[2025 Istanbul Attraction] Travel Guide for Taksim Square (Updated Mar)

📍 Itinerary Overview Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Taksim Morning: Arrive in Istanbul and take the bus to Taksim Square. Check into your hotel (or drop bags of early!). Lunch: Enjoy a local cafe with Turkish eggs, halloumi, and sharing platters. Afternoon: Visit the Church of St. Anthony of Padua. Stroll along Istiklal Street for shopping and street exploration. Experience a traditional Turkish hammam at Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam for a relaxing scrub and tea (an ABSOLUTE MUST)! Evening: Walk along the Bosporus and explore local markets. Head to Galata Tower for views, sunsets and famous cheesecake at Viyana Kahvesi Galata. Dine at Galata Rooftop Ocakbaşı with stunning views of Istanbul. Day 2: Sultanahmet and Bazaars Morning: Take the tram to Sultanahmet and visit the Basilica Cistern (opening time!). Explore the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and nearby Arasta Bazaar (I would recommend the world famous Jennifer’s Hammam for authentic Turkish textiles and towels). Lunch: Indulge in chicken shish kebab or lamb kofta at Gülhane Şark Sofrası. Afternoon: Relax at Gülhane Park with a book or people-watching. Alternatively, you could take a tour around the Topkapi Palace (I personally decided this was too expensive). Explore the Grand Bazaar for souvenirs and the Spice Bazaar for vibrant sights. Evening: Cross the Galata Bridge at sunset. End the day with cocktails and mezze at a rooftop restaurant like Baracouda with Bosporus views. Day 3: Islands and Kadıköy Morning: Take the ferry to Heybeliada Island (or whichever island takes your fancy) Rent e-bikes to explore scenic island paths (I did the island in about an hour. You could spend longer here and visit some of the beaches too!) Have lunch at Ada Pide, enjoying traditional pide and lahmacun. Afternoon: Ferry to Kadıköy and explore Moda Pier and its lively streets. Sip a quirky drink at Walter’s Coffee Roastery, inspired by Breaking Bad. Evening: Watch the sunset with takeaway manti by the pier. Enjoy a unique cocktail at Fahri Konsolos before ferrying back to the hotel. Day 4: Brunch, Balat, and Departure Morning: Enjoy a Turkish brunch at Sazende Music, featuring menemen and other delights. Shop along Istiklal Street for jewelry and souvenirs. Afternoon: Explore Balat’s colorful streets and boutique shops. Return to Taksim, pick up luggage, and head to the airport. Evening: Relax with a buffet-style meal at the airport before your flight home. 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 1. Basilica Cistern – An underground marvel with atmospheric lighting and towering marble columns. 2. Blue Mosque – Stunning interiors adorned with intricate blue tiles; don’t miss the serene courtyards. 3. Hagia Sophia – A historical masterpiece blending Byzantine and Ottoman architecture (even admired from outside). 4. Grand Bazaar – A maze of vibrant shops offering everything from jewelry to ceramics. 5. Spice Bazaar – A sensory delight of spices, teas, and Turkish delights. 6. Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam – Experience a traditional Turkish hammam with soothing treatments and warm relaxation. 7. Galata Tower – Iconic views of Istanbul and perfect for a dessert break nearby. 8. Gülhane Park – A tranquil spot near Topkapi Palace, ideal for a relaxing stroll or picnic. 9. Heybeliada Island – Scenic bike rides and quiet charm in the Princes' Islands. 10. Balat – Colorful streets with boutique shops and quaint cafes. 11. Bosporus Waterfront – Breathtaking views, local markets, and rooftop dining at sunset. 🚇 Transportation As soon as your arrive, buy an IstanKart travel card as soon as possible (found at most tramline stops). It makes using all public transport (tram/train/ferry/bus) so easy and it is very simple to use! Also very cheap (the ferry was £1!) 🍜 Local Cuisine Menemen – A traditional Turkish breakfast dish made with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, peppers, and spices. Turkish Eggs (Çılbır) – Poached eggs served with yogurt and drizzled with chili-infused butter. Lahmacun – Often called "Turkish pizza," it’s a thin flatbread topped with minced meat, spices, and vegetables. Pide – Boat-shaped bread topped with cheese, meats, or vegetables, perfect for sharing. Kebabs – Try chicken shish kebab or lamb kofta for a classic Turkish experience. Baklava – Layers of flaky pastry filled with nuts and drenched in syrup, a must-try dessert. Turkish Delight (Lokum) – A sweet, chewy candy infused with flavors like rose, pomegranate, or pistachio. Manti – Small dumplings filled with spiced meat, served with yogurt and garlic sauce. Simit – A sesame-crusted bread ring, perfect as a snack or with Nutella for breakfast. Turkish Tea (Çay) and Coffee – Essential beverages, often served with desserts or after meals. Meze Platters – A variety of small dishes, including hummus, tzatziki, stuffed grape leaves, and more. Künefe – A warm dessert made with shredded pastry, melted cheese, and syrup, topped with pistachios. 🏠 Accommodation Choose your accommodation and location carefully. You want to think about where you’re going and you might want to be close to the ferry services! Taksim Square was perfect for my trip, although the hotel itself was disappointing. Read the reviews!

