and Istanbul has more than 15 million inhabitants and is by far the largest city among European travel destinations. the Partition Tour is definitely part of Istanbul city tour. Here are some of the best tips and insider knowledge for a Taksim city break in the European part of Istanbul.
Taksim, in the famous district Beyoglu located on the European side of Istanbul, is a district that, along with Istiklal Street ( Istiklal Caddesia) mentioned.
In Taksim, the eye of Istanbul, there are many places and attractions to visit and see. Taksim, one of the most popular areas on the European side, always offers its visitors pleasant moments with a lively and fun atmosphere, crowded streets, restaurants and cafes. This is the modern part and the heart of Istanbul.
The word taksim means “division” or “distribution” in Arabic.
You can watch life from Taksim Square and get carried away by the beauty of Istiklal Street.
Taksim is undoubtedly one of the most world-famous districts of Istanbul. Istiklal Street is one of the most popular Streets in Istanbul and one of the frequent destinations of domestic and foreign tourists. Thanks to its bars, cafes, restaurants and family gardens, it attracts everyone at any time of the day.
What to expect in Taksim, Istanbul
Walking around Taksim Square, watching the crowds and then strolling down to Istiklal Street and enjoying the lively atmosphere is one of the best Activities in Taksim.
When you arrive at the end of the long, colorful pedestrianized Istiklal Street, you will come across the famous Galata Tower closer.
Things to do and places to visit in Taksim
One of the main attractions of Taksim is undoubtedly the nostalgic tram that comes with IstanbulCard can be used.
Taksim place (Taksim Meydani)
Taksim Square is a cosmopolitan square that is also a communication center and an important commercial, entertainment and tourist center for residents and tourists in Istanbul. Taksim Square is also a popular meeting place and the perfect spot for a pleasant stroll around Istanbul.
Along the square there are many popular tourist attractions such as restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes, monuments and museums.
Taksim Square with its location leading to the monument, Gezi Park, Aya Triada Domed Church, Nostalgic Tram, Huseyin Aga Mosque and famous Istiklal Street is the most popular square in Istanbul as well as in the Turkey.
Gezi Park (Taksim Gezi Parkı)
Located just off Taksim Square, Gezi Park is a beautiful park and the only intensely green space in Taksim. There you can have a good rest and watch the city come to life under tall trees and gardens.
Istiklal Street (Turkish: İstiklal Caddesi)
Istiklal Street, historically known as the Great Pear Avenue, is one of the most famous avenues in Istanbul, Turkey, which is visited by almost 3 million people in one day over a weekend.
Located in the historical district of Beyoğlu (Pera), this is an elegant 1,4 km promenade that hosts boutiques, pastry shops, restaurants, music shops, bookstores, art galleries, cinemas, theaters, libraries, cafes, pubs, nightclubs with live music .
The avenue surrounded by buildings from the late Ottoman Time as well as several Art Deco buildings from the early years of the Turkish Republic and many more recent examples of modern architecture, begins at the northern end of the Galata (Medieval Genoese Quarter) at Tünel Square and finally leads to Taksim Square.
There you can visit the fantastic Madame Tussauds wax museum, the impressive Church of St. Anthony of Padua and the Pera Museum.
Cihangir and Cukurcuma
From Siraselviler Street along Taksim Square lie the famous districts of Cihangir (left) and Cukurcuma (right). Cihangir is a pretty neighborhood known for its lively Cafe Firuzaga.
Cukurcuma is a lively and authentic neighborhood near Siraselviler Street in Taksim. It is also a very touristy place, known for its antique shops, restored beautiful houses, art galleries and cafes. Strolling through the beautiful streets of Cukurcuma is a real attraction for visitors. There are many nice cafes to relax.
Eating out in Taksim
Taksim is open 24 hours a day and offers a variety of dining options from luxury restaurants to very famous high quality restaurants and cafes that tourists and locals visit. In Taksim you will find a variety of food and drink, Turkish and international cuisine to suit your taste.
The most popular restaurants and cafes are located on Istiklal Avenue and in the tourist district of Taksim, where many hotels are also located.
Nevizade Sokağı, Fransız Sokağı, Çiçek Pasajı and Asmalı Mescit house the popular restaurants and wine bars in Taksim.
Taksim is also home to many vegetarian restaurants and vegetarian markets for vegans and vegetarians in Istanbul.
Nightlife in Taksim
Taksim's nightlife is also very lively and popular throughout Istanbul. Taksim is also known as the city that never sleeps. Istiklal Street and Siraselviler Street are the liveliest night and entertainment spots in Taksim.
Here you will find a variety of first-class cafés, bars, pubs, bistros, live music bars and discos.
Taksim Summary
- One of the most pleasant and popular attractions in Taksim is the walk along the Istiklal street.
- Taksim is a very convenient place for shopping, and the historical arcades, as well as famous shops, are unique addresses where you can find both inexpensive and completely different products.
- After sunset, you can walk around Asmalımescit and enjoy a great taste experience at any place of your choice.
- you reach Karakoy with Tünel, one of the oldest underground public transport in the world.
- After visiting the historical fish market, you can go to Çiçek Pasajı Raki and enjoy fish.
- You can visit St. Antoine Church, the largest catholic church in Istanbul.
- In Taksim, which has a very rich selection of art galleries, you can spend hours visiting one or more of these galleries and enjoying the art.
- In the evening you can go to one of the beautiful venues with live music and have a pleasant and fun evening.
- You can visit the Pera, which as contemporary Museums and cultural center serves.
Where to stay in Taksim?
Taksim has one of the best accommodations in Istanbul. Most preferred by travelers who really love the big city life and enjoy the lively nights and vibrant city streets.
In the tourist area near Taksim Square on Tarlabaşı Boulevard, there are many quality hotels popular with tourists, and all of them are located near more popular ones points of interest & sights of the city as well as various designer shops, bars and restaurants.
Booking.comHow to get to Taksim?
Getting to Taksim is very easy as Taksim is one of the most popular tourist and local centers of Istanbul.
- From Kadikoy and Uskudar; take a public ferry or boat (only from Uskudar) to Besiktas,
- From Besiktas, take a yellow shared taxi (dolmus) or a public bus,
- Take a shared taxi (dolmus) from Bakirkoy, Bostanci and Kadikoy,
- From Blue and Eminonu take the Bagcilar-Kabatas tram (line T1) to Kabatas (terminal station) and from Kabatas take the Taksim-Kabatas funicular (line F1).
The use of the IstanbulKart is a prerequisite for all public transport.
How to get from Istanbul Airport to Taksim?
- From Istanbul Airport (IST) (45 kilometers to Taksim, approx. 100 minutes) - you can take the Havaist airport shuttle, a taxi or a private shuttle.
- From Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) (40 kilometers to Taksim, approx. 90 minutes) - you can take the Havabus airport shuttle, a taxi or a private shuttle.
Address : Taksim Meydanı, Gümüşsuyu, 34435 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey
