Hotels near Istiklal Avenue and Taksim Square

Istiklal Caddesi is a 1.4-kilometre pedestrian boulevard running from Taksim Square to the Tunel funicular station near Galata Tower. In the late Ottoman period this was the Grande Rue de Pera, the European-style high street of the cosmopolitan Beyoglu district. Today it is the commercial and social spine of modern Istanbul - an estimated 3 million people walk its length daily on weekends. The street is lined with 19th-century apartment buildings, consulates, churches, cinemas, bookshops, and restaurants.

Key stops along the way include the Church of St. Anthony of Padua (the largest Catholic church in Istanbul), Cicek Pasaji (the Flower Passage, a historic arcade of meyhane restaurants), the Fish Market (Balik Pazari) on the side streets, and numerous rooftop bars with Golden Horn views. The nostalgic red tram runs the full length of Istiklal, though walking is faster. Taksim Square at the northern end is the symbolic centre of modern Istanbul, marked by the Republic Monument.

Pro Tip: Walk downhill from Taksim toward Tunel (not uphill) to save energy and end near Galata Tower. Duck into the side streets off Istiklal for the real character - Nevizade Sokak for meyhane tavernas, Asmalimescit for cocktail bars, and Cezayir Sokak (French Street) for a quieter atmosphere. Visit on a weekday afternoon to avoid the densest crowds.