Traveling to Istanbul by train is one of the most exciting ways to arrive in this vibrant city that bridges Europe and Asia. After my long overland journey from Bulgaria to Istanbul by train, I finally stepped off at Halkalı Station, ready to explore one of the world’s most fascinating metropolises. Istanbul is a place where ancient history and modern street life come together — and discovering it by foot, tram, and ferry made my stay unforgettable
Whether you’re planning a short trip or an extended stop on your overland adventure, this guide shares my personal experiences and practical travel tips for Istanbul in 2025/2026 — including how to get around with the Istanbulkart, where to stay, and which spots you shouldn’t miss.
A cozy stay at Wonderwood Hotel
I checked into the Wonderwood Hotel, a small and cozy place with a colourful facade and beautiful wooden furniture. For around 50 EUR per night including breakfast, it offered great value, friendly staff, and an ideal location within walking distance of Istanbul’s main attractions.
From the Grand Bazaar to Galata Bridge
My first stop was the famous Istanbul Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest covered markets in the world. The maze of colourful alleys, spices, textiles, and antique shops can easily overwhelm you — but that’s exactly what makes it magical. There are maps available. If you are looking for anything specific it can help you find it more easily.
From there, I started walking downhill toward the Galata Bridge (ca. 20 min walk). The streets were packed with energy: street vendors selling roasted corn and simit (Turkish bagels), locals rushing to work, and the call to prayer echoing through the city.
Crossing the Galata Bridge (7-10 min walk) you have 2 choices: crossing it above on the street level and watch fishermen lined up along the railings and enjoy iconic views over the Bosphorus. Or walk below where you will find plenty of restaurants. I’d recommend to combine a bit of both. First I walked below and half way walked up the stairs to cross the rest of the bridge above.
- Entry Grand Bazaar: free
Galata Tower – come early!
Once across the bridge, I made my way to the Galata Tower (10 to 15 min walk). It’s one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, offering a panoramic view of the entire city. Unfortunately, the queue was enormous, wrapping around the block. I decided to skip it this time — but here’s my recommendation: come early, right when it opens in the morning, to avoid long waiting times.
- Entry Galata Tower: 30 EUR
- 💡 Tip: buy tickets on the official website
Getting around with the Istanbulkart
To return to Fatih, I hopped on the tram that crosses the Galata Bridge. The Istanbulkart makes traveling around the city incredibly easy — it’s a rechargeable public transport card you can use for trams, metro, buses, and even ferries. You can buy and top it up at vending machines at most major stations.
💡 Tip: You only need one card for multiple travelers — simply tap it once for each person before boarding. It’s the most convenient and affordable way to get around Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
On the next day I headed out early. I visited the breathtaking Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. Originally built as a Byzantine cathedral in the 6th century, it later became a mosque, then a museum, and now once again serves as a mosque. The massive dome, mosaics, and marble interior are truly awe-inspiring.
Tickets: You can buy tickets online beforehand or even spontaneously scan one of the QR codes displayed right in front of the mosque. But at 8:30 in the morning there was no queue at all, so I got my ticket at the ticket office.
- Entry fee: 25 EUR
A hidden café full of cats – Mitara Café & Art
For lunch, I stumbled upon a charming little café called Mitara Café & Art. Don’t be surprised if you don’t see anyone at first – the lovely owner might be busy cooking downstairs in the kitchen. Cozy seating, local art on the walls, and a few friendly cats (and one lazy dog) keeping guests company. It’s like a quiet oasis – I need that sometimes when exploring such bustling (and noisy) cities like Istanbul. They serve delicious home-cooked Turkish food, and it’s also a great spot to relax with coffee and watch the world go by. I came back for dinner the next day.
Crossing continents: ferry to Kadıköy
In the afternoon, I decided to experience something truly unique: taking a ferry across the Bosphorus to Kadıköy to on the Asian side of Istanbul. The ferry ride is included in the Istanbulkart system. Just tap your card at the gate as usual. Enjoy the stunning views of the skyline, mosques, and seagulls following the ferry.
🇩🇪 🇸🇬 I am traveling overland from Germany to Singapore – crossing continents and stepping foot on Asia was a major milestone and a very special moment for me.
Kadıköy has a more local, laid-back vibe — with trendy cafés, second-hand shops, and plenty of bars. It’s a perfect place to enjoy the more authentic, everyday side of Istanbul away from the main tourist areas. Don’t miss the stunning sunset over the Bosphorus and live music near the ferry terminal in the evening.
Exploring the Basilica Cistern
Before I continued my overland journey to Singapore, I visited one more highlight of Istanbul: the Basilica Cistern, one of the most atmospheric sites. Built during the Byzantine Empire, it’s the largest of the several hundred ancient underground water reservoirs. Wandering through the dimly lit forest of marble columns reflected in shallow water is a marvellous experience. Mysterious and peaceful.
- Entry fee: 30 EUR
My Thought on Istanbul
Istanbul truly is a city that never stops surprising you. Between its layered history, lively markets, warm people, and stunning views, I could easily spend weeks exploring. Whether you arrive by train, plane, or ferry — it’s a destination that stays with you long after you leave.
Berlin to Singapore Overland
📍 Istanbul
🚅 How I got here: Train from Varna to Istanbul
🛣️ Distance travelled since Berlin: 2,200 km