The Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani) situated in the European part of Istanbul, is a major shopping, tourist and leisure district famed for its restaurants, shops and hotels. It is the downtown of the city and considered as the heart of modern Istanbul, and is the location of the Cumhuriyet Anıtı (Republic Monument), which was built in 1928 and commemorates the formation of the Turkish Republic.
Istiklal Street is one of the most famous avenues in Istanbul, visited by nearly 3 million people in a single day over the course of weekends. Located in the historical Beyoğlu district, it is an elegant pedestrian street, approximately two kilometers long, which houses exquisite boutiques, music stores, bookstores, art galleries, cinemas, theaters, libraries, cafes, pubs, night clubs with live music, historical patisseries, chocolateries and restaurants.
The avenue, surrounded by late the 19th and early 20th centuries buildings that were designed with the Neo-Classical, Neo-Gothic, Beaux-Arts, Art Nouveau and First Turkish National Architecture styles; as well as a few Art Deco style buildings from the early years of the Turkish Republic.
Best route for Istiklal Street is taking tram number 38 from any station to the last station, Kabataş. In Kabataş you can easly switch to Funicular (underground lift) to Taksim Square and Istiklal Street or walk up to the square.. You can enjoy and walk down from the street which is about two kilometers, end of the street either you can take the oldest metro line from Tunnel to Karakoy or keep walking from Galip Dede Street to see the Galata Tower.
Practical Information
* The tram costs 2 liras per person,
* There is a nostalgic tram over the popular Istiklal street but the best way is walking to discover the street,
* Galata Tower cost 11 liras per person.
Book the tour for PERA, TAKSIM SQUARE and ISTIKLAL STREET |