Lonely Planet İstanbul Guide

The Golden Horn

Explore You can explore the Haliç (Golden Horn) in half a day by boarding the commuter ferry in Karaköy or Eminönü, alighting once at either Hasköy (for the Rahmi M Koç Museum) or Eyüp (for the Eyüp Sultan Mosque) and then reboarding a ferry for the return trip. If you have a full day, you could visit both of these sights and also visit Aynalıkavak Kasrı before or after visiting the Rahmi M Koç Museum. Another good option is to alight at Ayvansaray on your return trip, follow the historic land walls up the hill and visit the Kariye Museum (Chora Church).

The Best… A Sight Rahmi M Koç Museum A Local Life Eyüp Medanı A Place to Drink Pierre Loti Café

Top Tip If visiting the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, dress appropriately (no shorts or skimpy skirts and tops). Females should bring a scarf or shawl to use as a head covering. Getting There & Around Ferry A İstanbul Şehir Hatları (İstanbul City Routes; % 153; www.sehirhatlari.com.tr) Operates the commuter Haliç ferry service. Departs Üsküdar hourly from 7.30am to 8.45pm and travels up the Golden Horn to Eyüp, picking up most passengers in Karaköy and Eminönü; the last ferry returns from Eyüp at 7.45pm (8.45pm on Sunday). The trip takes 55 minutes (35 minutes from Eminönü)