I have finally arrived at the other side of the Anywhere Door - Turkey! Istanbul citywalk, of course, I had to visit the city center's Taksim Square. / Taksim Square, the largest square in Istanbul, is the heart of the European New Town. The square is dominated by the Republic Monument, surrounded by high-rise buildings, and is very bustling. / At the same time, it is also a transportation hub of the New Town area, with subways, cable cars, and buses all stopping here for transfers, so many tourists come here to check in. / The whole square is really spacious, but there are also many fun and beautiful things to see. ✔️ Next to Taksim Square is the Taksim Mosque, grand and magnificent, and those interested can go inside for a visit. ✔️ There is a large flock of pigeons on the square, not afraid of people, where you can feed the pigeons. ✔️ The tram on Independence Avenue also passes through the square, and you can take photos with the tram here! ✔️ Around the square, there are also many local specialty snacks and many old shops! / ⭕️ 'Transportation Strategy': Take buses 46c/54e/66 and more to 'taksim tunel' and get off.

Activity: Istanbul nostalgic tramways Location: The termini are Taksim Square and Tünel Square Operating time : 7am to 8pm Taking the tram is a must experience in Istanbul, although the tram is small, the trams carry an average of 6000 passengers daily! There are two heritage tramways in Istanbul – the European side tramway, Taksim-Tünel Nostalgia Tramway which runs from Taksim to Tünel. The Tram goes slow and you can enjoy the view outside which is a great experience. #timetotravel #istanbul #turkey #tram

Hotel Name: Gafa Garden Address: Gafa Garden, 26, Tel Sk., Beyoğlu, Türkiye Price: Dorm Bed €10 per night I enjoyed my stay in Gafa Garden. It is located centrally in Istanbul, near Taksim area. This place is near to many restaurants, shops as well as public transport. The place is very affordable and bed was comfortable. The best thing about this place is the free breakfast it comes with the accommodation. There was lots of authentic local food to eat. I strongly recommend this place. Rating (out of 5) Service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Food. : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Location ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Room : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #timetotravel

#wecreate #istanbul #turkey #europe #mustvisit #attraction #urbanexplorer #holiday #placeofinterest Taksim Square is located in Istanbul where this is a very famous popular attraction not only for foreigners but local as well! Situated in the heart of Istanbul, located at Gümüşsuyu, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye, this place gets really busy thruout the day with loads of people who come here for shopping, nightlife, food and bars that overlook the city and into sea of marmara. This is basically like an orchard Road of Singapore. But a heads up, taking a taxi here can get quite expensive due to the bad traffic around taksim, so if you want do come here early and not in mid afternoon. You will be able to get the turkey delights here since many of these shops sells it. There are also turkey ice cream shops, souvenirs, and oh!!!! yes! Taksim Square is also famous for people who believe in those hand made willow hoop called dream catcher.

