RT-Getting Around in Istanbul

This is my 2nd time in Istanbul, my first time there was about a few years ago. The place is pretty much the same, everywhere you turn there’s ongoing restoration works, and the city just keeps bustling nevertheless.


Getting around in Istanbul couldn't be any easier. There are frequent trams, funiculars and buses and the city is blessed with one of the best metro systems in the world. Most of the tourist destinations are accessible by either metro or trams. We never took a taxi as everything was made easy by city trams and metro. They were not only quicker, but also cheaper than taking a taxi.


You can easily obtained tickets in kiosks close to each station. It is valid in all metros, trams, funiculars and other means of transportation.


Trains and funiculars arrive fast but carriages are always crowded, especially during peak hours. However, pickpockets are everywhere and they are experienced and quick. It is something we should be extremely careful about. They usually work in groups to distract you while another one pick-pockets you which was what I experienced in Rome. My backpack was unzipped but fortunately, the pickpocketers didn't manage to get anything. I usually placed my hand-made money pouch worn under-clothing when I was out and about.


During my previous travels, I observed most metro systems tend to be filthy and rather dull from an aesthetic point of view. However, there are few cities that explicitly foster arts in metros like the ones I come across in Dubai , Moscow as well as in Istanbul.


This is one of the many stations that’s been decorated to reflect one of the Islamic cultures or inspired artwork on the walls of the line platform.


The walls along the tracks of most Metro stations in Istanbul are tiled, and most of them are decorative tiles. They can be delightful and inspirational for daily commuters as well as an attraction for tourists.



First Commenter