April 2015

The Galata bridge spans the Golden Horn in Istanbul. At one end is the Karakoy tram stop which we reached after coming down from the Galata tower and the other side is the Eminonu tram stop. The locals consider the bridge as the hub of Istanbul. It is an experience walking across the bridge. You’ll find numerous locals fishing using rods atop of the bridge and in the lower deck restaurants stretch from end-to-end.

Restaurants at lower deck of Galata bridge.

Locals fishing atop of the Galata bridge.

Catch for the day is sold to pedestrians.

Walking down from Karakoy tram stop to the bridge, on your right you’ll find a small market naturally most selling fishes and also vegetables. Convenient stop for locals to shop before going home. There are food stalls nearby the market just by the Bosphorus bank where you can order fresh sea food dishes and dine by a ferry berth next to you.

Fresh fish at the market.

Pick you choice of fish.

Vegetables are also sold here.

Not in the mood to cook ? Have your meal in one of the open air food stalls just beside the market.

Fancy having your meal under the umbrella next to a ferry?

Making your way from Karakoy to Eminonu, the Galata tower will be towards your back and in front, you’ll get to view the Rustem Pasa mosque and of-course ferries plying under the bridge.

Galata tower towards your back.

To your front, Rustem Pasa mosque.

Across is the Ataturk bridge.

Towards the end of the Galata bridge before reaching the Eminonu tram stop, there’s a small square where people get off their ferry, bus, tram, having a meal on the floating restaurants, push carts selling Simit, a circular bread with sesame seeds and a hive of other activities. Busy, busy, busy. Ahh, the sight, smell, hustle and bustle of Istanbul.

The pier on Eminonu’s side.

Hive of activities.