Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Top Sights
İstiklal Caddesi
Once called the Grand Rue de Pera but renamed İstiklal
(Independence) in the early years of the Republic, Bey-
oğlu's premier boulevard is a perfect metaphor for 21st-
century Turkey. A long pedestrianised strip full of shops, cafes, cinemas and cultural
centres, it showcases İstanbul's Janus-like personality, embracing modernity one minute
and happily bowing to tradition the next. Come here to experience the city as the locals do,
promenading the street's length and taking advantage of its excellent eating, drinking and
shopping opportunities.
Independence Ave
OFFLINE MAP
Don't Miss
Taksim Square
Named after the 18th-century stone
taksim
(water storage unit) on its western side, this
busy square is home to a chaotic bus terminus, an architecturally significant cultural centre
and an often-overlooked monument to the founding of the Republic.
Çiçek Pasajı
Built in 1876 and decorated in Second Empire style, the Cité de Pera building once housed
a shopping arcade and apartments. The arcade is now known as the Çiçek Pasajı (Flower
Passage) and is full of boisterous
meyhanes
(taverns).
Balık Pazarı
Next to the Çiçek Pasajı, Galatasaray's fish market is full of small stands selling
midye tava
(skewered mussels fried in hot oil),
kokoreç
(skewered lamb or mutton intestines seasoned
and grilled over charcoal) and fresh produce.
