|
Istanbul gives a unique opportunity to relax in many different ways, this is the very salt of the city. The sea leisure is also very popular and available in Istanbul. Especially the boat trips along the Bosphorus. In order to use the opportunity to relax effectively you need to remember the following:
1. Four city districts with piers where both large and small houseboats sail. They are: Eminonu, Karakoy, Kabatas, Sirkeci.
2. The most popular pier in Istanbul is Eminonu pier. Boats depart from it both scheduled and as required by tourists. From here they sail to Kadikoy, Bostanci, Uskudar areas. It is also possible to go on a tour along the Bosphorus. And if you wish to relax on the Princes’ Islands then you should sail from the Kabatas pier.
3. The way from the the city district to the pier Eminonu will take you a little time: 15 minutes from Sultanahmet, 30 minutes from Taksim, 30 minutes from Laleli, 20 minutes from Beyazit, 5-10 minutes from Sirkeci.
4. If you do not want to get to the pier on foot you should take a bus or tram passing through the areas of Eminonu and Karakoy to get to the piers with the same name of the areas.
5. Piers’ transport schedule is available in all hotels in Istanbul and brochures at the reception. Each pier has also a schedule of all its domestic voyages. You can find in the Internet a partial schedule of Istanbul water transport at ido.com.tr
6. The tour along the Bosphorus takes up to 3 hours during which you will enjoy the views of the Strait and luxurious mansions of old age built along the shores of the Bosphorus, drink tea in a cozy coffee shop right on the deck or have lunch at a restaurant on the water if desired. You will also swim under the beautiful suspension bridge across the Bosphorus – the feeling is just breathtaking. It will cost you 5-15 dollars per person (depending on the vessel). The ship starts from the Eminonu pier and comes back to the same mooring.
7. A trip to the Princes’ Islands costs just three YTL ($ 2), but it takes you the whole day. The ships sail from the Kabatas dock and go to the islands for 1,5 hours. After the arrival you can get acquainted with ancient monasteries, relax, swim and wander through the islands where any transportation but bicycles and carts is prohibited.
Some Istanbul hotels next to Eminonu and Sirkeci piers:
Adora Hotel - is a comfortable three star hotel located in the historical heart of Istanbul - Sultanahmet (Sirkeci) district. High-quality food, attentive staff, spacious rooms with modern conveniences - all this makes Adora a real home for holiday in Istanbul.
Gulhanepark Hotel - is a brand new hotel, it combines the features of S-class hotel and a luxury of 4 star hotel. Comfortable rooms with Internet and laptops provided by the hotel, a terrace viewing Old Istanbul and a restaurant with surprisingly delicious food - that’s what the Gulhanepark Hotel is.
Golden Horn Sirkeci Hotel - is like an exquisitely restrained British castle located among the sights and ancient monuments of Istanbul. All this is its main advantage as well as the cuisine and incredible views from the observation deck on the roof of the hotel.
View full list of hotels next to Eminonu and Sirkeci piers (Sirkeci area hotels) »
Some Istanbul hotels next to Karakoy pier:
Olimpiyat Hotel - a small hotel with the atmosphere of hospitality and comfort. Olimpiyat has very good location. It will take you a couple of minutes to walk to the St. Sophia Cathedral, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and the underground reservoir Yerebatan. They have excellent breakfasts here.
Romance Hotel - is a four star hotel with spacious rooms, terraces and several restaurants. Romance Hotel looks festive at any time. It is brightly lit at night. Well-developed hotel infrastructure allows you to call it one of the best in its segment.
Yasmak Sultan Hotel - this hotel is renowned for its European atmosphere transporting us to France of the beginning of the century. At the same time comfort and service are as high as in the 21st century. Each room in Yasmak Sultan is furnished uniquely - there are no two identical interiors.
View full list of hotels next to Karakoy pier (Sirkeci Area Hotels) »
Taksim hotels are the closest to Kabatas pier:
BC Hotel - this hotel is located near the Kabatas sea pier allowing its guests to make frequent sea trips. The hotel strikes with its luxury and prestige - this four star hotel looks as a five star and has the appropriate comfort level. Living here is simply fashionable.
Eresin Taksim Hotel - is located in the business and entertainment center of Istanbul, Taksim. The hotel is very prestigious. They give an incredibly large number of services and everything is done to let the guests carry on business, recreation and so on.
Lyon Hotel - modern design and centuries of hospitality is the motto of this hotel located in the old Taksim district. This is a place of recreation for businessmen and everyone who wants to feel himself like VIP. Clubs, massage rooms, rooms for meetings with business partners, exquisite cognac and smoke of expensive cigars... That is the atmosphere of the Lyon Hotel.
View full list of hotels in Taksim district » |
