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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.
Zeytinburnu-Kabatas
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