Istanbul's historic Karaköy Yolcu Salonu has been closedin preparation for construction of the new Galataport cruise ship facilities in 2015.
The Yolcu Salonu (YOHL-joo sah-loh-noo, "Passenger Terminal"; number 12 on the map below) is in Karaköy(Galata), at the southern tip of Beyoğlu, in the shadow of Galata Tower, right where the Golden Horn flows into the Bosphorus (map).
The docks for cruise ships extend along the shore from the mouth of the Golden Horn northeastward to the Tophaneand Fındıklı districts on the Bosphorus. Al of this will be reconfigured and made into a modern cruise ship reception area as Galataport.
The Yolcu Salonu, Istanbul's old cruise ship terminal in Karaköy, only a few minutes' stroll from Galata Bridge, has been closed.
Salıpazar Dock
Until further notice, all cruise ships and passengers will use the gateway at Salıpazarı. More...
View Eminönü & Karaköy Ferry Docks, Istanbul in a larger map
From Salıpazar, you can easily walk or ride the Bağcılar-Kabataş tram to most of the most important Istanbul sights. I don't recommend taking a taxi right from the dock—too much hanky-panky over the fare.
If you don't want to take the tram, you might prefer a private transfer.
For value-for-money guided tours without the compulsory shopping stops (waste of time...and money) of cruise-ship tours, contact Efendi Travel. More...
Here's more on the Salıpazar cruise ship docks.
—by Tom Brosnahan
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