Those who have visited the area of Karaköy and Fındıklı in the last few years have seen the waterfront blocked by giant screens for a long time. Now, in the place of those construction screens, a complex structure that promises art and culture is open: Galataport İstanbul!
Galataport is a project that is a first for İstanbul and the whole world. This huge venue attracts countless visitors every day and has become very popular already. Galataport is designed in harmony with modern İstanbul and leaves a warm impression on everyone who visits. It allows neighbourhood views to shine through with its single-storey building design. So, where is Galataport, one of the most popular locations in İstanbul today? How do you get to Galataport? Whose project is Galataport? What details about the Galataport project stand out? In this article, we will shed some light on the questions you may have.
1. What is Galataport?
Galataport is a shopping, culture, and art event centre with a length of approximately 1.2 kilometres situated along the coastline of İstanbul. It is possible to describe this massive building, which combines daily life with practical solutions, as a project developed to add colour to the lives of people of all ages and interests.
Galataport aims to let its visitors take time out to breathe during the hustle and bustle of daily life. It was built on one of the historical ports of İstanbul with respect to the historical heritage of the city. Built with an investment of 1.7 billion dollars, it is the newest and most modern face of İstanbul prioritizing culture, art, business, shopping, food and drink!
2. Where is Galataport?
Galataport is in the Fındıklı district on the European side of İstanbul, at the point where the Beyoğlu district connects to Beşiktaş. This giant structure, which completely covers the coastline between Fındıklı and the Karaköy Ferry Pier, is not just an area built for shopping and leisure. It is also a port of entry for cruise ships and a mixed use facility for the neighbourhood.
3. How to get to Galataport?
There are separate ways of travelling to Galataport depending on your starting point. We detail some of the main ones below.
3.1. Galataport Directions from Pendik, Kartal and Maltepe
If you are coming from Kartal, Pendik, or Maltepe, we recommend that you use the Kadıköy-Tavşantepe metro. Transfer to the Marmaray at the Ayrılıkçeşme stop. After getting off at the Sirkeci stop, you will reach the Kabataş-Bağcılar tram. When you get off at the Tophane stop of the tram line, you have arrived at Galataport.
3.2. Galataport Directions from Üsküdar and Kadıköy
For visitors coming from Üsküdar, the Marmaray or the ferry lines are the fastest way. If you prefer the Marmaray, you can easily reach Galataport after the Tophane stop by way of the Kabataş-Bağcılar tramway starting from Sirkeci. Visitors from Kadıköy only need to take the Karaköy ferry then walk a short distance south.
3.3. Galataport Directions from Districts on the European Side
- If you are coming from Taksim, you should go to Kabataş using the funicular line. Then you will take an easy, short walk along the coastline to reach Galataport.
- Visitors from Güngören, Bağcılar or Merter can easily reach Galataport using the Kabataş-Bağcılar tram line.
- For people coming from Esenler and Bayrampaşa, it is recommended that you use the Yenikapı-Airport metro then get off at the Aksaray station to transfer to the Kabataş-Bağcılar tram line.
- If you are planning to come from Büyükçekmece, Esenyurt, Avcılar, Küçükçekmece or Bahçelievler, the Metrobus may be a better transportation alternative for you. As soon as you get off at Cevizlibağ stop, you will then transfer to the Kabataş-Bağcılar tram line. Exit at the Tophane stop to reach the colourful world of Galataport.
4. When was Galataport opened?
The construction of the Galataport Project started in 2015 and was finally completed in 2021 after six years of intensive construction. The doors of the complex were opened to visitors on October 29, Republic Day. The Galataport İstanbul Project has become a living centre that has grown in popularity and awareness since opening day.
5. Who owns Galataport?
The project was realized by the privatization administration and bears the joint signature of Doğuş Group and BLG Capital, which is part of Bilgili Holding.
6. Who is the architect of Galataport?
Positioned as one of the most innovative building projects in the city today, Galataport İstanbul bears the signature of Rebii Gorbon, one of the famous architects of the Republican Era. It is known that the project proposed by Gorbon was first selected at the İstanbul Port Passenger Hall Competition in 1935. Galataport, formerly known as the Galata Dock Project, is the result of an on-going story that spans many years. Of course, the project has been modernized for today’s conveniences and technologies and has been updated for accessibility.
7. What to do at Galataport?
Now you know Galataport. Now it is time to enjoy it. Check out the to-do list below!
7.1. You Can Get Together with Friends for Breakfast
Galataport’s breakfast places are completely different. A leisurely outing including long conversations with your friends accompanied by delicious breakfast will undoubtedly be very enjoyable!
7.2. Spend Time “In the Moment” with a Walk Along the Water
The coastline is one of the strongest characteristics of Galataport due to its prime coastal location and peaceful surroundings. Come on then, wouldn’t it be great to take a walk after breakfast?
7.3. You Can Check Out Countless Shopping Options
Numerous luxury brands await you at Galataport. This is one of the places where shopping enthusiasts, those who only want to find something specific, and hard to please shoppers can all meet on common ground.
7.4. You Can Experience the Fun Life
What is your favourite entertainment activity? Concerts, pubs, nightclubs and many more events and venues are at Galataport İstanbul. Whichever kind of specific entertainment experience you want and more, you will surely find it here.
7.5. You Can Live Every Day to the Fullest with Culture and Art Activities
Colourful exhibitions, interview panels and many more cultural events are booked on Galataport’s calendar. Visitors will find activities that will add enjoyment to their lives, open their minds, and encourage them to look at life from another point of view. So much so that İstanbul Modern, one of the largest and most well-established modern art museums of our country, is located at this arts and culture centre.
You have come a long way, and you won’t be able to see everything in a day, will you? Start browsing the hotel options around Galataport with Odamax, and find your hotel in İstanbul!