#Istanbul #Turkey #turkiye #touristsattraction #mustvisit #taksimsquare #monument #historic #oldbuildings If you are travelling to Istanbul, one place that you have to visit is the taksim square where this is famous for its many ancient old buildings, historical landmarks, local traditional Turkish food but of course many of these shops are out to mark up prices especially when you are tourists. This will be the heart of Istanbul where you will also see several hotels, many restaurants, traditional local sweets and also a tram that goes in the middle of the entire taksim square.

Today we will take you to walk around at night, which is a popular shopping area for tourists in Turkey. This area is called "Taksim". There are many famous restaurants, clothing stores and shops here. We can walk along it like an alley. Each shop here is very inviting. When we went in the middle of December, there were lights decorating the long walkway, making it even more beautiful. There were a lot of people walking around. Oh, and in the middle of the walkway, there is a tram track running through it. Getting to this area is not difficult at all. There are many public transportations, such as buses, subways, taxis and boats. As for us, we came straight from the airport and took a bus called Havaist to get off here. You can stay in this area, which is also convenient for traveling to various places. If you are traveling to Turkey, don't forget to stop by to walk around and shop in this area. Girls will definitely love it. #Turkey #TravelAbroad

#2023travelwish Taksim Square gained its fame from its history and contemporary, so in the past, it was a region for dividing and distributing water on the neighborhoods of Istanbul and its regions, and its location in the heart of Istanbul has importance in its fame. It also contains historical places in Istanbul, with modern touches that add an air of beauty to the monuments. The area also includes commercial markets, religious places, modern tourist places, diplomatic centers, service centers, and various luxury hotels. Travel wish for #2023travelwish is Travel around the world with my loved one.

Accessible by metro, bus and taxi. Taksim square has to be on your list of places to visit in Istanbul. There are many places to visit nearby such as the Galata tower, Saint Antuan church and the Istiklal street. There are many restaurants and cafes in the area with selection of Doner kebaps, turkish delights, baklavas, turkish ice-cream and amazing seafood. There are many hotels nearby and I suggest staying nearby because it takes a couple of days to fully explore this area. Recommendations: -Hafiz Mustafa - baklava/turkish delights -Simit sarayi - simit/turkish ice cream -Mercan - deep-fried muscles/muscle dolma -Şampiyon kokoreç - kokoreç, which might be an acquired taste ;)

Located in the center of Istanbul's new city, it is also a key transportation hub for buses and subways. Around the park, there are juice stands selling pomegranate juice and other autumn fruits, so you can quench your thirst when you are tired from traveling. The Republic Monument in the center of the square is worth a visit. The neighboring Taksim Gezi Park is also a good place to forget about the hustle and bustle of traveling. Visited on 10/23. #AutumnTravel

Getting There - If you arrive at the international airport Sabiha Göcken in Istanbul you can take the Hava Bus straight to the Taksim Square which only takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes and cost 35 lira Attractions - One of the main attractions is the great mosque at the Taksim Square with a big fountain in front of it. Furthermore there is another Monument in the middle of the Taksim square honoring the soldiers in the war Hotels - There are a lot of Hotels around the Taksim Square. many high class hotels and also low budget guesthouses Food & Restaurants - The food you can get there is amazing. Local food is delicious and meat-based Shopping - there are countless shops in that area #tripblazers #bucketlistreboot #urbanexplorer #summervacation

Fanning out from Taksim Square with its Republic Monument, Taksim is a busy nightlife, shopping, and dining area. Vintage trams shuttle along Istiklal Caddesi, the city’s main pedestrian boulevard, which is lined with 19th-century buildings housing international shopping chains, movie theaters, and cafes. The dense network of side streets is filled with bars, antiques shops, and rooftop eateries with Bosphorus views.

Taksim Square, situated in Beyoğlu in the European part of Istanbul, Turkey, is a major tourist and leisure district famed for its restaurants, shops, and hotels. It is considered the heart of modern Istanbul, with the central station of the Istanbul Metro network. Taksim Square is also the location of the Republic Monument which was crafted by Pietro Canonica and inaugurated in 1928. The monument commemorates the 5th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, following the Turkish War of Independence.

