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Taksim Square

Photo credit: David Berkowitz / Foter / CC BY
Taksim Square
  • (worth a trip)
  • 1-2 km
  • Moderate
  • Free
  • 3 hours
  • 3 3

Get a feel of the most vivacious hub of the city

Cihangir Mah., Başkurt Sok. No:27, 34433 Taksim/İstanbul, Turkey
While wandering around the streets of Taksim Square we found this restaurant called the Leb-i Derya Richmond and i quite really liked this place for its amazing view of the Bosphorous and the city of Istanbul. Their menu is a bit different than what you would find in a regular restaurant. It was a very unusual experience tasting their mushroom risotto and shrimps.
1) Taksim square can get really crowded and would get difficult to actually do some shopping peacefully, to avoid that, you could reach here around mid morning to get enough time to cover the entire street.
2) Do check the news for any sort of protests taking place at the Taksim square to avoid any hassle.

Taksim Square, one of the largest meeting hubs in Istanbul is considered as the heart of the modern city. It is situated on the European side of Istanbul and is also a central station of the Istanbul Metro network.

 

At the entrance of the street it is not difficult to notice an enormous structure known as the “Monument of Republic” which was inaugurated in the year 1928 and constructed by a famous Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica.

 

Taksim is the most preferred spot of Istanbul and is visited by hundreds of tourists as well as locals each day. It has been an absolute favourite amongst tourist since it is connected to the longest shopping street in Istanbul, the Istiklal Street. This street has a plethora of shops, ranging from street style to high end fashion brands. You name it they have it.

 

Speaking of shopping, there are also some small local vendors trying to sell handmade products which are very personal to the Turkish culture. You could check for some wooden crafts or flower headbands being sold right at the beginning of the street.

 

Further moving down the Istiklal street, you will be spoilt for choice for the different types of food available here. There are restaurants and cafes at almost every step and are one better than the other.

 

Overall, this lively centre remains a favourite spot amongst the tourists and locals.



Opening hours

Always

How to get there

Board the tram at Sultanahmet and get off at the last stop called Kabastas. Follow the street down the stairs and board a funicular which should take you directly to the Taksim.

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