In İstanbul, where East meets West across the vast Bosphorus, the ferry is more than a vehicle; it’s a cultural icon that weaves the fabric of the city’s history with its present. For residents and visitors alike, a ferry journey is not just a means of transport from one side of the city to the other – it is an essential part of the experience of İstanbul’s soul.

Travelling by ferry in İstanbul offers a unique blend of nostalgia and scenic beauty. One of the city’s oldest forms of transport, ferries have crossed the Bosphorus bridging Asia and Europe since the 19th century. Today, despite all faster transportation alternatives, the ferry remains a preferred vehicle for many habitants. For İstanbulites and visitors alike, traveling by ferry on the Bosphorus is an integral part of the city’s charm and rhythm. It offers a breath of fresh air from the hectic pace of city life. The moment you onboard a ferry, the rush of the city seems to fade into the background.

It’s also a shared experience that cuts across socio-economic divides, offering everyone the same majestic views, the same refreshing breeze, and the same momentary pause from daily life.

The Paşabahçe Ferry: A Symbol of Heritage and Renewal

One of the most famous ships in İstanbul’s maritime history is the Paşabahçe Ferry. With a capacity of 1700 people, it was built in Taranto, Italy in 1952 as a motorised passenger ferry for Turkey. After 58 years it was retired in 2010 and donated to the Beykoz Municipality.

Paşabahçe Ferry became a symbol of İstanbul’s post-war modernisation and was one of the last steam-powered ferries to cross the Bosphorus. Its elegant design and robust engineering made it a favourite with the locals, embodying the spirit and resilience of the city.

The ferries of İstanbul, especially the beloved Paşabahçe, do more than transport people across physical distances; they bridge temporal and cultural gaps, making each journey a voyage through the very heart of İstanbul.

The Great Renewal

In 2020, the nostalgic Paşabahçe Ferry was restored with the know-how and experience of Haliç Shipyard and joined the City Lines fleet, sailing again at its 70th year. With its unique seating arrangement, fixed tables on the deck and renovated café, this ferry is a very meaningful gift to İstanbulites.

The Paşabahçe Ferry now serves not only as a functional part of İstanbul’s transport network, but also as a floating museum and cultural centre. Its restoration has raised interest in other heritage ferries and encouraged a wider appreciation of İstanbul’s maritime heritage.