Taksim Square, Istanbul - Turkey: The iconic is the Republic monument locating in the center. They are people walking around with local street hawkers sellong foods. If walking a little bit, there will be a shopping street with lots of shops and restaurants.

Walking through the streets of Istanbul, it's hard to miss the vendors pushing their little red carts selling Simit! This Turkish version of a bagel, with its crispy exterior and soft, sesame-scented interior, is simple yet irresistible. Early in the morning, I followed the locals and bought a freshly baked Simit. The crispy crust combined with the rich sesame aroma, and the soft, slightly chewy interior was incredibly satisfying! Locals love to pair it with a cup of Turkish tea (Çay) or enjoy it with cheese and olive paste. This combination makes for a classic Turkish breakfast. The best part is that Simit is cheap and widely available. Whether you're in the bustling Taksim Square or by the Bosphorus Strait, you can always find a Simit vendor. Enjoying the scenery while munching on a Simit is the quintessential Turkish street experience! 📍Foodie Spots: Taksim Square, Galata Bridge, vendors by the Bosphorus Strait

For this vacation, we chose the DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul - Piyalepasa, located on Piyalepasa Bulvari. It's about a 25-minute walk to Taksim Square. While there's a free shuttle, it doesn't run very often. The hotel is conveniently located, allowing easy access to both Taksim Square and the Old City. The interior is very modern, and the green, Turkish-style shower is a unique touch. From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by the warm welcome at the front desk. The check-in process was quick and efficient, reflecting professionalism and attentiveness. Although our room wasn't large, it was clean, and the bed was big and comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep. The room was well-equipped, with complimentary tea, coffee, and cups, a thoughtful touch. The only downsides were the poor sound insulation, allowing noise from the corridor and street to filter in, and some small holes in the curtains, which detracted from the overall impression. The hotel breakfast was excellent, with a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and bread, providing a great start to each day. While the selection didn't change, the quality was consistently high. The hotel also has a small swimming pool and spa, perfect for relaxing after a long day. We dined at the MONTE Restaurant on the top floor, which boasts stunning views. However, the food didn't quite meet our expectations, so we recommend exploring other restaurants in the area. Some good restaurants nearby include Skyline Soiree Rooftop Restaurant and Havana Bar & Restaurant, both within easy reach of the hotel. We also enjoyed Mivan Restaurant & Cafe and Gulhane Sark Sofrası, which serves authentic Turkish cuisine. Overall, we had a great experience. The hotel's location is slightly out of the way, with limited dining options nearby, occasionally requiring a taxi ride. However, this is a minor inconvenience. While we might consider other hotels for our next visit to Istanbul, the DoubleTree by Hilton is definitely a place we'd happily return to. Our stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul - Piyalepasa made our Istanbul vacation truly memorable. We hope you'll find your own special moments here, too!

Taksim Square – the beating heart of Istanbul 🇹🇷✨ A lively hub surrounded by shops, cafes, and historic landmarks. Whether you’re strolling down Istiklal Street or enjoying Turkish street food, this spot is a must-visit to feel the true spirit of the city!

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 💡 Tips

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions - taksim square - Mosques - Fatiha 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation

I'm in Istanbul, somehow. If I write 34 more characters here, I'll be given a chance to be selected for the "Best" tag post.. but after writing this far, I'm asked to upload two more photos? #Overseas travel #European travel #trip #Turkiye #Istanbul #Taksim Square #tagtagtag

#celebrateit To take a ride on famous red trams is a must do in Istanbul. Recommendations: Take the tram going along Istiklal Cadessi, one of the most beautiful streets in the city Seat closer to the driver because it’s very interesting to see how the tram is operated. The retro tram is fantastic both from outside and inside and really worth riding, even though it is rather popular and you might have to wait in a line for the next tram.

