Travel Photography | Heritage Red Tram | Istiklal Caddesi | Taksim | Istanbul

© 2013 Wazari Wazir | Istanbul Heritage Red Tram | Istiklal Caddesi | Taksim

There are many great looking modern trams in Istanbul but this one in Taksim Square is quite unique looking, and antique. There is a long history about the reintroduction of this tram in Istanbul, but I’m not going to write about it here, I think the most interesting things is to know is how you can get on board.

You can only found this Heritage Tram in Istiklal  Caddesi. So if you staying somewhere in Sultanahmet area, the fastest way to get here is to take the modern tram to Kabatas, the last tram station on the European side. Once you get down from the tram, you need to get into Funicular Line, it is located underground, you need to pay for another ticket, it is 3 Lira as of February 2013. It is very short ride, then once you get out of the station, you need to cross the road and you will see the Heritage Tram Stop, which look like a normal “bus stop”.

© 2009 Wazari Wazir | Heritage Tram Stop | Taksim Square

Actually there are another way on how you can reach the red tram. If you are coming with a tram from Sultanahmet, you can get down at Karakoy station, which is located at the end of Galata Bridge and then go walking uphill, go straight uphill until you see the tram tracks. The other  way is that, you can take a Karakoy – Funicular line, but it can be a little bit of a hassle to find this station since it is located inside an old building to the left side of Karakoy tram station.  If you are coming from Sultanahmet, just look for  “Tünel” sign and you will be fine.

Before you board the tram, please make sure that you have already purchase your Jeton or Istanbulkart (preferable) because you cannot pay your ticket with cash money, you need to have Istanbulkart, since February 2013, the fees is the same as normal modern tram in Istanbul which is just 3 Lira. Istiklal Street is not that long, it is  approximately three kilometres, walking is the best option if you wanted to explore this area but it is also good experience if you catch this Tram for a short ride.

© 2012 Wazari Wazir | Heritage Tram at Istikal Caddesi | Taksim | Istanbul

So guys, if you ever have a chance to visit Istanbul, make sure that you spare some of your precious times there by taking this Red Heritage Tram, it is unique in Istanbul even though there are other old tram, somewhere on Asian side, this one is quite special because it served the Istiklal Street, among the busiest and most happening place in Turkey. Even if you are very tight on your travel schedule, just get yourself a picture taken with this red tram, and instantly those who travel a lot will recognise it.