Istiklal Avenue

Located in the Taksim neighborhood of the Beyoglu district, Istiklal Avenue, once known as Grande Rue de Pera, is one of the most famous streets in Istanbul and is without a doubt one of the most famous meeting points, a hub for leisure activities and beautiful streets in Istanbul. Istiklal means "Independence" in Turkish.

Istiklal Avenue is the busiest street in Istanbul. Every day and night, in both summer and winter, at any hour of the day, you can always see a large number of locals and tourists here. It is located in the Beyoglu district, formerly known as Pera, which is the center of arts and culture.

Istiklal Avenue runs all the way from Taksim Square, north end, and ends at Tunel Square, south end, leading to Galipdede Street and more to Galata Mevlevihanesi (Dervish Lodge) famous for its historic gate and if you go downhill further, to the famous Galata Tower. Halfway there, there is a break on Galatarasay Square.

Istiklal Avenue, lined with old 19th-century palaces, residences and embassies, is now home to high-street brands. It is also bustling at night with many great shops, bars, cafes, discos, clubs and restaurants. It is said that up to a million people walk up or down Istiklal Street every day.

The famous spots that tourists often visit when coming to Istiklal Avenue:

Church of the Holy Trinity (Hagia Triada)

The Hagia Triada Church is located at the entrance of Istiklal Avenue, on the left side, where it can be seen from a distance with its double dome and bell tower. Dating from 1880, this is a newly restored Greek Trinity Church.

Legal Consulate

The French Consulate Building is a beautiful building located at the beginning of Istiklal Avenue, on the right. It is also a cultural center offering French lessons, events and festivals all year round. There is also an Armenian Catholic Church Surp Voskeperan located behind the consulate.

Flower Passage (Cicek Pasaji)

Dating back to 1870, and once where white Russian refugees from the Bolshevik Revolution sold flowers, the historic Flower Passage (Cicek Pasaji), is where visitors can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of The restaurant is famous for its dinner with mezes, raki and gypsy (gypsy) music.

Nevizade . Street

Nevizade is a popular street and nightlife area located at the back of the Flower Passage, in the middle of Istiklal Avenue, where visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the narrow streets lined with eateries, cafes, seafood restaurants, meyhanes, bustling places to eat and more.

Fish market

Located right next to the Flower Passage, the Fish Market (Balik Pazari) is a historic market and where you can have an impressive dining experience. There are many stalls selling delectable street food such as midye dolma (clams stuffed with rice), midye tava (clams fried in hot oil), kokorec (lamb or lamb skewered and grilled) and more. And if you go deeper into the market, you can find many shops selling vegetables, fruits, caviar, fish and many other food items.

French Street

Located in the back around Galatasaray Square, in the middle of Istiklal Street, French Street is a lovely street made in French style. Formerly known as Algeria Street, visitors can enjoy a taste of France and French influences in its pretty narrow alleys, sidewalks, beautifully restored terraced buildings, shops and rooms galleries, bakeries, wineries, cafes and restaurants specializing in French cuisine and wine.

Asmalimescit

Asmalimescit is a popular street and nightlife area located between Tepebasi Street and Istiklal Street. Guests can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the narrow streets lined with cafes, dining venues, outdoor art shows and more. This area is another great nightlife hub in Istanbul. This area can keep visitors entertained until morning.