Famous Districts

Taksim

Taksim Square and Istiklal Street are bustling all year with high-end shops, restaurants, cafés, pubs, and nightclubs. Starting at the Republic Monument, which was created to celebrate the Republic's foundation in 1923, you may walk along commercial Istiklal Street, past the unique Taksim Tram, and onto cobblestoned Galip Dede Street. The modern art museum SALT Beyoglu is a terrific spot to get away from the bustle and immerse yourself in an exhibition. Every Wednesday, the bottom floor holds free cinema screenings, while the top floor has a lovely winter garden, a tranquil haven in the center of the city.

• Karakoy

Karaköy, formerly a vital city harbor, was allowed to decline until it became a hotspot about 2012. Churches and synagogues integrate smoothly into the newer areas of the city, creating a maze-like street system that offers a glimpse of the city's heritage. The SALT Galata building, which was once the Ottoman Bank headquarters and is now a well-established art venue, was once home to the financial area in the 19th century. Take a stroll along Mumhane Street to see Pi and the Mixer Art Gallery. There are lots of fresh places to eat and drink along this street, such as Karaköy Lokantasi, which serves authentic Ottoman dishes like Hünkar begendi.

• Besiktas

Besiktas, one of Istanbul's oldest districts, is home to three major institutions, and the students that visit the area give it a relaxed feel. It's the perfect area to meet up with friends, with coffee shops playing carefully selected music, hundreds of pubs serving inexpensive beer on tap, and a wide variety of food options. This region also houses the Besiktas Football Club, which makes it a popular meeting location on match days when marching bands and spectators waving flags and singing fill the streets. Try a fish sandwich from the local market or a dish of chicken and rice from one of the pilavcis scattered across the plaza. Finish with a sweet delicacy made from carrots and semolina served with ice cream from the famed halva cart. Besiktas' numerous clubs and pubs make it simple to go bar hopping: Joker No.19 offers cocktails and a space to dance, speak, and dine, while the United Pub serves a variety of local and international beers. If you're looking for a caffeine fix, Black Owl Coffee and Bettys are popular choices, while there's plenty more good coffee in the region. Start your exploration at the Black Eagle Statue, which marks the market's center; from there, you may wander in any direction and discover something interesting to do or see.

• Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet is a must-see attraction for anybody visiting Istanbul. The social and political center of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, this neighborhood takes you through Istanbul's rich history, and some of the city's most stunning architecture, such as the sixth-century Hagia Sophia, which dominates the skyline with its vast dome, is within walking distance of the main square. The Ottoman-era Topkapi Palace, the 15th-century Sultans' palace turned museum in 1924; the Blue Mosque, known for its tiles and minarets; and the sixth-century Basilica Cistern, Istanbul's biggest surviving Byzantine cistern, are all must-sees.

Istanbul houses many districts within its borders, many of which are famous for their both their cultural heritage and luxurious shopping centers. Visit the Istanbul.com website for more information