Important: Wikitravel is exploring a license upgrade to CC by-sa 3.0, please give your consent or refusal here.

We will be down for scheduled maintenance Wednesday 11 November @ 6AM UTC for approximately 4 hours. We thank you for your patience.

From Wikitravel

Istiklal Street

Taksim Square

Monument at Taksim Square

Galata, and Beyoğlu further north with its main thoroughfare, the pedestrianized Istiklal Street, and the adjoining Taksim Square is the district of Istanbul north of Sultanahmet/Old City, across the Golden Horn. This district, especially Taksim Square is usually considered the “city center” of Istanbul. Primarily visited for its nightlife, this district has also its own share of sights and accommodation.

[edit] Understand

Galata (Turkish: Karaköy) gained its importance by the virtue of transforming into a trade colony of the Genoese and the Venetians, beside then-Byzantine Constantinople. After Ottomans captured Istanbul, the autonomous status of Galata was left untouched, except that its city walls were razed (except a few disconnected parts in the length of a few meters spotted by the archaeologists here and there). The first time Beyoğlu area (Pera in the past), which lies north of Galata, was settled is during 1850’s, when Rue Grande de Pera (“the Great Road of Pera”), today’s Istiklal Street (İstiklal Caddesi), was opened. Taksim Square (Taksim Meydanı) is even younger, it has taken its existing appearance as late as 1930s.

Starting its life as a Western/Catholic (Genoese/Venetian) stronghold beside Eastern (Orthodox Byzantine/Muslim Ottoman) Constantinople, Galata has always represented ‘West’. This is quite easily visible from the neo-classical architecture of most of the area, but there is more than that: First street lighting, first underground railway (Tünel, also oldest in continental Europe), as well as first European-style theaters in Turkey were always applied in this district. The decision of Ottoman dynasty to abandon Topkapı Palace in old city for western-style Dolmabahçe Palace near Beyoğlu was a largely symbolic but important act during the last century of Ottoman Empire, when the westernizing effort had a climax.

[edit] Get in

• Airport shuttles run by HAVAŞ [1] connect Taksim Square with Atatürk Airport (~YTL 10/person); also with less significant Sabiha Gökçen Airport situated in Asian Side (also YTL 10/person).
• Because of its very central location in the city life, it’s possible to find a direct bus from everywhere but the outermost suburbs in the city to Taksim Square. The most useful public bus lines for the travellers are:
  • 61B Taksim-Beyazıt near Sultanahmet
  • 96T Taksim-Atatürk Airport
  • 110 Taksim-Kadıköy
• Dolmuşes also take pessengers from Beşiktaş, Bakırköy, Kadıköy and Bostancı (both in Asian Side) to Taksim.
• A metro line connects Taksim Square with districts located north.
• A modern tram line connects lower parts of this district on the shore of Bosphorus (such as Karaköy, Tophane, Fındıklı, Kabataş) with the peninsula of Old City.
• Ferries from Kadıköy across the Bosphorus moor at Karaköy.
• You can pass to Galata/Karaköy side from Eminönü via Galata Bridge on foot.

[edit] Get around

Tram at Istiklal Street

Totally pedestrianized (save for police cars, garbage trucks, cars belonging to consulates, and, of course, the vintage tram) Istiklal Street (İstiklal Caddesi, also variously interpreted as “Istiklal Avenue” or “Istiklal Boulevard”) is the main thoroughfare of Beyoğlu area. Istiklal Street technically connects three squares: Taksim in the north, the biggest of three, Tünel Square in the south, and Galatasaray Square in the middle, the smallest one, actually nothing more than a simple widening of the street. Total length of the street is about 2 km, and squares are located about 1 km away from each other.

The easiest way to get to Istiklal Street from Karaköy on the shore of Golden Horn is to take Tünel: the second oldest urban underground railway in the world (after London’s Underground) which date back to 1875. Although the distance travelled is rather short between its sole two stations, it beats the effort one has to make to climb up the steep slope between the aforementioned locations. It costs YTL 1.40/person one-way.

[edit][add listing] See

view of the Galata Tower from across the Golden Horn

• Galata Whirling Dervish Hall (Galata Mevlevihanesi) [2], Galipdede Caddesi, very near the lower end of Istiklal Caddesi (near Tünel's Galata station). A dancing hall of the mystical Mevlevi order, shut down in 1925 along with all other 'reactionary' movements in Turkey. Today the building houses the Museum of Divan Literature, but the best time to come is Sundays between 3 to 5PM when sema dervish ceremonies are staged (buy tickets in advance, as space is limited). Also check out the small graveyard next door, where the carved fez perched upon the gravestone indicates the occupant's rank in the dervish hierarchy.

• Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi), (between Karaköy/Galata and the lower end of Istiklal St), ☎ +90 212 293 81 80 (info@galatatower.net, fax: +90 212 245 21 33), [3]. It was built by the Genoese on the city walls of Galata, then a western (Genoese/Venetian) stronghold beside eastern (Byzantine/Ottoman) Constantinople. Ride an elevator to the top, then walk the parapet for a 360 degree view of Istanbul, including the entire Sultanahmet peninsula: crowned by Topkapı Palace, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. A beautiful spot worthy of a lot of pictures. Also houses a restaurant.  edit

View of S. Antonio di Padova Catholic Church.

• S. Antonio di Padova Catholic Church, (A few meters down the street from Galatasaray Square). Although not at the size of Hagia Sophia, this is the largest church (still used for religious activities) in Turkey. It’s directly on Istiklal St, but somewhat hidden from view by its yard portal. Masses in Italian, Turkish, and English (in different days of the week). Free.  edit

• İstanbul Modern, Meclis-i Mebusan Cad. Liman İşletmeleri Sahası Antrepo No: 4, Karaköy (tram: Tophane), [4]. 10AM-6PM, Thursday until 8PM, Closed Monday. A nice, organized museum with contemporary installations. Including a cafe with a top notch menu and view. 7 TL/3 TL students (free for all on Thursday).  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit] Jewish Heritage

Since 1492 the prosperity and creativity of the Ottoman Jews rivaled that of the Golden Age of Spain. Today the Jewish community in Turkey is about 26,000 and most of them live in Istanbul.

• The bankers’ town of Galata and the Tower: A cosmopolis and a finance center with bankers and stock exchange crowned by the Tower which was built by the Genoese in the 14th century, offering a great birds-eye view of the old city.

• Neve Shalom Synagogue: The most beautiful and the largest in the city where most of the religious ceremonies like bar-mitzvahs, weddings and funerals are held.

• The Ashkenazi Synagogue: The only active Ashkenazi Synagogue open to visits and prayers.                            

• Jewish Museum of Turkey: Witness the past 700 years how the mixed cultures influenced each other.

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

restaurants under Galata Bridge

[edit] Budget

• Fermentasyon, Küçükparmakkapı Sok. No:6 (near Taksim Square), ☎ +90 212 244 26 37. One of the nicer cafes in this street and moderately priced. Sitting at one of the tables at the street is a good option, getting one of the tables on the 1st floor at the window and overlooking the street is even better. Staff is friendly and hospitable. Enjoy a good breakfast here with the typical Turkish Menemen (omelette with cheese and tomatoes).  edit

[edit] Mid-range

• Nevizade, located behind Istiklal boulevard, you can find it by entering Çiçek Pasajı. It's one of the most famous streets in Istiklal boulevard. It's narrow, and is mostly known for its meyhane style restaurants, where lively conversation is the main dish on every table, next to fish and Rakı that is.

• Haci Abdullah, Ağa Camii, Atıf Yılmaz Cad, (Eski Sakizagaci Cad), No: 9/A 80070, +90212 293 85 61 / 293 08 51 (Fax: +90 212 244 32 97). One of the best Ottoman restaurants in the country. You can find very traditional foods there. No alcohol.

• Leb-i Derya. A nice cafe-restaurant with a splendid view of the Bosphorus and the Topkapi Palace in Tunel, Beyoglu.

• Zencefil, Kurabiye Sokak 8 (on a side street of Istiklal Avenue), ☎ +90 212 243 8234 (fax: +90 212 243 8233). M-Sa 10AM-00:30AM. A vegetarian cafe serving healthy and home-style dishes in Beyoglu. Also has a backyard. Credit cards are accepted..  edit

[edit] Splurge

• 360 Istanbul, Istiklal Cad. 311, Mısır Apartmanı, floor 8 (on Istiklal Avenue, next to S. Antonio Church), ☎ +90 212 251 10 42 (360istanbul@360istanbul.com, fax: +90 212 251 10 48), [5]. This gem is in the Beyoglu district on a 360 degrees rooftop, has awesome views of the city. Has a DJ and more party atmosphere late at night and quiet dinners before.  edit

• NuTeras, Meşrutiyet Caddesi 145-147, Tepebaşı, ☎ +90 212 245 60 70. 6:30PM-4AM. For a breath-taking view of the city and a phenomenal mean, go to NuTeras, the restaurant located on top of a 17 story hotel near the Galata tower. Prices are rather steep, but certainly worth it, especially for special occasions. Credit cards are accepted.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

The liveliest part of the city is definitely Beyoglu and again the area of Istiklal Caddesi. Many clubs offer live music:

