Of course, many on the ship opt for a cruise excursion specifically so they will not have this experience (see below). But for me, feeling the crush of Istanbul’s only tram is a travel highlight. I suppose a grunge rocker who leaps into a mosh pit knows the thrill, but words can’t describe the sweaty crush of the Istanbul tram. Maybe this video can help put you there.
If you can’t see the video below, watch it on YouTube.
Comments
Ah yes, I remember this well…
Rick – just catching up on your blog and found all your cruise posts very interesting. I’m a very independent traveler but took a cruise one summer since I was low on cash but needed to get away. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it; I found that people could make the vacation they wanted; we were out and about on every shore stop taking it all in; others just shopped; others never left the ship, and we all had our own ‘perfect’ vacation.
They are also a great way for people a bit wary of travel to get a taste of places and figure out where they want to return to. Not sure if/when I’ll take another but they are good fun.
Not as bad as the Tokyo subway but a surgical mask also seems to be a smart move here.
Reminds me of the 4, 5, 6 Lexington Avenue train in NYC. ; )
I had this same experience in the Paris metro during rush hour. Pure madness haha.
The buses in Rome are worse. The door opens, it looks full, you’d better just get on anyway, you can fit in.
My Mom and I were in Istanbul to take a cruise to Israel last month. We used the tram extensively…even to/from the airport. We love to mingle with the locals. Using the subway is a fun way to observe cultures and helps to make us feel less like tourists. We always research public transportation via your travel guides before we go overseas. Thanks for this great blog!
We were on the ship with you and did a private excursion the first day in Istanbul. The next morning, Sunday, we got up early and took the tram to the Spice Market. It was not crowded at all. After spending time there we walked back to the ship, across the bridge as we watched the locals fish. So many people are afraid of public transportation yet we find it so affordable. Before the cruise we stayed outside of Rome in Pigneto – one block from the tram and bus line. We saved so much money on our accommodations because of our location and we were not in a touristy area at all.