Istiklal Street

The Street that Never Sleeps – Istiklal Street

They say that New York is the city that never sleeps, but in terms of the part of Istanbul that never sleeps, it has to be Taksim’s busy Istiklal Street.

Some call it Avenue, some call it Street, but whichever camp you’re in, it’s busy, that’s for sure!

You will either love it or hate it, most people don’t really have neutral viewpoint on this, a very busy and bustling part of Istanbul. Istiklal Street runs from Taksim Square, right down towards Galata Tower, and along both sides of this pedestrianised street you will find every kind of shop, bar, restaurant, cafe, and club you can think of! There are many museums and galleries which are tucked into its side streets too, making it somewhere which will certainly take more than a day to explore.

Around 3 million people are thought to pass down Istiklal Street every single day, and often when you stand at the top and gaze down its slight incline, you’ll be shocked at the sheer number of people – you can’t really see pavement, just people moving slowly!

Is Istiklal Street Safe?

Many people have a view of Taksim and think it is unsafe. That isn’t the case. Taksim is no more dangerous than any other part of Istanbul, or any other part of any other city in the world. The thing you do need to be careful of is pickpockets. The reason for this is because it is such a busy place, and in any busy place the world over, there is petty crime of this type.

The other thing about Istiklal Street, which is more of an annoyance than a danger, is the sheer number of people asking for money. Now, yes, some of these are genuine and should be helped, but many aren’t. If you ask any local they will shake their head, because the sheer number of people asking for money along Istiklal Street has exploded over recent years. There are also overzealous sellers, usually children, who will chase you down the street trying to sell you a rose or a flowered headband, place it on your head and then asking for the cash. It’s annoying, yes, but simply give it them back, say ‘no’, and walk away. Problem solved! Of course, if you want to help someone who asks you for money, that’s great, and it will be greatly received, simply use your wits in terms of the genuine versus the not so genuine, that’s all.

It’s probably not advisable to walk around Taksim as a whole on your own, late at night. Having said that, you wouldn’t do that anywhere else either, we would hope! In addition, if you see any marches or demonstrations, simply continue about your business and don’t join in – it’s not advisable to make a political stand against something you might not understand fully, anywhere in the world.

The History of Istiklal Street

If Istanbul was to have a city centre, it would be Taksim Square, which sits right at the top end of Istiklal Street. Istiklal Street itself was known as Cadde-i Kebi during Ottoman times, which translates to ‘Grand Avenue’. At this time, it was a place for strolls during the sunny weather, especially for those in power and of money. After the Republic of Turkey was formed, it was renamed to Istiklal Caddesi, which translates to ‘Independence Street’.

Things to See And do on Istiklal Street

Istiklal Street is pedestrianised, however do watch out for the odd car or van which will make its way up or down the street. Police also do regular patrols up and down.

There is so much to see and do on this street that it is impossible to talk about it all, but aside from the countless shopping opportunities (High Street stores and markets), restaurants, cinemas, nightclubs, bars, and cafes (plentiful Starbucks), you’ll also find many museums and galleries too, as well as some churches. Regularly spaced out on the right hand side of the street, as you’re walking down, there are countless historical passageways too, and here you’ll find restaurants and market stalls. Istiklal Street is also home to several consulate buildings of various nations.

You should also look at the outer aspects of the buildings which line the street in both directions, the architecture is simply divine, and has been kept in its original state, for visitors to appreciate. You can save your feet and check out the scenery by taking the historic red tram, which runs up and down Istiklal Street several times an hour. Bear in mind however, this is gets very busy, and when it puts on its brakes, you need to hang on!

Food, Glorious Food!

if you love street food, you’re in your element in Taksim, and especially on Istiklal Street! Muscles (midye), meatballs (kofte), roasted chestnuts, sweetcorn, bread, simit, you name it, it’s there, and it’s very cheap too. In addition, there is every type of regular food chain you can think of (Starbucks, McDonalds, Burger King, etc), as well as local kebab shops aplenty. Up some of the historic passageways you’ll find authentic Turkish restaurants, and one passageway has some of the best seafood restaurants around too.

How to Find Istiklal Street

This isn’t a hard task at all! Almost every single part of Istanbul has a link with Taksim, either by Metro, tram, taxi, bus, or walking. You can get to Taksim easily from anywhere, and from there you will see Istiklal Street with ease – you can’t miss it, it’s a huge, very long street!

The Metro links to Taksim Square on the mainline, and you will come out at the top end of Istiklal Street from there, or you can walk up the rather steep hill (some call it a mountain, because it’s so long!) which passes Galata Tower and brings you out at the bottom end of Istiklal Street. If you want to do a little historic transportation, head to Karakoy and then get the historic funicular, which runs underground to Taksim. This is one of the oldest around.

Love it or hate it, you can’t visit Istanbul without experiencing the hustle and bustle of Istiklal Street!