EDN'26: Istanbul Guide

Istanbul is one of the largest metropolises in the world, home to more than 20 million people. It is busy, crowded, and often chaotic — and that chaos is part of what makes it so unique. The city stretches across two continents, Europe and Asia, connected by three bridges and linked by constant ferry traffic across the Bosphorus. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f83bc1_51e397cb943f4155aadfb5103ef79435~mv2.jpeg For centuries, Istanbul served as the capital of great empires, and you can still feel that deep history in its streets. Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, old markets, and modern neighborhoods all exist side by side. Life here moves fast: traffic, street vendors, seagulls, cats, simit & tea,  commuters, tourists — everyone sharing the same restless energy. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f83bc1_9f03024ee9e24bac886ef4c2f3af8993~mv2.jpg Istanbul is not always easy or quiet. But it is alive, layered, and full of character. And that contrast — between past and present, calm waters and crowded streets — is what makes the city unforgettable. You can find some tips in this page for you to easily navigate the city while enjoying its historical views and unique Turkish cultural touches throughout your journey ❤️

Please use the google maps to travel smoothly in Istanbul via public transportation.   There are two airports in Istanbul.  The main airport called Istanbul Airport is located next to the Black Sea on the European side, about 42 km away from Şişhane where the hotel is. The other airport is called Sabiha Gökçen Airport on the Asian side about 48 km away from Şişhane.  https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f83bc1_5fc157681a4240ac8758fff927efcc77~mv2.png EXIT is "ÇIKIŞ" in Turkish. You can check all the information for transfers from the screen on the Çıkış/Exit as seen on the picture below. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f83bc1_899ccaa3a92b4d24aaa779a2573c6aeb~mv2.png 1. You can take a Metro from Istanbul Airport to Şişhane via Gayrettepe in around 47 mins. Tickets cost around 2-3 Euros.  (BEST OPTION) 2. HAVAİST operates a bus from Istanbul Airport Bus to Taksim hourly. Tickets cost around 8 Euros but paid in Turkish Lira or via credit card. The journey takes around 100 mins. 3. There is also a taxi option but not Uber. Airport taxis are the only option, you can get into the yellow taxi line when you are out, they have a taximeter. It costs around min 35-40 Euros depending on the traffic. There are more luxurious turquoise or black taxis that would cost around double. Details for Metro: Metro signs at the Istanbul Airport towards the city are shown with U. To take the M11 metro, first go to the Çıkış/Exit 13.  https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f83bc1_f69eb24cc71546bb9ad75fad8b045256~mv2.png Then turn left from the metro sign, which you will see right infront of you.  https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f83bc1_708d26cd442c448789d8ee835bf24f84~mv2.png Then walk until you see this sign above and then turn right. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f83bc1_5d87cc693d3c40d3aff906f75ad8a065~mv2.png You will see the travelator in front of you which will lead you to the metro station.  Then take the metro which operates between Istanbul Airport and Gayrettepe (every 20 mins), it is 5 stops. Get off at Gayrettepe to change to the M2 line towards Yenikapi. Get off at Şişhane: 4 stops. In the city, Metro signs are shown with M.  When coming out from the metro follow the signs ‘6.daire & Beyoğlu Bld.’ The hotel is 3min walking distance from the Şişhane metro station.  There are machines to get tickets one way or packages. You can pay by credit card or cash in Turkish Lira. This might be your best option to reach your hotel by public transportation from Istanbul Airport! Istanbul Metro Map:(https://www.metro.istanbul/Content/assets/uploaded/Erisim%20Haritasi.pdf) https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f83bc1_672001dc2e684a8fbc88dd6a193e8098~mv2.jpg Details for Havaist bus transfer: https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f83bc1_5b7913e62a6d4cefb58dea00febc196f~mv2.png Follow Çıkış/Exit signs towards Exit 13. Right before the exit, on right side, you will see the elevators (or escalator on your left)  to the Transportation Floor. You need to go to floor (-2) to reach the buses. It is on platform 16 for Taksim. When you get out on the -2 floor the platform 16 is on your right side for a few minutes walk.   https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f83bc1_ae3638793d5b4463a91a28219c62f08b~mv2.png To reach Taksim, you take the line HVIST-9: Istanbul Airport – Taksim. Take the bus and get off at the last stop, in front of the Point Hotel, close to Taksim square. From Taksim to the hotel, there are three options: • By foot it is approximately 2 km walk via Istiklal Caddesi which is a pedestrian street with shops and restaurants.  • Take the metro towards Yenikapı for one stop and get off at Şişhane. The hotel is 3 min walking distance from the Şişhane metro station. You can even take the nostalgic tram that goes between Şişhane and Taksim.  • You can take a taxi.  You can buy a ticket for the bus with cash money from the sales booth, or pay by credit card or bank card on the bus. Or book your ticket online, get your QR code, and check it before boarding the bus to use it on every Havaist route.    You can find the timetables and fares on the official Havaist website.(https://www.hava.ist/)

1. You can take the subway, traveling from Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) to Şişhane or from Şişhane to Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) (https://moovitapp.com/tickets/en/p/%C5%9Fi%C5%9Fhane-istanbul-metro/sabiha-gokcen-airport-saw) 2. You have two options for bus: Havabüs (http://havabus.com/)and Havaist.(https://hava.ist/) Tickets cost around 10 € but paid in Turkish Lira and the journey takes around 100minutes. 3. There is also a taxi option, again not Uber. Airport taxis are the only option, you can get into the taxi line when you are out, they have a meter. It costs around 30 € and could change according to the traffic and bridge pass. There are more luxurious black taxis that would cost around double. Details for Metro:  Traveling from Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) to Şişhane: Take the train to Ayrılık Çeşmesi every 10 min. Change train to Marmaray to Yenikapı. Change to metro M2 line towards Hacıosman and get off at Şişhane station. When coming out from metro, follow the signs "6. Daire & Beyoğlu Bld."  to come out. The hotel is 3 min walking distance. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f83bc1_672001dc2e684a8fbc88dd6a193e8098~mv2.jpg Details for bus transfer: You can travel to Şişhane from Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) by bus. You have two options: bus: Havabüs (http://havabus.com/)and Havaist.(https://hava.ist/) Both are reliable airport shuttle services and are your best option to reach your hotel by public transportation. From Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) to Taksim and you get off at the last stop, in front of the Point Hotel, close to Taksim square. From there you can either walk to your hotel, take a taxi or use the metro (only one stop). Taksim to Şişhane (where our hotel is) is approximately 2 km walk via Istiklal Caddesi, which is a pedestrian street with shops and restaurants.