Well, you might be right. Istanbul is well-known for its never-ending traffic, which may be exhausting at times. Although using public transit may assist with traffic, we do not suggest doing so in Istanbul during the covid. As a result, we have a more favorable opinion: walking! You will avoid getting caught in traffic if you walk, and it is also a wonderful opportunity to see the cultural city. 

Walking is the best way to see historically important cities all around the world. No matter how tempting it may seem to board a double-decker bus or other public transit to visit tourist sites, some things may be missed until you explore the streets by walking with a map in hand. This article describes the best walking routes in Istanbul from the viewpoint of an expert. Istanbul walking tours are just as essential as walking tours in Rome, New York, or Paris. Furthermore, as someone who has visited these locations, I can attest to the importance of exploring Istanbul on foot. 

Istanbul is unique among global cities in that it is located on two continents. However, describing it only in terms of geography would be misleading. Istanbul is a model of Anatolia and a crossroads between the two continents, acting as a connection between the two. European and Asian (especially Middle Eastern) themes may be found in abundance in Istanbul. This may be shown by just walking from Sultanahmet to Galata Tower and back. 

Walking In Sultanamet

If you start walking from Sultanahmet Square, you may visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Divanyolu Street, Cemberlitas, and Grand Bazaar. Then, in the direction of Sirkeci, take Uzun Carsi Street. Sirkeci has a variety of local restaurants and dessert shops. As a consequence, you may have lunch here before heading to Eminonu’s Spice Bazaar. Up to that point, you will have witnessed works of Ottoman Classical Era architecture. However, after you cross the Galata Bridge, you’ll be in Beyoglu, which is renowned for its European architecture. 

Istiklal Street To Taksim Square

The route that goes from Taksim Square to Istiklal Avenue and finishes with Galata Tower is undoubtedly familiar to most of you. However, Beyoglu has more to offer than what you’ll find on the main streets. You may discover places you’ve never seen before if you investigate the side alleys of Istiklal Avenue. Some of the most interesting walking routes in Beyoglu include Cukurcuma Street (Cihangir), Mesrutiyet Street (Pera), and Serdar-i Ekrem Street (Galata). Strolling down Istiklal Avenue and the neighboring streets, which reflect Istanbul’s 19th century to the best of the Ottoman Empire’s last century, will take a whole day. 

Hiking In Galata District

Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque is a tiny mosque in Istanbul, yet it is a magnificent mosque that rates among the top three in its category. The mosque was planned by Mimar Sinan and built by Giovanni Dionigi Galeni (Chief Admiral Ali Pasa), an Italian sailor, in the 16th century. The area has become more lively as a result of the cafés that have recently opened near the Kilic Ali Pasa Mosque. Before continuing your tour of Karakoy’s back alleys, you may want to stop for a cup of coffee at one of the boutique cafés along this path. Kadikoy and Galata used to be a cosmopolitan region during the Ottoman Empire as a significant port. As you may remember from history books, Venetians and Genoese merchants lived here and were important in transporting goods from the Silk Road to Europe.