Port guide: Istanbul, Turkey

The world’s only underground cruise terminal has transformed arrival in a city that offers a spectacular sail-in skyline.

Who goes there

Given the popularity of Mediterranean cruises, you can sail into Istanbul on mega-ships from the likes of Royal Caribbean, luxury ships from Regent Seven Seas or Seabourn, and even expedition ships such as those of Ponant. This is a home port for eastern Mediterranean cruises – many of which concentrate on the Greek islands and Turkish coast – or a passing port on longer cruises that take in the whole Mediterranean.

This is one of the world’s great harbours.Credit: Getty Images

Sail on in

Stride the decks. This is one of the world’s great harbours. Old Istanbul is splattered flamboyantly to starboard: the pavilions of Topkapi palace and the minarets of Aya Sophia and the Blue Mosque soar against a backdrop of apartment blocks. You’ll have a similar grand view while at dock if your cabin is on the harbour side.

Berth rites

Galataport, completed in 2021, is located underground so it doesn’t distract from the 1.2-kilometre stretch of revamped waterfront or historic neighbourhoods behind. Up above, you’ll find shopping, dining and seaside promenades. Galataport isn’t far from old Istanbul’s big sights, but traffic can be heavy – count on 15 minutes by taxi at best. Hopping on a tram or ferry is easy, so you have no real need to take expensive overview-type excursions.

Before and after

Without a doubt Istanbul, street lively and crammed with superb monuments and bazaars, merits more time than boarding or disembarking day. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus is a seven-minute drive along the waterfront from Galataport. The converted Ottoman-era palace has a magnificent outlook over the harbour and is a relaxing, resort-like retreat from city bustle.

Going ashore

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art and lively Karakoy district, crammed with boutiques and restaurants, are a short walk from the cruise terminal. Galata Bridge leads you across the Golden Horn to the heritage city’s concentration of major landmarks; the first you’ll reach are the spice-filled, covered Egyptian Bazaar and Yeni Mosque. Topkapi Palace, Aya Sophia and Sultan Ahmet (Blue) Mosque are key sights, but the more austere Suleymaniye Mosque is wonderful too.

Don’t miss

If you don’t have mosque fatigue (although why would you when the mosques are this superb?) then leg it to 16th-century octagonal Rustem Pasa Mosque. This is the most elaborately decorated of all the city’s mosques, covered every inch in superb tilework depicting tulips and other flowers in beautiful, blue-coloured harmony.

Get active

Ortakoy Mosque and Bosphorus bridge in Istanbul, Turkey.Credit: Getty Images

Fast, all-day walkers disembarking at Galataport could see select sights without resorting to motorised transport. There’s so much to see in this city that you could easily wear out your shoes, but physical activities are otherwise limited in this crowded metropolis. You can paddleboard, kayak and windsurf on the Bosphorus, but you’ll have to get beyond the city centre.

Retail therapy

Taksim district behind Galataport is dense with shops, centred on trendy avenue Istiklal Caddesi. Near the Blue Mosque, Istanbul Handicrafts Centre features artisans who produce porcelain, glassware and silk using Ottoman-era methods. Despite the tourist-trap hustle, Grand Bazaar – a labyrinth of 65 covered streets founded in 1453 – is colourful and enjoyable. You might depart with a carpet, hubble-bubble, brass lamp, old Bakelite phone, or organza wedding dress.

Further afield

With so much to see in the city and a notorious traffic problem, you won’t find excursions out of Istanbul, but some do visit alternative neighbourhoods such as multi-ethnic Balat, or sights on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, such as Beylerbeyi Palace or trendy district Kadikoy. They’re good options for repeat visitors, but if it’s your first time in Istanbul, stick to the original old city, which is crammed with gorgeous monuments and museums.