#deliciousfood, #localguides ,#familytrip ,#historicallandmarks

Today was originally a free day, with a hotel transfer to the airport at 8 pm. So I joined a day tour. Unfortunately, it was still cloudy and rainy. We set off at 8:30 am for Pierre Loti Hill to enjoy the beautiful view of the Golden Horn. We tasted Turkish coffee at the cafe on the hilltop, which was quite special. Then we took a walk in the nearby Balat Town, where the Greek Orthodox Church headquarters and Greek School (now closed) are located. On January 6, the Orthodox Christmas, hundreds of buses will stop here. There is also a Romanian church here, which is made entirely of metal. Next, we visited the Galata Tower, which has a red line on its body. The part below the red line was built in the 5th century, and the part above it collapsed in a major earthquake. The Ottoman Empire rebuilt it in the 16th century. We saw the largest Turkish flag flying on the roadside. After lunch, we visited Dolmabahce Park and the new palace. Dolma means land reclamation, and bahce means park. You can see the old palace from here. Finally, we had free time at Taksim Square. We saw Turkish kebabs and ice cream tricks on Independence Street, and the pastry and candy shop at the street corner was crowded with tourists. We returned to the hotel at 6:30 pm to pick up people and transfer to the airport.

#JanuaryTravelSupportEvent #2024WishEvent #turkey **Taksim Square** is the heart of Istanbul, a vibrant place where history and modern culture coexist. The Ataturk Monument, built in 1928, is located in the center and symbolizes the birth of the Turkish Republic. The surrounding Istiklal Street is a bustling street lined with shopping, restaurants, and cafes, and is full of energy until late at night. A special charm 🙂 Ataturk Monument: A symbol of modern Turkish history, it looks even more magnificent when illuminated at night. Istiklal Street: A 1.4km pedestrian paradise with European-style buildings and local restaurants. Gezi Park: A green space near the square, a place for citizens to relax and a symbolic place for the 2013 protests. Points to visit😊 Night walk: Enjoy the night atmosphere with neon signs and street performers. Galata Tower: Enjoy a panoramic view of Istanbul from the observation deck, a 15-minute walk away. Traditional Market: You can buy traditional Turkish jams, teas, and handicrafts in the surrounding alleys. Practical Tips😚 ▲ Avoid rush hour: 3-6 PM is the peak tourist season, so we recommend visiting in the morning or evening. ▲ Transportation: Get off at Taksim Station on the Metro (M2) and you can access it right away. The tram is also convenient. ▲ Keep your belongings in check: Beware of pickpockets as there are many people. Experience the colorful energy of Istanbul at Taksim Square, where historical significance and modern charm coexist! #FebruaryTravelSupportEvent #Turkey

Istanbul - Taksim - Simit

#chillandthrill Taksim Square is where it all happens in Istanbul—it’s a central hub for locals and visitors alike. I found myself here almost every day of my trip, whether I was starting my day with a walk or ending it with dinner nearby. The square is full of energy, with its wide open spaces, fountains, and busy roads. It’s the place to people-watch, with a diverse crowd of tourists, locals, and street performers passing by. The famous Republic Monument stands proudly in the center, and the surrounding area is full of restaurants, shops, and historic sites. From Taksim, you can easily walk to Istiklal Street or hop on the nostalgic tram for a fun ride. Whether you’re here for a few minutes or a few hours, Taksim Square is a must-see that gives you a true taste of Istanbul’s vibrant city life. #TaksimSquare #IstanbulLandmarks #CityCenter #RepublicMonument #IstanbulCulture #ExploreIstanbul #VibrantCityLife #UrbanVibes

#getgoing2025 #travel #istanbul #turkey #thingstodo #familytravel #myitinerary #citydaytours Taksim Square really comes alive at night in Istanbul. As vintage trams shuttle across the Istiklal street, you walk along with hundred other tourists to embrace the square’s vibe. My favourite thing to do was take a detour to the side alleys and check out different bars , rooftops and eateries. Next best thing to do here is check out the shopping scene. It has all the international chains and cafés. There is just so much to do here. You should definitely go here at night.