PLAN YOUR TRIP - Istanbul - page 19

For much more on arrival CLICK HERE
Getting Around
Rechargable İstanbulkarts (travelcards) save time and money.
» Tram Services run from Bağcılar, in the city's west, to Kabataş, near Taksim Meydanı
in Beyoğlu, stopping at Zeytinburnu, Beyazıt-Grand Bazaar, Sultanhamet and Eminönü en
route.
» Ferry Boats travel between the Asian and European shores, up and down the Golden
Horn and Bosphorus, and over to the Princes' Islands.
» Taxi Inexpensive and plentiful.
» Metro One line connects Aksaray with the airport. Another connects Şişhane, near
Tünel Meydanı in Beyoğlu, with Taksim Meydanı and the commercial and residential dis-
tricts to its north.
» Funicular These make the trip from the tramline up to İstiklal Caddesi easy. One con-
nects Karaköy with Tünel; the other connects Kabataş with Taksim Meydanı.
» Bus The lines following the Bosphorus shoreline are of most interest to travellers.
For much more on getting around CLICK HERE
Sleeping
Accommodation choices in İstanbul are as diverse, plentiful and expensive as in most ma-
jor European cities. They're also in heavy demand during peak tourism periods such as
spring, autumn and Christmas, so it's important to book ahead. At these times, prices
spike. During winter and at the height of summer, prices can plummet.
Most of the decent budget and midrange choices are in or around Sultanahmet; boutique
and top-end options are clustered in Beyoğlu and along the Bosphorus.
In recent years there has been a proliferation of suite, apartment and boutique hotel
openings. There's also been a huge growth in the number of apartment-rental services.