Istanbul
Beyoglu
The Golden Horn is a natural harbor and was the port area since the Byzantines. European traders lived on the northern side of the Golden Horn, first in Galata, and then expanding to Pera, now called Beyoglu. Once only boats sailed back and forth to transport goods and passengers, but now there's also a wide modern bridge across the Golden Horn.
Historic tram and Tunel underground train - Take the metro to Taksim Square. From the square, take the T5 historic 1920's style tram, and ride the tram down the hill on Istiklal Avenue. At the end of the tram, pick up the underground funicular (train), the Tunel line. Ride the red and white funicular (the second oldest underground line in the world, opened in 1875) to the waterfront, and then walk across the Galata Bridge.
Walk across the Galata Bridge - Stroll on wide pedestrian walkways across the bridge. On the upper level, people fish from the bridge; on the lower level are eateries and cafes. From the bridge are great views of all the different boats zipping around the Golden Horn.
Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) - On the other side of the Golden Horn, foreigners were allowed to live like a independent city state. In the 14th century, the Genoese built their own defensive walls; when the Turks took over, they destroyed the walls, but left the impressive Galata Tower. Take the elevator up the Galata Tower, 223 ft high, for bird's eye views across the Golden Horn and the minarets of the ancient city in the distance.
