Galataport: Waterfront Promenade, Shops and Cruise Terminal in Karaköy

Updated on October 8, 2026

Galataport is the redevelopment of the old Salıpazarı quays between Karaköy and Fındıklı, opened to the public in October 2021. Closed off for decades because they served as a port, the quays are now a 1.2 km promenade on the Bosphorus, with cafés, restaurants, shops, neighbouring museums (Istanbul Modern and the Museum of Painting and Sculpture) and a cruise terminal whose facilities are largely underground. The promenade is free to enter, with a possible security check at the entrance. Allow 1 hour for the walk, 2 to 3 hours with a museum or a meal.

Highlights

Tophane Square

At the heart of the site, a large open square brings together the Tophane clock tower and the Nusretiye Mosque, with the Cihangir hills behind. It is the simplest place to see how the project kept the historic monuments at its centre.

The cruise terminal

Passenger reception, border police and luggage are all under the quay: when no ship is berthed, the quay becomes an open promenade again. When a liner is alongside, it rises in front of the houses of Karaköy, a sight in itself; its immediate surroundings are reserved for passengers.

The shopping lanes

Behind the quay, pedestrian passages with uniform façades hold brand-name shops, cafés and restaurants. At the Karaköy end, Istanbul Modern occupies a Renzo Piano building reopened in 2023; the Museum of Painting and Sculpture is very close.

Practical info

Tips

The promenade is free and open to everyone; shop and restaurant hours vary (generally late morning to evening). Waterfront restaurants charge for the view: the streets of Karaköy, just behind, often offer cheaper meals; look at the menu price before sitting down (see money, payment and tipping). For cruise passengers, our Istanbul port-of-call guide covers time ashore. See also: our Galata and Karaköy guide, the Galata Bridge and Istanbul at night.

How to get there

Meclis-i Mebusan Caddesi, Salıpazarı, 34425 Beyoğlu, Istanbul. T1 tram, Tophane stop, about 5 minutes on foot; or Karaköy stop, 10 minutes on foot. Ferries leave from the nearby Karaköy pier. From the Galata Tower, allow 15 minutes on foot downhill.