Explore Istiklal Street in Istanbul
Introduction
Istiklal Street (Istiklal Avenue) is a must-see for everyone visiting Istanbul. Istiklal Street, also known as "Independence Avenue," is 1.5 kilometers long. The Taksim Square neighborhood is cut through by a long, vibrant pedestrian thoroughfare and grand promenade that is home to a wide variety of stores, eateries, cafes, street performances, and other businesses. Istiklal Street is traversed by the sentimental tram. One of the nicest spots to visit in Istanbul is Istiklal Street.
Things to Do & See
The busiest street in Istanbul is Istiklal Street. Additionally, you can always see a huge influx of both locals and tourists here at any time of the day, day and night, summer or winter. It is located in the Beyoglu neighborhood, formerly known as Pera, which is the hub of art and culture.
Istiklal Street connects Taksim Square on the north to Tunel Square on the south, where it ends. From there, Galipdede Street goes to the renowned Galata Mevlevihanesi (Dervish Lodge), which has a historic gate, and if you continue downhill, the renowned Galata Tower. There is a break on the Galatarasay square at the halfway point.
Taksim Square in the north and Tunel Square in the south are connected by Istiklal Street, which terminates there. The famed Galata Mevlevihanesi (Dervish Lodge), which has a historic gate, and the renowned Galata Tower are both accessible from there via Galipdede Street. At the midpoint, there is a break on the Galatarasay square.
Historical Galatasaray Hamam (Turkish Bath)
Sultan Beyazit the 2nd constructed the Galatasaray Hammam (Turkish Bath) in 1481 and it is situated along the alleyway that crosses the Flower Passage. It is a wonderful location to experience the 500-year-old Ottoman Empire's ancient bath culture. It has been in operation for centuries.
Church of the Holy Trinity (Hagia Triada)
With its dome and twin bell towers, the Hagia Triada Church is visible to everyone at the Istiklal Street entry, on the left. It is a recently restored Greek Church of Holy Trinity that was built in 1880.
St. Antoine of Padua Church
The Italian architect Giulio Mongeri constructed the St. Antony of Padua Church, commonly known as St. Antoine's Cathedral, in the neo-Gothic style between 1906 and 1911. is one of Istanbul's largest churches and home to the majority of the city's Catholics. Istanbul's must-see church.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
A 2,000 square meter space of the Grand Pera building on Istiklal Avenue has a wax museum and entertainment complex. A chain of museums called Madame Tussauds features life-size wax sculptures of renowned people, historical figures, heroes from Turkish history and culture, as well as contemporary figures from the worlds of entertainment, sports, and politics. Especially enjoyable for families with young children.
Pera Museum
The Suna and Inan Kirac Foundation established the Pera Museum as a private institution in 2005. The museum is housed in an amazing historic structure that was initially intended to be the Bristol Hotel in the Tepebasi area, across from the right down end of Istiklal Boulevard. The Pera Museum hosts a variety of exhibitions, publications, audio-visual events, educational programs, and permanent collections of Orientalist paintings, Anatolian weights and measures, and Kutahya tiles and ceramics.
Flower Passage (Cicek Pasaji)
The historical Flower Passage (Cicek Pasaji), which dates back to 1870 and was once where White Russian refugees fleeing the Bolshevik Revolution sold flowers, is a well-liked arcade where guests can take in the lively atmosphere of the restaurants known for their mezes, raki, and gypsy music dinners.
Fish Market
The Fish Market (Balik Pazari), which is right next to the Flower Passage, is a historically significant market area where you may enjoy a memorable dining experience. There are several vendors selling mouthwatering street cuisine, such kokorec (seasoned intestines from goat or lamb that are skewered and grilled) and midye dolma (mussels packed with rice). Further into the market, you might discover a variety of businesses selling fish, caviar, vegetables, fruits, and other foods.
French Consulate
Right at the start of Istiklal Street, on the left, is the stunning French Consulate building. It also serves as a cultural hub, hosting festivals, events, and classes in French all year round. Behind the consulate is a Surp Voskeperan Church, which is Armenian Catholic.
French Street
The French Street is a beautiful street designed in the French style, and it is situated in the backstreets near Galatasaray Square, in the midst of Istiklal Street. Visitors can experience a taste of France and French influence at the charming narrow alleys, pavements, lovingly restored terraced buildings, boutiques and galleries, patisseries, wine houses, cafes, and restaurants specializing in French cuisine and wines on what was formerly known as Algeria Street.
Nevizade Street
Nevizade is a well-known street and nightlife district in the heart of Istiklal Street, behind the Flower Passage, where visitors may take in the vibrant ambiance of its winding streets filled with restaurants, cafes, fish restaurants, meyhanes, eating establishments, and more.
Asmalimescit
Between Tepebasi and Istiklal Street, there is a well-known street and nightlife district called Asmalimescit. Visitors can take pleasure in the vibrant ambiance of its winding alleyways filled with cafes, restaurants, outdoor art performances, and more. This location is yet another fantastic hub for nightlife in Istanbul. Visitors may enjoy themselves in the neighborhood till early in the morning.
Conclusion
Istiklal Street has always been one of the most attractive destinations in Istanbul. There are a lot of activities to do there. And you cannot get bored visiting this street many times as it is full of life.