CityBuddy
İstiklal Avenue and Taksim Square
Best time to visit
Late afternoon to early evening, when shops and cafés are open and street performers gather; avoid weekday morning commute times to skip the local rush.
Budget tips
No entrance fee for the avenue or square, walking costs nothing; use an Istanbulkart for tram or metro rides and save by choosing street food like simit or midye dolma over sit-down restaurants.
Recommended for
Street photographers, Food lovers, Nightlife seekers, Urban explorers
Plan your visit
2-4 hours
About
Brze činjenice: A bustling pedestrian street pulses with vibrant energy from its historic tram weaving through crowds, lined with diverse shops, cafes, and art galleries that celebrate both tradition and modernity. Nearby, a lively square captivates with its iconic Republic Monument, serving as a dynamic hub for social gatherings, cultural events, and spirited demonstrations.
Istaknuto: Every evening, just as the sun sets, the nostalgic red trams clatter down the street carrying locals and visitors through a corridor lined with over 400 shops, cafes, and historic consulates, creating a lively human mosaic. At the heart of the area, a massive Republic Monument stands surrounded by pigeons, where people have a quirky tradition: tossing a piece of bread for the birds and watching them soar in incredible synchronized patterns against the fading light.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, the avenue is long and mostly cobbled in places.
- For the classic photo with the red nostalgic tram, wait near Galatasaray Passage or the Russian Consulate corner.
- If crowds bother you, visit on a weekday morning when shops open and foot traffic is lighter.
- Skip expensive tourist restaurants on side streets, look for small lokantas and bakeries for cheaper, authentic bites.
Practical info
Kliknite da rezervišete BESPLATNU šetnju u Istanbul, Turkey
Najbolji način da doživite grad sa lokalnim vodičem.
Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!
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