Landmarks to keep in mind
- The Golden Horn separates the old city (to the south) from Beyoğlu (to the north). The Galata Bridge crosses it on foot and by tram.
- The Bosphorus separates Europe from Asia. You cross it by ferry, by Marmaray (an underwater tunnel) or over the bridges.
- The T1 tram is the backbone of the European side, from Kabataş to Bağcılar via Sultanahmet.
Zone 1: Sultanahmet and the historic peninsula
The heart of sightseeing: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, the Basilica Cistern and the Hippodrome. Everything is done on foot around the Sultanahmet tram stop. See the Sultanahmet neighbourhood guide.
Zone 2: Eminönü, Sirkeci and the Grand Bazaar
On the Golden Horn: Spice Bazaar, Süleymaniye Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Sirkeci Station. The Eminönü piers serve the Asian side. Guide: Eminönü and Sirkeci.
Zone 3: Galata, Karaköy and Beyoğlu
Across the bridge: the Galata Tower, İstiklal Avenue, the Tünel funicular and the Pera Museum. See Galata and Karaköy and Beyoğlu and Taksim.
Zone 4: Beşiktaş and the European Bosphorus
Along the shore: Dolmabahçe Palace, Yıldız Park, then Ortaköy and Bebek. See Beşiktaş and the Bosphorus villages, European side.
Zone 5: the Asian side
Reached by ferry from Eminönü, Karaköy or Beşiktaş: Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Beylerbeyi Palace and the Maiden's Tower. See the Bosphorus villages, Asian side. Haydarpaşa Station is north of Kadıköy.
Zone 6: Fener, Balat, Eyüp and the Golden Horn
A sector of old neighbourhoods, to the west: Balat and Fener, Eyüp and Pierre Loti Hill, the Chora Museum. See the Golden Horn.
Zone 7: the Princes' Islands
About an hour by ferry: the Princes' Islands, for a car-free day.
Getting from one zone to another
The T1 tram links zones 1, 2 and 3 (over the Galata Bridge) then Kabataş; the F1 funicular climbs from Kabataş to Taksim; ferries link the two shores. All journeys are paid with the Istanbulkart, detailed in the guide to transport in Istanbul. For a full route, follow Istanbul in 3 days or what to see in Istanbul.
