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In 19th-century Pera (Beyoglu), a traditional tram trundled along the Grande Rue de Pera (Istiklal Caddesi) for 1.64 km (1 mile) connecting Taksim Square with Galatasaray and Tünel Square.
The tram was taken out of service in 1961, replaced by buses.
After Istiklal Caddesi became a pedestrian zone, the tram was restored and revived in 1990.
Although it's as much a curiosity as a means of transport, you'll find it useful if your feet are tired while walking Beyoglu's main shopping and dining avenue. You can use your Akbil electronic transit pass to ride.
The termini are Taksim Square and Tünel Square. At Galatasaray Square, half-way along Istiklal Caddesi, the trams from opposite directions meet and cross paths, also stopping to take on or set down passengers. There are only two other stops along the route.
The historic tram cars are small and cannot hold many passengers, and are often full. The ride is relatively slow (for one thing, the conductor must constantly ring his bell to clear the way of pedestrians), but pleasant—a good quick tour of Istiklal Caddesi.
Despite its antiquity, the trams carry an average of 6000 passengers daily!
You can take the tram in one direction, then walk back along Istiklal Caddesi for a closer look, or a stop at its boutiques, restaurants, bars or cafes.
The fare for the trip is YTL0.90.
At Tünel Square you can board the Tünel underground train to get to Karaköy/Galata and the Galata Bridge.
At Taksim Square you can board the Metro, or the Kabatas-Taksim Füniküler. Taksim is also a major bus line terminus.
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