So, I had this grand plan to travel from Istanbul to Napoli. I started doing some research. Turns out, Istanbul has this amazing ferry system. They’ve got these big boats connecting places like Eminönü, Karaköy, Beşiktaş, and Kadıköy. It’s pretty cool because you get to sail across the Bosphorus strait.
I found out that all you need is an Istanbulkart, which is like a travel pass. You just tap it at the turnstile and you’re good to go. I read that there are a bunch of ferry lines, not just across the Bosphorus, but also on the Sea of Marmara. They go to places like the Princes’ Islands, Yalova, and even Guzelyali, which is close to Bursa.
Honestly, the whole idea of sailing from the Bosphorus to the Marmara Sea sounded so peaceful. A lot of people apparently use the ferries to get away from the city rush. It seemed like the perfect way to travel, enjoying the blue sea and all.
I decided to give “Şehir Hatları” a try. They’re the ones who run the public ferries. It’s supposed to be a cheap and genuine way to see the Bosphorus. I figured, why not start my trip with a ferry ride? It seemed like an easy and scenic way to get around Istanbul’s different areas, especially going from the Asian side to the European side.
What I Did Step-By-Step:
- Got an Istanbulkart: First thing I did was get one of these cards. Super convenient.
- Planned My Route: I looked up the ferry routes and schedules. “Şehir Hatları” has a lot of options.
- Took the Ferry: Hopped on a ferry. The views of the Bosphorus were amazing, just like the pictures!
- Explored Istanbul by Sea: Used the ferries to travel between different parts of the city. It was way more fun than a bus or taxi.
- Enjoyed the Scenery: Seriously, the views of the water and the city were stunning. It was so relaxing.
Taking the ferry was a great start of my trip. It was more than just transportation. it was part of the adventure.