• Indigo, Akarsu Sokak 309, Galatasaray, +90 212 2451307 [6]. Live music throughout the week.
• Balans & Balans Tonique , Istiklal cad. Balo sok. 22 Beyoğlu. [7]. Live music in Balans, Experimental live music and electronic music in Blans Tonique.
• Babylon, Seyhbender Sokak 3, +90 212 2927368 [8]. Jazz and world music.
• Mojo, Buyukparmakkapi Sokak 25, +90 212 2432927. 9PM-4AM. Rock music.
• Dulcinea, Meselik Sokak 20. Mon-Sa 3PM till late. Popular bar, café, restaurant and art gallery during the week, but on Friday and Saturday it’s club night with trance and techno music.
• Jazz Café, Hasnun Galip Sokak 20. For some fine jazz, on the top level of the two-floored club there's a performance space where you can enjoy live funk/acid jazz/ blues Tuesday through Thursday.
• Biz Jazz Bar, Topcu Caddesi 18, Talimhane Taksim. 14PM-4AM. Cozy bar with live music every night.
• Riddim, near Taksim square, +90 0212 251 27 23. A complex with three floor. Rıddim live is the performance hall of complex and you can listen rock pop and alternative kinds of music. Riddim Special is the conceptual parties floor. İstanbul's best R&B-HipHop club is Rıddım R&B-HipHop (the 3rd floor).
• Atlas Axis. Great for listening to jazz, ethnic jazz, funk, trip hop or world music while enjoying your food or drink; you should visit that terrace social club on Beyoglu. Offers an amazing view of Istanbul through Galata Tower, Sultan Ahmet and Marmara Sea and lets you enjoy the quality of the food/drink together with live performances and Bosphorus scenery with low prices.
• Sal, Buyukparmakkapi Sokak 18, +90 212 243 4196. Very popular with tourists seeking a true Turkish experience. Here low coffee tables bump your knees while you sip raki and watch some rowdy musicians.

• Mektup, Imam Adnan Sokal 20. Authentic live music. But, there is restaurant, too.  edit

• Badehane, General Yazgan Sk 5, Tünel. There is often live music. Every Wednesday, the extremely clever and famous Selim Sesler plays gypsy (turkish flavoured) music with his band. A must if you like gypsy and turkisk music.  edit

• Haymatlos Bar, İstiklal Caddesi Rumeli Han 48 C Blok. Live music in the weekend. Rock, folk, etc. Go through the gate at the right of the mosque on Istiklal. At the end of the passage, you will find Haymatlos Bar upstairs on 2. floor.  edit

[edit] Cafés

• Melekler Kahvesi Ayhan Işık Sk No:36 Taksim, 212 251 31 01. Melekler Kahvesi which is a backstreet cafe is in Taksim. It is a very popular place among young people. You can play games such as Scrabble and drink Turkish coffee (6 YTL). After drinking Turkish coffee, fortunetellers will look at the coffee grounds and tell your future for free.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• Neverland, Bogazkesen cad. No:96, Beyoğlu, ☎ +90 212 243 31 77 (hostelneverland@gmail.com), [9]. Basic hotel that has internet, kitchen, common rooms, breakfast and tea; Pets are welcome; Organised by a very friendly collective. Dorm beds(8/4) €9/12€, double (ensuite) €14 (€17), single €20.  edit

• i-House, Istiklal Caddesi Zambak Sokak No:5, Beyoğlu, ☎ +90 212 244 37 73 (info@ihouseistanbul.com), [10]. Recently renovated, very clean, and located only 3min from Taksim Square. Staff speak good English and is friendly and helpful. There is a common room and a roof terrace. It's owned and managed by the same guys as the Hostel World House. Dorm beds €8.50, en-suite double rooms €39.  edit

• Hostel World House, Galipdede Caddesi No:85, Beyoğlu, +90 212 293 55 20 (info@worldhouseistanbul.com) [11]. Two minutes walk from the restaurants and bars of Istiklal Street in Taksim. Nice and friendly new hostel, popular with long-term travellers. Free internet. €10/12/14 for 8/6/4 bed dorm rooms, private rooms for €35-40 in high season.

• Chillout Hostel, [12]. Joint of three hostels to go to when all else fails. All three located along the Istiklal Cad: the following is about experience in the middle one (Balyoz Sk). The positive side is that the staff speak good English, free breakfast (coffee/tea, buns) is included, free internet access (one desktop + wireless access). On the negative side, at least our room was very bare and unfinishd (perhaps 130 cm x 3 m) with bunk beds. It was quite possible to get a good night's sleep in there. Dorms and private rooms available, common toilet/shower. Room for two about 30 € / night total..  edit

[edit] Mid range

• Midtown Hotel Taksim, Lamartin Cad. No. 13, 34437 Taksim (Just Located in Taksim Square), ☎ +90 212 361 6767 (fax: +90 212 361 6768), [13]. Midtown Hotel Istanbul, designed as a exceptional business hotel with a modern and innovative understanding of service, is on the Lamartin Street, in the Talimhane area of Taksim / Istanbul.in. 110. (150,1) edit

• Pera Rose Hotel, Mesrutiyet Caddesi No 201, Tepebaşı, Beyoğlu. Nice little hotel about a ten minute walk from Taksim square, close to the British consulate-general. Good value for money. Single room $80-100.

