
The Nusretiye Mosque, situated in the heart of Istanbul, is a remarkable architectural gem with a rich history. Commissioned by Sultan Mahmud II in the early 19th century, this mosque represents a transition from the classical Ottoman architectural style to the more Baroque and Neoclassical influences of the period. Its elegant façade, adorned with intricate carvings and columns, stands as a testament to the city’s ever-evolving architectural diversity. Inside, the mosque boasts stunning frescoes and ornate chandeliers that add to the overall grandeur. The Nusretiye Mosque has been not only a place of worship but also a symbol of Istanbul’s cultural tapestry, attracting both history enthusiasts and admirers of exquisite craftsmanship. This historic landmark offers a serene retreat amidst the bustling city, allowing visitors to soak in the rich history and architectural beauty of Istanbul.
The Tophane Pavilion, located in Istanbul, is a hidden gem and a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage. Built during the Ottoman Empire, this historic structure boasts remarkable architectural features, including intricate wooden carvings, ornate windows, and a captivating blend of Ottoman and Baroque design elements. Over the years, it has served various purposes, including as an imperial garden pavilion and later as a barracks. Today, the Tophane Pavilion has been lovingly restored and transformed into a cultural and arts center. This elegant and historic space hosts exhibitions, performances, and cultural events, making it a vibrant hub for arts and heritage in the heart of Istanbul. It provides a unique opportunity to explore the city’s past and present, showcasing the enduring allure of Istanbul’s architectural and artistic legacy.
