Istiklal Caddesi is the historic destination of Istanbul. Istiklal is the traditional shopping street in central Istanbul and has been a meeting point for visitors worldwide. The road is over one kilometre, running from the Beyazıt Square to Taksim Square, and has been the most central point for visitors to Istanbul since the founding of the city by Constantine.
Istiklal Caddesi is now known as one of the busiest and most exciting money-making places in Istanbul, just across from Beyoglu town centre. Many cafes, restaurants, and galleries are popular among locals, tourists, and expats alike due to their external atmosphere, which constantly changes with the seasons.
About Istiklal Caddesi
Istiklal Caddesi is located in the heart of Istanbul. It is a very famous and central shopping street, running from the Beyazıt Square to Taksim Square, and has been the most central point for visitors to Istanbul. From Istiklal, you can access all four sides of Istanbul, surrounded by many historical monuments. The street is also very close to the major tourist attractions of Istanbul, which can be reached easily.
Istiklal Caddesi is around one kilometre long, with about 800 shops and stores bringing together old markets for locals and tourists. The street is full of shops, cafes, restaurants, and galleries that give it a unique atmosphere. The exciting thing about the road is that it constantly changes its appearance with the seasons, with restaurants and cafes being replaced by new ones, like in the previous years.
What makes it essential?
Istiklal Caddesi, the most central spot in Istanbul and the main shopping street in Istanbul, has become very popular among tourists due to its wide range of services and convenient transport. The area that houses Istiklal Caddesi has a very long history and has served as a marketplace since ancient times. The most famous places are located around the Beyazıt Bey Mosque, where you can also visit some of the historical exhibits from old markets scattered in this area.
Its history :
Istiklal Caddesi is of great importance in terms of its history. Istanbul’s main shopping street for over a thousand years, and many buildings around it date back to the Byzantine period, when this area was the hottest spot in Istanbul due to its closeness to the Byzantine Empire. It was the centre of social life during those ages. Nowadays, it is one of the busiest and most exciting money-making places in Istanbul, across from Beyoglu town centre, and is lined with cafes, restaurants, and galleries.
How to reach?
 Istiklal Caddesi is surrounded by many historical, cultural, and commercial centres, making it very popular among tourists and locals. It is one of the easiest ways to access these centres as it is very near to the major tourist attractions of Istanbul. It can be reached by public transport as well as by walking.
Istiklal Caddesi does not only serve for shopping purposes but also for socialising and has a great history of its own. The street is full of shops, cafes, restaurants, and galleries that give it a unique atmosphere.
Cuisine & other activities
Istiklal Caddesi is located in the heart of Istanbul and has a great history. Many buildings around it date back to the Byzantine period, when this area was the hottest spot in Istanbul due to its closeness to the Byzantine Empire. It was the centre of social life during those ages, and from Istiklal, you can access all four sides of Istanbul, surrounded by many historical monuments. The street is also very close to the major tourist attractions of Istanbul, which can be reached easily.
Do’s & don’ts while you are there
Do’s:
- Walking in Istiklal Caddesi would be a great way to discover the history of Istanbul.
- Eating in Istiklal Caddesi. Although it is expensive, the street offers a wide variety of dishes, but most of them are delicious and well-known among locals.
- As Istiklal Caddesi is one of the busiest places in Istanbul, it would be better to avoid weekends during high traffic because of the rush for shopping.
- Admiring the unique atmosphere of Istiklal Caddesi and visiting nearby historical, cultural, and commercial centres.
Don’ts:
- Avoid standing in the middle of Istiklal Caddesi to take a photo because of the heavy traffic and possible trouble with locals.
- Don’t be angry at the local shops if they don’t let you in because you may not fit their desired clothes size or you may not be able to afford shopping there.
- Don’t trust people who will try to assert that Istiklal Caddesi is closed for tourists and locals, as it is an absolute lie.
- Avoid visiting museums around Istiklal Caddesi on weekends because of the crowd inside and outside of them.
Istiklal Caddesi is one of the most important and busiest places in Istanbul due to its wide range of services and convenient transport. The area that houses Istiklal Caddesi has a very long history. It has served as a marketplace since ancient times, and the most famous places are located around the Beyazıt Bey Mosque, where you can also visit some of the historical exhibits from old markets scattered in this area. Turkish Airlines fly to Istanbul from many cities around the world.