• Taksim Apartments - Vacation Rental, Topçu Cad., Asri Apt. No:8 Taksim, +90 532 271 3843 (reservations@taksimapartments.com) [14]. Located in the heart of the city, this vacation rental provides you with home comforts while enjoying the high service standards of a hotel. Apartment come with air-conditioner, TV, minibar and wireless connection. This apartment can be used as an home office during business trips to Istanbul. Daily rentals start around €150 (Euro) and can get much lower for long term stays.

• Taksim Apart, Prof. Celal Oker Sok. No: 7, Harbiye, +90 505 283 5855, (info@beyogluhotel.com) [15]. It´s a very comfortable and nice apartment hotel in Beyoglu’s city centre. We stayed in two different rooms (because we made a round trip through turkey and came back) and both were very clean and tastefully decorated. The building is in the heart of Istanbul, very close to Taksim and Beyoglu Bar destrict. By bus it is 10 minutes to Sultanahmet and 15 minutes to the old city. Prices from €15 to €70 per person per night.

[edit] Splurge

• Ceylan Intercontinental, Asker Ocagi Cadessi No 1, Taksim, ☎ +90 212 368 44 44, [16]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. The Ceylan Intercontinental Hotel brags 5-star ambiance with with the best address in the city. I can attest that the bar is very stunning in the evening (with stunning views of the Ayasofia and the Blue Mosque in the distance). The three restaurants are mediocre. €200.  edit

• Hyatt Regency, Taskisla Caddesi, Taksim, ☎ +90 212 368 1234 (burcu.cakir@hyattintl.com, fax: +90 212 368 1000), [17]. Located in Taksim overlooking the city and the Bosphorus. Hotel has formal dining, outdoor pool, Turkish bath, fitness center and business center. Some rooms overlook the Bosphorus.  edit

• Misafir Suites, Gazeteci Erol Dernek Sok. No: 1 Beyoglu, ☎ +90 212 249 89 30, [18]. Great small seven suites boutique hotel with huge modern/chic rooms in a very central location. Friendly owner who will recommend good restaurants or the coolest bar at the moment. €200.  edit

• Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts: The Bosphorus, Bayıldım Cad. No: 2 Maçka; Beşiktaş 34357, ☎ +90 212 326 8181 (istanbul@swissotel.com), [19]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. A 5-star hotel near Taksim Square with four restaurants and two bars. €150.  edit

• The Marmara Istanbul, Taksim Meydani Taksim Istanbul 34437 (Taksim metro station is right across the street.), ☎ 90 212 251 46 96 (Istanbul-info@themarmarahotels.com), [20]. 4 star hotel that offers chic, contemporary design and modern facilities, Marmara is something of an institution in Istanbul. Hotel contains the Tepe Lounge, which is intimate and relaxing, as well as a spa onsite, which looks clean and professional.  edit

• Witt Istanbul Suites, Defterdar Yokusu No. 26, 34433 Cihangir, ☎ +90 212 393 7900, [21]. Ultra-modern boutique hotel with 17 designer suites. All include a kitchenette, minibar, flat screen TV, iPod dock, and free wireless internet. A Turkish breakfast buffet is served each morning. 129-329€.  edit

• Tomtom Suites, Bogazkesen Caddesi. Tomtom Kaptan Sokak No.18 Beyoglu, ☎ +90 212 292 4949, [22]. An exceptional boutique hotel converted into high-ceilinged luxury suites from the old 1850s home of the Soeurs Gardes Malades. In a pretty, peaceful square between the Italian ambassador’s Palazzo Venezia and the Palais de France, in a quarter of Beyoğlu named after a captain in the Ottoman navy ( Tomtom Kaptan )  edit

[edit] Stay safe

Generally, it is safe to walk around in this district, even by night, though crossing the Tarlabaşı Boulevard (Tarlabaşı Bulvarı) towards the dilapidated quarter of Tarlabaşı to the west of Beyoğlu/Istiklal Avenue wouldn't certainly be wise after the night falls. Some other parts of this district also have some crime issues. A rule of thumb to follow would be to look for young people around having fun, which suggests that you are more likely in an OK zone.

This part of the city is where much of the bar scams take place. These scams are explained in dedicated section of main Istanbul article in detail.

[edit] Contact

There are some internet cafes on the side alleys of Istiklal Avenue, especially on the ones nearer Taksim Square. Look for the signs when passing by, especially for those hanging from the second or third floors of the buildings. Most cost around 1.50 TL/hour.