Hi
I'm interested in visiting the Greek Patriarchate and St Stephen of the Bulgars. Chora Church is something I'd hate to miss and even Theodosian Walls seem to be in the same general area. However, these places are quite spread out- so my question if taxis are available in the area? Easy to hail off the streets?
Thanks!
Hi...I'm not sure your level of mobility, but these places are within walking distance of one another.
But to reply more directly to your question, yes, cabs are quite easy to hail and they are metered. They're a fine option if your time is somewhat limited, but do make use of the public transport system as well.
Enjoy your trip.
Yes, taxis are metered but be certain that the driver starts the meter. They love to charge 20 lira for short rides that would be half or less that by the meter ;)
The last I heard most of Chora Church is closed for renovations. It's also not the easiest place to find when walking as the streets in the area are especially narrow, steep and twisting. St. Stephen's is easy to find however as it's in a park along the shore of the Golden Horn. As someone very recently mentioned in a trip report, while a large section of the Theodosian Walls are very close to Chora Church, it's extremely easy to get lost in that area.
If getting a taxi or asking directions, I very much suggest that you WRITE down the TURKISH name for these sites!!!!! Chora Church is "Kariye Müzesi" or "Kariye Kilisesi". St. Stephens is "Bulgar Kilisesi".
Thanks for the replies. I would personally love to walk around but guess others travelling along will want to walk somewhat lesser. So good to know taxis are available.
Tripadvisor reviews state that it is still accessible so hoping for the best. But looking forward to aimlessly wander around too. cheers
True, Chora might be a bit difficult to find without help. I'm not sure about renovations there, but you might write them an email to ask. There will be someone on the other end capable of writing to you in English.
http://kariye.muze.gov.tr/en/contact
The 1453 Panorama Museum is worth seeing as well, in my opinion, if you're interested in history; it depicts the fall of Constantinople in an impressive scene. It isn't very far from Chora and has a nice park nearby as well. You can write "Panorama 1453 Tarih Müzesi" for a driver. From there you can easily get on the T1 tram line at Topkapi station.
I actually walked to the church/museum from Adirnekapi (Adirne gate in the city walls), it was quite easy to find with some directions from the locals. Don't miss Mehremah Camii next to the Adirnekapi on your way to the Churche.
You can get to Adirnekape by taking the tramway from Sultan Ahmed to Topkapi statation then take the orang line to AdirneKapi.
This my visit to Istanbul. Look at number one entry to see my walk alobg the city wall.
I would highly recommend -what said previously- to visit the panorama museum. I think it is NOT far Top Kapi station but I am NOT sure.