Tersane Istanbul, also known as Haliçport, is transforming a 19th-century Ottoman shipyard on the Golden Horn into one of Istanbul's newest waterfront destinations. Here's what it is, and how to get there.
Most first-time visitors to Istanbul stick to the well-known names — Sultanahmet, Taksim, the Bosphorus. Fewer know about Tersane Istanbul, also referred to as Haliçport, a large-scale redevelopment quietly turning a historic shipyard on the Golden Horn into one of the city's most ambitious new districts.
What Is Tersane Istanbul?
Tersane Istanbul is a 242,000 square metre redevelopment built on the site of the former Ottoman Imperial Shipyard, on the north shore of the Golden Horn (Haliç) in the Kasımpaşa area of the Beyoğlu district. The project converts the old industrial shipyard into a mixed-use waterfront district combining retail space, several luxury hotels, restaurants, residential units, museums, performance venues, marinas and a shoreline promenade.
Where It Sits
Tersane Istanbul sits on the Golden Horn's northern shore in Kasımpaşa, part of the Beyoğlu district — placing it within reach of central Istanbul while occupying a stretch of waterfront that, until recently, was closed off as working shipyard land rather than a public destination.
Why It's Worth Knowing About
Istanbul's Golden Horn has always been historically significant, but much of its shoreline wasn't set up for visitors the way the Bosphorus waterfront is. Tersane Istanbul changes that — bringing hotels, dining, cultural venues and a public promenade to a part of the city that previously had none of it. For travelers who've already covered the classic sights and want to see a genuinely new side of Istanbul, it's an emerging option worth adding to the list.
What You'll Find There
The development includes several components rather than a single attraction:
- Hotels — multiple luxury properties, including Rixos Tersane Istanbul, set within the restored shipyard buildings.
- Museums and cultural space — several museum venues and performance areas are part of the district.
- Marinas and waterfront promenade — a shoreline walk along the Golden Horn, plus marina facilities.
- Retail and dining — shops and restaurants integrated throughout the site.
Getting to Tersane Istanbul
Wherever you're arriving in Istanbul from, a private transfer to the Kasımpaşa/Golden Horn area is straightforward:
Since Tersane Istanbul is a newer district, having a driver who knows exactly where to take you — rather than trying to direct a taxi to a shipyard-turned-hotel-district — makes arrival considerably simpler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tersane Istanbul the same as Haliçport?
Yes — Haliçport is an alternative name used for the same Tersane Istanbul development on the Golden Horn.
Which district is Tersane Istanbul in?
It's in Kasımpaşa, part of the Beyoğlu district, on the Golden Horn's northern shore.
Is this a good area to stay for a first-time visitor?
It suits travelers looking for a newer, waterfront hotel district with easy access to central Istanbul, rather than being based directly among the historic peninsula's sights.
Book Your Transfer to Tersane Istanbul
Whether you're heading to a hotel, restaurant or event at Tersane Istanbul, a fixed-price, door-to-door transfer takes the guesswork out of finding this newly developed part of the city. Book your transfer today.
