Istiklal street (istiklal avenue) is a must-see attraction for all visitors visiting istanbul. istiklal thoroughfare, also known as “independence caddesi,” is a 1.5-kilometer-long colorful pedestrian street and magnificent boulevard that runs through beyoglu and is lined with stores, restaurants, cafés, and street performances. it is situated near taksim square. the istiklal street tram is a vintage tram that traverses the length of the street. istiklal street is also one of istanbul’s top tourist attractions.
published: 9 September 2022 / updated: 21 November 2024Share
Where Is Istiklal Street?
Istiklal Street, formerly known as Grande Rue de Pera, is one of Istanbul’s most popular gathering places, a hub for leisure activities, and one of the city’s most attractive avenues. It is located in the Taksim area of the Beyoglu district. In Turkish, Istiklal signifies “independence.”
What To Do In Istiklal Street?
Istiklal Street is Istanbul’s busiest thoroughfare. And, at any hour of the day or night, in both summer and winter, you can always witness a swarm of both residents and visitors here. It is located in the Beyoglu neighborhood, previously known as Pera, which is known for its arts and culture. Istiklal Street goes from Taksim Square in the north to Tunel Square in the south, leading to Galipdede Street and then to the renowned Galata Mevlevihanesi (Dervish Lodge) with its ancient gate and, if you continue downhill, to the famous Galata Tower. On the Galatarasay plaza, there is a half-way break.
Istiklal Street is dotted with old palaces, mansions, and embassies from the 19th century that are now home to high-end retailers. With many excellent stores, bars, cafés, discos, clubs, and restaurants, it is just as bustling at night. Every day, it is estimated that up to a million people stroll up and down Istiklal Street.
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Flower Passage
The historical Flower Passage (Cicek Pasaji), which dates back to 1870 and was once used to sell flowers by White Russian refugees fleeing the Bolshevik Revolution, is a popular arcade where visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere of its lively restaurants famous for mezes, raki, and gypsy musicians.
Pera museum
The Suna and Inan Kirac Foundation established the Pera Museum in 2005 as a private museum. The museum is housed in an outstanding historical structure that was initially designed as the Bristol Hotel in the Tepebasi district, across from the right down end of Istiklal Boulevard. At the Pera Museum, there are permanent collections of Orientalist paintings, Anatolian weights and measures, and Kutahya tiles and ceramics, as well as numerous other exhibits. It’s one of the most important and famous museums in the city!
Asmalimescit
Between Tepebasi and Istiklal Streets lies Asmalimescit, a famous street and nighttime entertainment area. Visitors may enjoy the vibrant ambiance of the city’s small streets, which are lined with cafés, eating establishments, open-air art performances, and other attractions. The neighborhood is yet another fantastic nightlife hotspot in Istanbul. The location may keep tourists engaged until the early hours of the morning. Tip: if you are visiting Asmalimescit, pay a visit to the restaurants, as well! You’ll find many suprises.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
A wax museum and entertainment center in the Grand Pera building on Istiklal Street, which spans 2,000 square meters. Madame Tussauds is a museum chain that features life-size wax reproductions of well-known celebrities and historical figures, as well as historical and cultural heroes from Turkey’s past, as well as contemporary personalities from the arts, sports, and politics. This is a great location to visit with your family, particularly if you have children.
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Are you a foodie or looking for new culinary options that offer fresh, exciting food experiences? If so, Istanbul may be your perfect destination. Istanbul is a city of contrasts: It’s a melting pot of the East and West, plus a unique cultural mixture of two continents. For a city that has been around for more than 2,000 years, it’s no surprise that Istanbul has an abundance of traditional Turkish and Ottoman restaurants. You can try out Turkish cuisine in any Turkish restaurant or Ottoman restaurant. In comparison to Western cuisines, Turkish cuisine is quite different with the rich flavors that its dishes contain, but once you get accustomed to it, you’ll definitely enjoy it.
Galata, the distinguished social and cultural center of Istanbul known as Pera or Karakoy in modern Turkish, is a busy district that hosts both local and foreign tourists. This large and magnificent touristic neighborhood is located in the Beyoglu district towards Taksim Square from the northern part of the Golden Horn. Being a vibrant neighborhood amid the daily hustle and bustle of handicraft shops, lovely cafes, street musicians, and businessmen, this district reveals the diversity and richness of Istanbul.
Did you come to Turkey primarily to tour Istanbul? Or do you want to visit other Turkish destinations as well? Istanbul is a fantastic tourist destination in and of itself.
Value-added tax (vat) is collected by almost all countries around the world. but as a tourist, you can benefit from tax free shopping in istanbul in different stores. if you are visiting different parts of turkey, you can still claim your taxes back. all you need to do is be eligible for tax free shopping in turkey. once you meet the requirements, you can claim your vat payment back. product prices in turkey include value-added tax (kdv). as istanbul is an amazing city for shopping, you will probably purchase some gifts in your istanbul old city tour. there are hundreds of authentic shops in istanbul.