How easy is it to do Istanbul on your own?

We will have a day and a half on an upcoming cruise. We were in Istanbul a few years ago and saw all the normal stuff with a private Ekol guide. It was great. But now we would like to see a few things on our own. How hard is it to get to Topkapi palace on your own? The Grand Bazaar?

It is not difficult, as English is spoken quite prevalently. Cabs are available, and if you are around the Sultanhamet area, there are trolley cars. I didn't feel insecure at all on my own.

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It is very easy. A tram line runs from near the port to the old town (Sultanahmet) with stops close to Topkapi Palace and also close to the Grand Bazaar. The trams are faster than most any other form of transportation in Istanbul's clogged, traffic-laden streets.

You'll find a lot of information and details on how to do this on the Mediterranean -- Other Ports board, where Istanbul is normally covered.

We love doing Istanbul on our own and its a terrific city for those who enjoy taking long walks. We walk almost everywhere in town and sometimes will even stroll from the port over the bridge and into town. And by the way, if you walk over the Galacta Bridge there is a lower level (for about half the length of the bridge) that is lines with some decent restaurants and shops.

Hank

We decided to try Istanbul on our own for an upcoming cruise. There is a lot of good information here on CC and their sister site Tripadvisor.

Another vote for doing it yourself. Our family of 4 spent 4 days in Istanbul and absolutely loved it! English was very prevalent and people were very nice. Avoid cabs if possible, we and other we spoke with encountered several less than honest ones.

Who moved Istanbul to Africa? :p

Take the tram, which runs along the main street behind the cruise berths.

The stop for Topkapi is Gulhane, the one before Sultanahmet. Do check opening times for this & other sites, most are closed one (various) day of the week.

Taxis at the port are a fixed-price rip-off, avoid them. :eek:

Elsewhere it's pot luck with taxis, but you are unlikely to need one - and as Cruisemom's post the tram is quicker because it has a dedicated track & isn't held up in the frequent traffic jams.

You will need Turkish lire for the tram, but any denomination will do because the jeton machines give change. Instructions are in English.

JB :)